in-monroeville-summer

SPRING 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

TENDING SHEEP– A LOCAL DOC &

A FREE MEDICAL CLINIC

PITCAIRN WOMAN’S CLUB

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FEATURES

Small Updates Pay Off Big .......... | 9

Eco Tourism ...................................... | 18

Spring Kids Page ............................ | 23

Reduce Costs with Attic Insulation ..................... | 30

DINING OUT

Patron ................................................ | 15

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

The Circulatory CentersEVLA Minimally Invasive Procedure Brings Immediate Vein Relief .............. | 16

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Parks Provide a Place for Fun for Everyone ................... | 3

Gateway School District ...................................................... | 6

Pitcairn Woman’s Club Serves the Community ............ | 8

The Face of Hunger in Monroeville .................................... | 10

Gators Finish 9-3, Advance to AAAA Semifinals ......... | 14

Ladies Tea ................................................................................. | 17

Doctor, Volunteers Provide Free Clinic ........................... | 20

Monroeville Public Library .................................................. | 22

Local Author Pens Sequel to Book ................................... | 24

Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce ...................... | 26

Historical Society Relies on Volunteers .......................... | 28

Arts Council Provides Cure for Winter Blahs! ................ | 31

ON THE COVER | Cross Roads Presbyterian Church operates a weekly food pantry for Monroeville residents. With the support of a devoted group of volunteers, the pantry serves about 14 families per week. • Photos by Gary Yon

By Heather Holtschlag

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IN Monroeville | SPRING 2012 |

SPRING 2012

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

TENDING SHEEP–

A LOCAL DOC &

A FREE MEDICAL CLINIC

PITCAIRN

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

283 17

30

2 724.942.0940 to advertise | Monroeville

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

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

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

the readers, give us many of the great story ideas that you see featured in these pages, and I want you to have the right point of contact so that

your story can be heard. The editor for the East Region is Monica Haynes ([email protected]). Please forward your good news to Monica, and she’ll make sure it finds a place in the magazine. If you’re not sure whether you have a good story, give Mark

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

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

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

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

Welcome Spring! While June may not be busting out all over yet, hope springs eternal for warmer weather, blooming flowers, and more occasions to walk in the sunshine. Speaking of walking in the

sunshine, Monroeville has a great number of public parks where you can do just that. We preview some of the municipality’s stellar places to walk, run, play, swing, grill and have a great time

this spring and summer. In this edition of Monroeville, we also have a feature on Sheep

Inc. Health Care Center, a free clinic operated by Dr. Robert Beasley and a group of dedicated volunteers out of the Monroeville Assembly of God Church. For Dr. Beasley, it’s not just an exercise of his profession, it’s a calling. While we are on the subject of helping others, we’ll let you know about the marvelous volunteers at Cross Roads Presbyterian Church’s food pantry. The pantry is headed up by James Manner. You

will not meet a finer group of folks working tirelessly every week to help their neighbors in need.

Monroeville also caught up with author Christine Pisera Naman, who penned the book, Faces of Hope: Babies Born on 9/11. Ten years later, she wrote the follow-up, Faces of Hope 10 Years Later: Babies Born on 9/11. She’s written several other books, too, and is an inspiration to

burgeoning authors. In addition to that, we’ve got Gateway School District news and the latest doings of the Monroeville Arts Council and Monroeville Historical Society.

And we have a feature on the Pitcairn Woman’s Club, which has been doing wonderful things in the area since 1935.

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

For now, it’s time to think spring, and time to enjoy this edition of Monroeville Magazine!

P U B L I S H E RWayne Dollard

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

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

Monica L. Haynes [East][email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

W R I T E R SHeather Holtschlage Kathleen Rudolph Leigh Lyons Gina SalingerDana Black McGrath Judith Schardt Joann Naser

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

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

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

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses.All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2012.

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

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

Summer content deadline: 5/4Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

S TA F F

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

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

this spring and summer.

Wayne DollardPublisher

Monica L. HaynesEastern Regional Editor

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, as Monroeville began to grow as a community, one of the missions of what was then a borough was to develop parks in locations centralized to each neighborhood. The goal

was to provide every child in Monroeville with a place to play outdoors. Over the years, Monroeville continued to grow—eventually becoming

a municipality and developing one of the most impressive suburban park systems in the region. Monroeville now has 22 parks totaling 722 acres, said Joanne Morris, co-director of the recreation and parks department.

Monroeville’s newest park, Community Park West, opened about five years ago on Tilbrook Road, just down the road from Community Park East. Community Park West has four large pavilions, ball fields, soccer fields, a basketball court, a gazebo, botanical gardens and an amphitheater. But why did Monroeville develop another community park?

“Just the idea that a piece of property was available, and that it would enhance Monroeville as a whole,” explained Paul Estok, co-director of the recreation and parks department. “It kind of made for a more centralized Monroeville park rather than a neighborhood park, and brings the com-munity together as a whole,” Morris added. One of the events that helps bring the community together at Community Park West is a free concert series each Sunday at the amphitheater. Every other Sunday, the concert is followed by a free family movie.

Of the 22 parks that the municipality owns, there are seven with facili-ties that can be rented throughout the year. All have pavilions, bathrooms with running water, and built-in grills. “All our parks seat between 75 and 200 people,” said Estok. Reservations for the park pavilions are allowed a year in advance, and are from noon to dusk. The rental fee for non-resi-dents is slightly higher than for residents. Even though it’s still winter now, reservations for 2012 are 50 percent full already. Anyone is able to utilize the parks at any time as long as they’re not reserved.

Before anyone arrives at a reserved pavilion, the park crew sterilizes the bathrooms, picks up trash, and blows away any leaves or debris. “Basically, when [the group] shows up, it’s ready to go. All they’re responsible for is making sure they leave it the way they found it,” Estok said.

Very popular during wedding season is the gazebo, which can be reserved for a wedding, a wedding photo shoot or both. Reservation times last two hours for a wedding and one hour for a photo shoot. “At any given time we can have more than one ceremony going on [per day],” Estok said. The gazebo is surrounded by a botanical garden that is maintained by a separate volunteer group, with Monroeville providing the materials.

“We do get compliments,” Estok said. “I think our biggest compliment is that people come back year after year. I think that says a lot about our park system.”

Provide a Place for Fun for Everyone PARKS

I think our biggest compliment is that people come back year after year. I think that says a lot about our park system.

Monroeville | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

Alpine68.9 acres located at 405 Olten Road• 1 pavilion • seating up to 48• 16 parking spaces• 2 grills• permanent restrooms• drinking fountain• electricity

Evergreen10.1 acres located at 619 Chinaberry Road• 1 pavilion • seating up to 75• 32 parking spaces• 1 grill• permanent restrooms• drinking fountain• electricity• slides• swings• 1 baseball field• bleachers• 2 basketball courts• 2 tennis courts• 1 soccer field

Hawkeye3.7 acres located at 711 Hawkeye Drive• 1 pavilion• seating up to 75• 40 parking spaces• 1 grill• permanent restrooms• drinking fountain• electricity• slides• swings• tot lot• 2 baseball fields• bleachers• 1 basketball court• 1 tennis court• paved paths• hiking trails

Monroeville Community Park East (Monroeville Park)66 acres located at 2336 Tilbrook Road• 1 pavilion• seating up to 100• 100+ parking spaces• 1 grill• permanent restrooms• drinking fountain• electricity• slides• swings• 1 baseball fields• bleachers• 2 basketball courts• 2 tennis courts• 1 soccer field

Monroeville Community Park West 125 acres located at 2399 Tilbrook Road• 4 pavilions• 2 seating 250• 2 seating 125• each has 100 parking spaces• slides• swings• 1 baseball field• bleachers• 2 basketball courts• 2 tennis courts• 1 soccer field

Each pavilion has:• charcoal grills• restrooms• tot lot• volleyball courts• pavilion ball field• electricity• playground equipment• horseshoe pits• tennis courts

Overlook Park12.2 acres located at 522 Thomas Street• 1 pavilion• seating up to 48• 16 parking spaces• 2 grills• permanent restrooms• drinking fountains• electricity• slides• swings• 1 baseball field• bleachers• 1 basketball court• 2 tennis courts• dek hockey rink

Pioneer35.6 acres located at 245 Young Drive• 1 pavilion• seating up to 100• 50 parking spaces• 2 grills• permanent restrooms• drinking fountain• electricity• slides• swings• 1 baseball field• 1 basketball court• 1 tennis court • 1 dek hockey rink

Provide a Place for Fun for Everyone PARKS


MORE INFO?Anyone interested in more information or in reserving one of these parks should contact the Monroeville Recreation and Parks Department at 412.856.1006.

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CHAIN REACTION WINNERS AT GATEWAY

Gateway placed third out of 43 registered schools in the recent Chain Re-action Contraption competition hosted by Westinghouse and the Carnegie Science Center. The task for each team was to play a musical instrument in 20 steps or more. Judges evaluate the projects based on functionality, com-plexity, and creativity in achieving the task.

Gateway’s team, comprised of Alex Hall, Ben Weiner, Ryan Lubic, Luke Mandella, Josh Wu, and J.R. Nola, built a Pittsburgh Pirate themed Rube Goldberg machine consisting of 28 mechanical steps.

The team’s machine successfully played two instruments as the machine went through its amazing and precise steps to completion, with the final step involving the strumming of a mandolin signifying a Pirates win!

In the weeks following the competition, the team displayed the machine for all Gateway students and staff.

PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS A SUCCESS FOR GATEWAY SENIOR CLASS

During the recent holiday season, members of the Gateway High School Senior Class Council organized a “Presents for Patients” charity drive, in which gifts were donated to children who spent the holidays as patients at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Students encouraged faculty and staff, as well as class council members and their families, to take a name tag from a tree they decorated and buy a gift for a child of the gender and age specified on the tag. In addition to these

donations, the Senior Class Council contributed $100 worth of gifts from its class budget.

Nearly all of the 100 gift tges on the tree were taken and returned with gifts that brightened the spirits of countless young patients on Christmas morning. The gifts were delivered to the hospital by Al Arelt, District driver, on the morning of December 22nd.

Juniors, Hannah Jartin and Carrie Cahill, wrote a paper, as part of their Community Service Graduation Project, on donating presents to patients and the positive effect it has on their recovery.

CYBER BULLYING MESSAGE IS WORDS HURT

Richard Shaheen, Sr. Supervisor Special Agent of the PA Attorney Gen-eral’s Office, spoke with students across the Gateway School District about the dangers of Cyber Bullying.

“Words hurt” was his message to the students who learned about the long standing implications of sending what Shaheen termed, “Nasty grams,” to others via texting, web sites, chat rooms, emails, etc. He cautioned students not to engage in private online chats with anyone, and if someone sends you an inappropriate text, students should tell a trusted adult immediately.

He also advised not to ever give personal information on the web or share passwords with others.

GATEWAY STUDENT NAMED WORDMASTER CHAMPION

Elaine McDaniel, a 10th grade student at Gateway High School, earned first place at the SAT Wordmaster Competition at Hempfield High School on December 2. SAT Wordmaster is a competition that tests students knowledge of SAT vocabulary. This annual competition is sponsored by Allegheny County’s Eastern Suburbs Special Programs Association for Gifted and Talented Students.

G a t e w a Y School District

Photo: (left to right) are: Jennifer Beley, Vice President; Jessica Coulter, President; Hannah Jartin and Carrie Cahill, Juniors.

Agent Shaheen is seen speaking with 10th and 9th grade students at Gateway High School on the dangers of Cyber Bullying.


GATEWAY HOLDS MONTHLY PARENT WORKSHOPS

Gateway School District is committed to inviting parents/guardians to be active participants in the learning process because research has repeat-edly demonstrated the benefits for children when families and school staff partner. The district also is committed to sharing its resources with families in support of the role parents/guardians play in the development of its students.

Towards this end, Gateway School District has partnered with Milestone Centers, Inc. to provide monthly workshops during the 2011-2012 school year.The purpose of these workshops is not only to provide parents/guard-ians with access to trained family specialists but also to host an open forum where families can discuss their challenges and collaborate with others who are facing similar challenges.

The district is inviting parents to attend the remaining meetings:

March 12, 2012 – Fair and Appropriate Discipline StrategiesApril 9, 2012 – How to Handle Jealousy Among SiblingsMay 14, 2012 – As a parent, how do I manage it all?

Meetings are held at Gateway Middle School’s Auditorium from 6-8 p.m.Babysitting services are available for all meeting dates except April

9, 2012. Babysitting is provided by the Gateway High School students under the supervision of Mrs. Tracy Ricciardi, Family and Consumer Science Teacher.

GATEWAY TO THE ARTS PROGRAM SHOWCASES DRUMMING EXPERTISE

Moss Side Middle School held its culminating activity at Gateway High School’s Dance Studio to showcase the progress students had made in the Gateway to the Arts rhythm and percussion program. Through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council To The Arts for MSMS music students, Artist-in- Residence, Mr. Jeff Berman joined students at MSMS to share his musical expertise.

Berman, a percussionist, worked with MSMS students for the third year in a row teaching them how to play various African drums and other hand instruments. Berman was able to work with every sixth grade student at MSMS for at least 4 sessions each. Students learned rhythm, performance, timing, and musical interpretation all while learning about other cultures. Berman used his engaging personality to draw students into the learning process and to help the shyest student expose the performer in him or her.

The students learned to play three different types of African hand drums. MSMS music teacher, Alexis Spina, joined Berman to help teach her students to reach for the stars when it comes to trying something new. Berman spent a total of 20 days with the students. During the final concert, 23 students per-formed three songs using various instruments and drums. The final concert students were chosen to work with Berman for all 20 days of his residency. The show was presented to parents and families along with Gateway ad-ministrators, principals, and school board. The students received a standing ovation for their efforts.

G a t e w a Y School District

Pictured from front to back are Brian Reid, Olivia Miller, Raelyn Gallman, and Amanda Sawyers


Pitcairn Woman’s ClubServes the Community and Those

By Dana Black McGrath W hen the Pitcairn Woman’s Club was founded in 1935, their intended purpose was “to furnish education and recreational opportunities for young women in Pitcairn.”

Ever since then, the energetic group has been dedicated to supporting and improving the community through its many service projects and programs.

“We lend a hand in the community in any way we can,” explains club member Patti Kemerer.To celebrate 75 years of service to the community, the club published a commemorative anniversary

cookbook last year. The book, “Cooking with the Club Ladies,” is a collection of 300 recipes that is being offered for $15.

Initially, when the club was formed, it was known as the “Young Women’s Club.” According to the club’s recorded history, the objective was “to carry out, by means of its program and work, its object to encourage the promotion of all civic, educational, philanthropic, moral and social measures.” By 1939, the club name was changed to “Pitcairn Woman’s Club” so that women of all ages could enjoy member-ship in the organization.

Today, the club boasts 29 members, according to Kemerer.“We are an active club that is very involved in the community,” she says. For example, when the elemen-

tary school closed in Pitcairn, the club designed a ceramic ornament that is still being sold for $10.Currently, the club supports an array of community organizations and events, including Pitcairn

Baseball/Softball, Camp B, Camp G, Chic Marston Memorial Fund, the Pitcairn Easter Egg Hunt, Pitcairn Meals on Wheels, Pitcairn Food Pantry, Girl Scout Troop 356, Pitcairn Fire Co. #2, the Halloween Parade, Mohawk Football, Pitcairn Community Day, Pitcairn Old Fashion Christmas, Pitcairn Summer Recre-ation programs, American Cancer Society Daffodil Days, and others where there may be a need.

During the club’s early years, members worked to raise money through rummage sales, card parties, luncheons, bakes sales, raffles, a Christmas bazaar and a thrift shop. Those funds were used to support cause such as a community playground, a maternal health center, the School for the Blind, the YMCA, the Veterans Hospital in Aspinwall, the March of Dimes, and projects including the permanent Tablet for World War II veterans.

As time passed, the club also supported the establishment of a hospital in Monroeville – and sponsored a Well Baby Clinic from 1949 through the mid-1980s. The clinic provided routine well-checks for infants and pre-school aged children under the supervision a physician. Through the efforts of club volunteers, services were provided to more than 30,000 children during that time.

More recently, in 2006, the club sponsored Pitcairn’s “Banners Over Broadway” campaign. It may not have been Times Square, but the project certainly was a visible one. It enabled the club to purchase two

sets of banners – one set with the image of train and one set featuring a snowflake – that are used to decorate the streets of town throughout the holiday season.

Each year, the club selects a different theme to guide their efforts. This year, that theme is, “Volunteers Help a Community

Grow” and the club’s projects support the community of Pitcairn as well as veterans.

The club supports veterans by donating to an annual boat ride and the group also hosts two bingos at the

Veterans Center on Highland Drive in Pittsburgh.

IN NEED


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

your house by increasing the waage in your light bulbs.

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

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

carpets clean by vacuuming regularly and administering deep cleaning treatments.

Small Updates Pay O� BIG for Home ValuesBy Heather Holtschlag


To provide funding for their projects and efforts, the Pitcairn Woman’s Club conducts two fundraisers each year: a pancake breakfast in the fall (the date already has been set for next fall’s breakfast, Oct. 28, 2012) and, in March, the club hosts another fundraiser, a “Saturday Night at the Auction.”

This year’s auction event is set for Saturday, March 24. “The auction is our major fundraiser,” explains Kemerer.

At the auction, new items up for grabs include gift certificates, spa baskets, Steelers and Pirates items, and more. A buffet dinner including beer and wine also is served at the event.

Tickets to the auction and dinner cost just $10. “It’s a fun evening,” promises Kemerer.

Membership in the club is not limited to Pitcairn residents: it is open to any woman in the area who is at least age 18 or older. Meetings are held monthly, on the second Monday of each month, from September through June in the Park Building on Broadway in Pitcairn. Each month, members are busy working on various projects.

During the February meeting, club members worked to make treats for the Pitcairn Meals on Wheels program. In March, members plan to work on baskets for the upcoming auction.

When the club meets again in April, the theme will be “Food for Thought.” Kemerer explains that the program will feature a speaker or some type of food-related activity.

During the month of May, Pitcairn Woman’s Club partners with the Pitcairn Lions Club for an annual scholarship banquet. During the banquet, two scholarships are awarded to Pitcairn residents who are graduating from

Gateway High School. Each award recipient receives a scholarship for $750.Also at the banquet, the club recognizes its selected representative who

will attend the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference during the sum-mer. The club pays the entrance fee for a Gateway High School sophomore to attend the conference each year.

The club year concludes in June and will wrap up with a Volunteer Tea.But, don’t think that membership is all work and no play. In addition

to their service to the community, members enjoy shopping trips, visits to casinos, holiday parties and themed meetings. One special celebration was the club’s anniversary banquet held in September at Banquets Unlimited in Wilmerding.

Those interested in membership may call 412.856.9055. Membership dues are just $25 per year.

“ Each year, the club selects a different theme to guide their efforts. This year, that

theme is, ‘Volunteers Help a Community Grow.’ ”


BY PAMELA PALONGUE

ACCORDING TO A 2004 STUDY

BY WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

OF ST. LOUIS, AT LEAST 42%

OF AMERICANS WILL DEAL

WITH FOOD INSECURITY AT

SOME TIME DURING THEIR LIVES.

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

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

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

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

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

HungerHungerThe Face ofHungerMonroeville

Hunger


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

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

Diane Schirm has been volunteering at the food pantry at Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Monroeville for 15 years. Still, it is never easy for her to hear the hardships of those who need to come there. And it is just as difficult to recall those stories without getting emotional.

“I had a lady call me who said she never thought she’d have to call a food bank. She had a postgraduate degree, had two children, lost her job and had no food,” Schirm said, her voice cracking with emotion as she walked away to continue filling grocery bags with food.

The food pantry at Cross Roads Presbyterian is the largest of the three remaining food pantries in Monroeville. The oth-ers are at Assembly of God and Garden City.

We really try to be an outreach to the community and to help where we can,” said Cross Roads Presbyterian’s pastor Rob Marrow. “It would be nice if it wouldn’t be necessary,” he said of the food pantry.

James Manner has been the director of Cross Roads food pantry for 11 years. He is a member of North American Martyr Church in Monroeville. His wife, Barbara, a retired Duquesne University professor, is a member of Cross Roads Presbyterian. Manner said that over the last two years he has seen a sharp increase in the number of people the food pantry is serving. Over the past couple of years, it has gone from serving 110 clients to 173 clients, the highest number of clients to date.

“It’s very difficult for many,” said Manner, a retired chemist for PPG Industries. “We’ve had a number of people come in and actually shed tears [because] they had to do this…There are a number of people who lost their jobs; they’re trying to make ends meet.” The Cross Roads food pantry averaged

about 14 families a week last year, which breaks down to about 40 people per week or 1,927 people for the year. Since 2005, the percentage of individuals being served by the food pantry has increased 63.3 percent.

To qualify for the food pantry, potential clients must meet eligibility requirements. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, a family of four can earn no more than $528 a week or $2,289 a month. They must show proof of income, whether it is from a job, Social Security, welfare or SSI.

Every Thursday volunteers for the food pantry at Cross Roads visit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to obtain food, the amount of which is based on the size of the pantry. Then every Friday between 9 a.m. and noon, the food pantry at Cross Roads gives its clients at least a week’s worth of groceries, including meat and canned goods. “The meat we give out is kind of based on what we can get out of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank,” Manner said. The food pantry purchases at least 50 percent of its food from the food bank. It also gives clients other items such as laundry detergent, toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, etc. The pantry receives donations from a number of sources including members of Cross Roads Presbyterian and other churches as well as local organizations; among them, the Monroeville Rotary Club, Gateway Middle School, Monroeville Mall Merchants Association, the Monroeville Foundation, the United Way, Boy Scout Troops 121 & 184, the Monroeville Arts Council, PPG Industries Foundation and federal programs.

In addition to monetary donations, the food pantry also receives food donations. Recently, it received thousands of boxed sets from Hickory Farms containing sausage, cheeses and condiments so the boxes have been included in the items passed out to food pantry clients.

“The financial has not been a problem for us,” Manner said. “It’s mainly the number of clients that we’ve gotten. It really pushes us hard on Friday. Fortunately, we’ve got a lot of volunteers.” Among the volunteers packing grocery bags for clients on a recent Friday were Audrey Lees, Barb Kucan, Ginni Repas, Diane Praskovich, Bob Breen and Bill Gross. Working in the food pantry office taking calls and handling clients are Linda Kelly, the desk person; Shirley Mulpin, volunteer coordinator; and Peg Sinback, office volunteer. “These people are the ones who are very important – being able to listen, to take care of people getting signed up and

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signing in,” Manner said. If a family is fortunate enough to have plenty to

eat, there are important things that anyone can do to help those who are hungry.

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

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

Although monetary donations allow the food

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

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

the food pantry. If this is done weekly, the items will add up quickly and the surplus will help feed hungry families.

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

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

continued from previous page

Food pantry director James Manner with Cross Roads Pastor Rob Marrow


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The 2011 version of the Gateway Gators wanted to erase the memories of a disappointing 2010. That team finished 6-5 and lost in the quarterfinals to rival

Central Catholic. This team faced some early adversity, but responded in a big way. An explosive offense was

complemented by a stifling defense, and they battled their way deep into the postseason.

The home opener would be no easy task, as AAA power Bishop McDevitt came to town. Gateway passed the test easily, 28-7. They traveled to Penn Hills the following week and moved to 2-0 with a hard-fought 19-13 victory. After blitz-ing Latrobe 45-7 in the conference opener, they traveled to 3-0 Penn-Trafford. A defensive slugfest went to the Warriors, 16-14. The Gators bounced back in resounding fashion. The opponent was

Norwin and Gateway scored early and often. The final was 85-0. That’s right, 85-0. They continued

the barrage against Hempfield, 36-0, and their record stood at 5-1 (3-1 Foothills). A non-conference

showdown with top-ranked Central Catholic was on the schedule for week 7. The Gators found themselves

on the wrong end of a 13-0 score after the first quarter. They were able to mount a scoring drive in the second

quarter to draw within 13-7. However, Central’s defense pitched a shutout the rest of the way, and held on for the 13-7

win. The Gators quickly got back on track with a 40-0 blowout

of Connellsville. They traveled to rival McKeesport in week 9. The stakes were big – a home game in round one of the playoffs. Another barrage of scoring and defense led to a 38-0 pasting, the defense’s fourth shutout of the season. A 7-2 (5-1) record earned them the 5 seed in the postseason.

They hosted Shaler in round one. They delighted the home fans with a 52-13 shutdown of the Titans. It was on to the quarterfinals, where they would face 10-0 Penn-Trafford. The Gators jumped out to a 21-3 lead en route to a 34-9 smoking of the Foothills conference champs. They were paced by Andre Martin’s 111 rushing yards and Darin Franklin’s 86-yard punt return. Undefeated North Allegheny loomed in the semifinals. The Tigers jumped out to a 14-0 halftime lead, and with quarterback Thomas Wood-son out with a shoulder injury, the Gators season looked over. However, Woodson returned for the second half. A halfback option pass to wideout Mileak Ford from 41 yards away cut the lead to 14-7. After a Tiger punt, the Gators drove to the 3, where Martin punched it in to tie the game. The Tigers fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Gateway recovered at the 10. They could only manage a field goal, but had the lead 17-14 early in the fourth quarter. The Tigers mounted a 13-play, 63 yard drive that was capped by a 1-yard plunge on a 4th and goal. The Gators, down 21-17, had time for one last drive. A 51-yard hook-and-lateral completion moved the ball to the Tiger 19 with 26 seconds left. However, two plays later, Brian Jones’ pass was picked off, and the Tigers emerged with a 21-17 win.

The Gators certainly showed major improvements from 2010. They finished second in the Foothills conference, and advanced to within one play of Heinz Field. They outscored their opponents 415-99 on the season, led by four shutouts from the defense. They look to take the next step in 2012, and if 2011 is any indication, they will be threats to do so.

Gators Finish 9-3, Advance to AAAA SemifinalsFALL SHORT OF HEINZ FIELD

By Stephen Jeffries

The 2011 version of the Gateway Gators wanted to erase the memories of a disappointing 2010. That team finished 6-5 and lost in the quarterfinals to rival

Central Catholic. This team faced some early adversity, but responded in a big way. An explosive offense was

complemented by a stifling defense, and they battled their way deep into the postseason.

The home opener would be no easy task, as AAA power Bishop McDevitt came to town. Gateway passed the test easily, 28-7. They traveled to Penn Hills the following week and moved to 2-0 with a hard-fought 19-13 victory. After blitzing Latrobe 45-7 in the conference opener, they traveled to 3-0 Penn-Trafford. A defensive slugfest went to the Warriors, 16-14. The Gators bounced back in resounding fashion. The opponent was

Norwin and Gateway scored early and often. The final was 85-0. That’s right, 85-0. They continued

the barrage against Hempfield, 36-0, and their record stood at 5-1 (3-1 Foothills). A non-conference

showdown with top-ranked Central Catholic was on the schedule for week 7. The Gators found themselves

on the wrong end of a 13-0 score after the first quarter. on the wrong end of a 13-0 score after the first quarter. They were able to mount a scoring drive in the second

quarter to draw within 13-7. However, Central’s defense pitched a shutout the rest of the way, and held on for the 13-7

win. The Gators quickly got back on track with a 40-0 blowout

Gators Finish 9-3, Advance to AAAA Semifinals


PATRONPATRONPATRONPATRONPATRONPATRON

– D I N I N G O U T –

There are three basic ingredients in any successful restaurant – great food, great service, great atmosphere. It is a

recipe that has been perfected at Patron Mexican Grill in Monroeville.

Located at 245 Mall Blvd. in the former Chili’s, Patron’s menu states “Food is our passion. Service is our obsession.” It shows on both counts. Add to that a truly unique décor of brightly colored-tables and booths crafted in Mexico, and one can’t help but have a great dining experience here.

The Monroeville location is the second of three such restaurants owned by Martin Bolaños. The first is located in Wexford and the third, in Fox Chapel, opened about five months ago. Bolaños’ mantra is “The customer is always right.” It is one that is shared by his general manager, Raul Carillo, and passed down to the restaurant managers and serving staff.

“Once they come the first time, we make sure they come back,” Bolaños said.

Our hostess, Amber, was bright and energetic and greeted us with a smile. Our server, Travis, could have taught a course in how to provide great service. He was personable, knowledgable and just really seemed to care that we had a great ex-perience at the restaurant. Patron has an extensive menu that includes plenty of offerings for lovers of Mexican fare and those who may not be overly en-amored of it. There are fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, chimichangas, burritos, enchiladas, all made fresh

with chicken, beef, or shrimp or in some cases a combination of all three. There are vegetarian versions of some Mexican favorites such as fajitas vegetarian, vegetarian chimichangas, and spinach quesadillas. There are also seafood dishes including fish and shrimp tacos, and chipotle shrimp.

“We specialize in picky eaters,” said Bolaños. “We got a little bit of everything,” added Carillo. The menu is developed by the chef, who is from Mexico and Bolaños, incorporating dishes from various Mexican regions. It also includes suggestions from customers, and feedback from them on new menu items. There is also a variety of libations including margaritas, domestic and imported beers and wines.

Travis brought the requisite salsa and chips, plus some cheese sauce, which is really addictive. We started out our ordering with the shrimp na-chos, crispy chips topped with peppers, onions, cheese and succulent, perfectly seasoned grilled shrimp. It is more than enough for two people to share as an appetizer or can even serve as a quick meal. Calling on Travis’ expertise, we asked for suggestions for entrees. We decided on La Bahia Special, which is one of Patron’s very popular seafood specialties. It is comprised of a fish fillet and shrimp, perfectly grilled, served with rice, steamed vegetables, lime and special sauce. It also includes their famous cheese sauce, but we asked that not be included. It was perfection, the fish

was moist and flaky, the shrimp very tasty covered in the special sauce that was not too spicy.

We also ordered Patron Fajitas, a dish where you don’t have to pick one meat because it comes with shrimp, steak and chicken on a sizzling skillet. The meat is tender, the shrimp is succulent and ready to wrap in the warm tortillas that accompany them. For dessert, we had a delicious, not-too-sweet, flan. Other dessert offerings include fried ice cream, which comes in a cinnamon sugared tortilla shell and topped with hot fudge. It was the perfect ending to a perfect dining experience at Patron.

Patron is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.

to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday noon to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. For more information, call Patron at 412.373.2555 or visit the website

at www.patronmexgrills.com.

where you don’t have to pick one

sauce that was not too spicy.

We also ordered Patron Fajitas, a dish where you don’t have to pick one

sauce that was not too spicy.

We also ordered Patron Fajitas, a dish where you don’t have to pick one

MONDAY MONDAY MONDAY SPECIALSPECIALSPECIAL

$.95 Tacos $.95 Tacos $.95 Tacos $2.95 Margaritas$2.95 Margaritas$2.95 Margaritas

all three. There are vegetarian versions of was

with chicken, beef, or shrimp or in some cases a combination of all three. There are vegetarian versions of

with chicken, beef, or shrimp or in some cases a combination of all three. There are vegetarian versions of

Do you su�er from tired, achy legs with bulging varicose veins., Or maybe you just have clusters of unsightly, small purple veins that bother you and you wonder what can be done about them?

Rest assured you are not alone in these concerns. Approximately 30% of American adults has signs and symptoms of varicose veins. Varicose veins are essentially super�cial veins that have lost the ability to e�ectively transport blood back to the heart. Varicose veins can range from large, ugly, ropy veins to smaller clusters of super�cial (close to the surface) purple veins. Many patients will experience pain, achiness, heaviness and swelling. If le� untreated these varicose veins can lead to in�ammation of the vein (phlebitis), skin discoloration of the lower legs, skin breakdown and ulcers can ultimately occur. Years ago patients ignored this problem or were told the condition was “cosmetic”. Many times, if they did seek treatment, the results were o�en disappointing, or they were le� with dis�guring scars.

Over the past several years, greater understanding of varicose veins has allowed for more e�ective treatments. �e use of painless, noninvasive ultrasound to diagnose the problem and pinpoint the cause is the standard of care. Treatment for even the largest and most problematic veins can now

take less than an hour, require li�le or no anesthesia, and allow patients to return to their normal activities immediately. All this done in the safety and comfort of an o�ce se�ing. Many times patients are anxious to receive treatment because they have previously heard an unpleasant story or known someone who had been subjected to previous treatment in years past that was much more invasive than what is available today. �e majority of people are familiar with stories of past varicose vein treatments. Unfortunately, many are unfamiliar with the signi�cant advances in treatment for varicose veins that allows for more e�ective and less invasive treatment.

�is minimally invasive, o�ce-based care, is standard of care for the physicians at the Circulatory Centers. All new patients are initially evaluated at a no cost, no obligation consultation. A state of the art ultrasound evaluation is performed in our ICAVL accredited vascular lab to diagnose any venous problems. �e Circulatory Center sta� members will then meet with the patient and o�er a customized treatment plan based on each patient’s speci�c needs. At the Circulatory Centers treatment protocols o�en involve e�ective therapies such as; sclerotherapy or Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA). �e physicians at the Circulatory Centers continually review the evolving literature and treatment standards so a contemporary and e�ective treatment plan can be individualized for every patient.

Sclerotherapy, performed in one of our local o�ces, by an experienced provider, is o�en used to treat smaller veins. During this visit a small amount of medication is injected into the target vein which causes it to collapse. �e body then reabsorbs this vein over the course of several weeks. A support stocking is worn for a brief period to help compress the veins and allow for them to collapse naturally. Sclerotherapy is performed in a thirty minute o�ce visit and involves no ‘down time.’

EVLA is also performed in the o�ce by a physician. �is procedure is o�en used to treat larger veins. A �exible laser �ber is inserted into the problem vein using ultrasound guidance. �is procedure is done with local anesthesia and takes about forty minutes. �e laser produces intense energy which causes the vein to close down. Patients return to their normal daily activities immediately. A support stocking is worn for several days a�er EVLA and patients are encouraged to walk to promote blood �ow thru the remaining healthy veins. All this is done in the comfort and safety of our o�ce through a 1/8 inch incision and li�le or no scaring!

With the generally accepted knowledge of venous insu�ciency and varicose veins, 95% of our procedures are covered by insurance. At the Circulatory Center each patient is assigned a Patient Account Representative who will help them navigate the o�en confusing sea of insurance regulations and billing. So what do you have to lose? Only those ugly painful varicose veins.

o you su�er from tired, achy legs with bulging varicose veins., Or maybe you just have clusters of unsightly, small purple veins that bother you and you wonder what can be done about them?

Rest assured you are not alone in these concerns. Approximately 30% of American adults has signs and symptoms of varicose veins. Varicose veins are essentially super�cial veins that have lost the ability to e�ectively transport blood back to the heart. Varicose veins can range from large, ugly, ropy veins to smaller clusters of super�cial (close to the surface) purple veins. Many patients will experience pain, achiness, heaviness and swelling. If le� untreated these varicose veins can lead to in�ammation of the vein (phlebitis), skin discoloration of the lower legs, skin breakdown and ulcers can ultimately occur. Years ago patients ignored this problem or were told the condition was “cosmetic”. Many times, if they did seek treatment, the results were o�en disappointing, or they were le� with dis�guring scars.

take less than an hour, require li�le or no anesthesia, and allow patients to return to their normal activities immediately. All this done in the safety and comfort of an o�ce se�ing. Many times patients are anxious to receive treatment because they have previously heard an unpleasant story or known someone who had been subjected to previous treatment in years past that was much more invasive than what is available today. �e majority of people are familiar with stories of past varicose vein treatments. Unfortunately, many are unfamiliar with the signi�cant advances in treatment for varicose veins that allows for more e�ective and less invasive treatment.

�is minimally invasive, o�ce-based care, is standard of care for the physicians at the Circulatory Centers. All new patients are initially evaluated at a no cost, no obligation consultation. A state of the art ultrasound evaluation is performed in our ICAVL accredited vascular lab to diagnose any venous problems. �e Circulatory Center sta� members will then

EVLA Minimally Invasive Procedure Brings Immediate Vein Relief

This Industry Insight was written by Louis Certo, M.D., F.A.C.S. Medical Director of Circulatory Centers

A graduate of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Dr. Certo earned his medical degree from the University of Rome in Italy. After completing a five-year residency in General Surgery. Dr. Certo is Board Certified and Recertified in General Surgery. For the past ten years he has devoted most of his practice to venous surgery and has been associated with Circulatory Centers since 1997. Dr.Certo is a current member of the American College of Phlebology.

Contact us at

724.942.0940

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Ladies Tea A CHANCE FOR FELLOWSHIP

Outside may have been cold and overcast, but inside Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Monroeville there were plenty of sunny smiles as the church’s fellowship committee held a Ladies’ Tea in its fellowship hall on Saturday, January 14. The menu included a variety of dainty sandwiches, cakes, breads, fruit salads, compotes and of course, scones and tea. Some ladies, both young and young-at-heart, wore hats and even gloves for the occasion, which was about fun and fellowship.

Lucille Peckman

Faye Junker and mother-in-law Helen Junker

Laverne Lokay

Danielle Ochendowski flanked by her mother, Megan Ochendowski, left and grandmother Marie Fowler, right

SHS

Danielle Ochendowski flanked by her mother, Megan Ochendowski, left and

SHIP

Barbara Manner pours

tea for Madelyn Rhea

Sisters, Mia Rymer and Demi Rymer

Hannah Adams

Penny Zeisloft and daughter Ella Zeisloft

fun and fellowship.


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

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

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

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

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

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

major rental companies have added �ex fuel and electric

hybrids to their �eets.

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

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

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

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

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

ecotourism Travelling Green Is Easier Than You Think

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

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

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

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

major rental companies have added �ex fuel and electric

hybrids to their �eets.

For more information on

ecotourism, or traditional

vacation planning, call

Three Rivers Travel today

at 724.260.5341, or visit

www.threeriverstravel.com.


local wildlife, so be sure have your camera ready.

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

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

local wildlife, so be sure have your camera ready.

4 eco destinations to consider in 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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


by Monica Haynes; Photos by Gary Yonby Monica Haynes; Photos by Gary Yon

FREE CLINICDoctor, Volunteers Provide


A s a physician, a husband and a father of two, one might think that Dr. Robert Beasley would

spend his off hours actually being off.However, every Thursday Dr. Beasley, a family

practice and osteopathic physician with Premiere Medical Associates, spends his would-be off hours operating a free medical clinic called Sheep Inc. Health Care Center. The clinic, an outreach min-istry at the Monroeville Assembly of God Church where Dr. Beasley is a member, provides basic primary care for uninsured and underinsured and

underserved adults and children.Dr. Beasley and a team of 50 medical

volunteers make themselves available every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the

clinic located at the church, 4561 Old William Penn Highway. The clinic also offers

$4 generic medications that can be provided on the spot.

“I’ve always had it in my heart to do something like this,” Dr. Beasley

said. “It’s part of the ministry of our church. It’s a way of being able to help people.” The clinic falls in line with the church’s homeless and orphan ministries, he added.

The clinic has been operating for more than a year. To make the com-

munity aware that the clinic existed, fliers were posted in

places that serve the community (like Goodwill), and of course, fellow church members helped spread the word as well. “We’ve been getting a lot of people,” Dr. Beasley said. “Initially, we started out with 10-15 people every Thursday and some-times a little bit more.”

The number of people utilizing the clinic has grown to the point that the clinic is now trying to find a bigger location in the Monroeville area. “It’s kind of like a mobile clinic, almost,” said Dr. Beasley. He explained that tables and chairs and some other equipment have to be brought to the church on the day the clinic operates, although they do have some storage space there.

Although the clinic is located in Monroeville, those seeking services have come from as far away as Johnstown. “It’s amazing…some of the people, where they come from,” Dr. Beasley said. “Some-times people are visiting family and figure they might as well stop by the clinic. There are people who are between jobs, looking for work but can’t afford insurance. A lot of people slip through the cracks in our system. It’s unfortunate, but those are the people we’re trying to help.”

While the clinic does not handle emergencies, it can provide primary care for things like bad colds or blood pressure checks or getting physical forms filled out. “The clinic is really just doctors who care,” said Dr. Beasley.

It’s not just doctors, however; there are also vol-unteer nurses, including Dr. Beasley’s wife, Robin, who serves as volunteer director. “My wife sets up the clinic schedule and we rotate all the volun-teers. She’s a nurse by trade, so it’s something that we can do together and we have a heart to do that together. That’s a real blessing there,” Dr. Beasley said. The couple have two daughters: Lettie, who is in college, and Nellie, a high school student.

The clinic is looking to recruit more physi-cians and nurse practitioners. Another one of Dr. Beasley’s goals for the clinic is to add other services, such as dentistry. Currently, the clinic is in the process of obtaining its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Right now it is operating with donations from the church and from Premiere Medical Associates.

Dr. Beasley said those who come to the clinic are very grateful that it’s there. “God’s command is that we help people,” he said. “At the end of the day, people will look at that. This is all really about Him.”

Dr. Beasley envisions that one day his clinic will be able to operate with the backing of a num-ber of churches, similar to a clinic in Columbus, Ohio, which has 60-70 churches supporting it. “When 60 churches come together, can you imagine what they can do?” he said. “Everybody would be able to benefit and ultimately the most important thing is people hear the good news about Christ.”

Health Care Center. The clinic, an outreach ministry at the Monroeville Assembly of God Church where Dr. Beasley is a member, provides basic primary care for uninsured and underinsured and

underserved adults and children.Dr. Beasley and a team of 50 medical

volunteers make themselves available every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the

clinic located at the church, 4561 Old William Penn Highway. The clinic also offers

$4 generic medications that can be provided on the spot.

“I’ve always had it in my heart to do something like this,” Dr. Beasley

said. “It’s part of the ministry of our church. It’s a way of being able to help people.” The clinic falls in line with the church’s homeless and with the church’s homeless and orphan ministries, he added.

The clinic has been operating for more than a year. To make the com

munity aware that the clinic existed, fliers were posted in


ChildrenSpring StorytimeMorning session: 10:15 - 11 a.m.; A�ernoon session: 1:15 - 2:00 p.m.; Registration begins April 13

�is series of stories and cra�s for children ages 3 – 5 are held Wednesdays, April 25 through May 16. Parents do not stay during the story portion, but return to help with cra�s during the last 10 minutes.

Family Cra� NightsOur very popular Family Cra� Nights are held in

the Program Room on the lower level of the Library. Family Cra� Nights are fun for the entire family! Space is limited, so register early!

Easter Family Cra� NightMonday, March 19 - 7 - 8:30 p.m.Registration begins March 9

Earth Day Family Cra� NightMonday, April 16 - 7 - 8:30 p.m.Registration begins April 2

Tot Time10:00 – 10:30 a.m. in the Gallery SpaceSecond and fourth Tuesday of each month

�ese story times for one to three-year-olds with an adult are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the Gallery Space. Registration begins one week before each program.

TeensTeen Writing WorkshopMondays 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Program Room

Whether you’ve already wri�en a novel or have never tried writing for fun, this workshop is for you! �e Teen Writing Workshop is a program open to any and all teen writers, regardless of writing interest or previous experience. We’ve got writing tips, helpful hints, and even a chance for you to have your writing read and reviewed by the rest of the group. We discuss a new topic every week, and you don’t need to have come to previous meetings to drop in on a new session.

Mother-Daughter Book ClubMother-Daughter Book Club is for parents and

for students in grades 5 – 8. Daughters and mothers (or grandmothers, aunts, or special friends) will read one book each month, then come to the library to discuss the book.

AdultsLocal Author Fred Bortz: Meltdown! �e Nuclear Disaster in Japan and Our Energy FutureTuesday, March 20; 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Gallery Space

A�er earning his Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University in 1971, physicist Fred Bortz set o� on an interesting and varied 25-year career in teaching and research, including three years in nuclear reactor core design. Fred decided to write full-time a�er his third book, Catastrophe! Great Engineering Failure— and Success, was designated a “Selector’s Choice” on the 1996 list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children. Several of his books have since earned signi�cant recognition, including the 2002 American Institute of Physics Science Writing Award. In Catastrophe’s chapter about nuclear meltdowns, Fred described but deliberately le� open questions about the future of nuclear power that his readers would face as adults. Meltdown! �e Nuclear Disaster in Japan and Our Energy Future (a Junior Library Guild selection) picks up where that chapter le� o�. Does the rise of wind and solar power mean we can avoid nuclear power? Or does global warming mean we need it more than ever? �ese are vital questions for citizens of the future. With Meltdown!, they can begin to explore the answers.

First Annual Book Blast 5K Run and WalkMonroeville Public Library is excited to announce the First Annual Book Blast 5K Run and

Walk, held to bene�t the Library. �e event kicks o� at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Monroeville Community Park. Refreshments, an awards ceremony, and guest speakers will follow the race. If you would like to participate in the race, please visit our website for a registration form.

MPL E-NewsMonroeville Public Library patrons are invited to join MPL Adult Program E-News, an

electronic mail group designed to keep you informed about adult programs at MPL. Members receive emails with information about upcoming local history programs, travel slide shows, local author talks, science programs, health lectures and more.

To join MPL Adult Program E-News: please send a blank email message to [email protected]. Within a few minutes you will receive an email with instructions for joining the group. If you have any questions about how to join the MPL Adult Program E-News group, contact Mark Hudson, Adult Services Librarian, at 412-372-0500 ext. 13.

Free eBooksDid you get a new Kindle or Nook for the holidays? �en you should know you can check out

free eBooks from Monroeville Public Library! �e libraries of Allegheny County have partnered with OverDrive Digital Media to provide eBooks, eAudiobooks, videos, and more -- ready for download to your Kindle, Nook, iPad, iPhone, and dozens of other digital media devices.

For details, call one of our helpful librarians at 412-372-0500 ext. 4. Or simply visit our website at www.monroevillelibrary.org and click on the OverDrive link.

www.monroevillelibrary.org

Monroeville Public Library 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd. • 412.372.0500 • Christy Fusco, Director

www.MonroevilleLibrary.orgChildren’s Room: ext. 3, Teen Librarian: ext. 6,

Adult Reference: ext. 4, Circulation Desk: ext. 5

HOURS OF OPERATION:Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.22 724.942.0940 to advertise | Monroeville

Local Author Pens Sequel to

Book Spotlighting 9/11 Babies

By Dana Black McGrath

O n 9/11, when the nation was experiencing unimaginable heartbreak, Christine Pisera

Naman was giving birth to her son, Trevor.

“It was a day filled with a mixture of emotion,” explains the Monro-eville resident. “I was elated about

my baby boy, but at the same time I was grieving and devas-

tated by what was transpiring in the country.”

She began searching for a way to reconcile her conflicting emotions. To help with that process, she started journaling about her thoughts and feelings.

The exercise, she thought, would help

her one day to ex-plain the events

of that fateful day to her son.

Her journal

entries would eventually become the text for her book, “Faces of Hope:

Babies Born on 9/11.” The book featured children from across the country who were born amid the turbulence of the tragic events of the day of the 9/11 attacks.

Soon after she began journaling about her reflections on the events of 9/11, both sorrowful and joyful, she realized she wasn’t alone in her emotional conflict. There were many parents who welcomed children into the world that day. So she decided to reach out to other “9/11 moms.” That effort would lead to connections that stretched across the country.

“It was a day when everyone remembers where they were and who they were with,” she says. “And, it was a time when the country was really coming together.”

Naman eventually connected with one 9/11 mom from each of the 50 states and asked them to donate a photo of their child for her project. In the book, there is a photo of each of the ba-bies, along with a written wish for each of those children. Entries from her journal served as text for the book.

The recent 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks inspired Naman to compile an update to her work. Her latest book, “Faces of Hope 10 Years Later: Babies Born on 9/11,” a sequel

to the original “Faces of Hope,” was published in August.

“For many of us, 9/11 feels like it just hap-pened, but really 10 years have passed,” says Naman. “In no other way can you see that than in the growth of a child.”

That expanse of time is made more tangible as the babies included in the first “Faces of Hope” are featured as older children.

Once again, Naman reached out to the net-work of 9/11 mothers asking them for updated photos of their children to include in the sequel. This time, she also asked for the children to write about how they would make the world a better place, and also to submit a colorful picture to go along with their message.

Sadly, the life of one of the babies featured in the original “Faces of Hope,” was heartbreakingly cut short by another national tragedy.

Young Christina Taylor Green, to whom the new book is dedicated, represented Maryland in the original publication. She was shot and killed during the Jan. 8, 2011 shooting rampage that left six people killed and 19 shot outside a Tucson, Arizona, supermarket, including U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Naman reached out to Christina’s family to tell them about her intent to write a sequel to “Faces of Hope.”

O n 9/11, when the nation was experiencing unimaginable heartbreak, Christine Pisera

Naman was giving birth to her son, Trevor.

“It was a day filled with a mixture of emotion,” explains the Monro-eville resident. “I was elated about

my baby boy, but at the same time I was grieving and devas-

tated by what was transpiring in the country.”

She began searching for a way to reconcile her conflicting emotions. To help with that process, she started journaling about her thoughts and feelings.

The exercise, she thought, would help

her one day to ex-her one day to ex-her one day to explain the events

of that fateful day to her son.

Her journal

children from across the country who were born amid the turbulence of the tragic events of the day of the 9/11 attacks.

Soon after she began journaling about her reflections on the events of 9/11, both sorrowful and joyful, she realized she wasn’t alone in her emotional conflict. There were many parents who welcomed children into the world that day. So she decided to reach out to other “9/11 moms.” That effort would lead to connections that stretched across the country.

“It was a day when everyone remembers where they were and who they were with,” she says. “And, it was a time when the country was really coming together.”

Naman eventually connected with one 9/11 mom from each of the 50 states and asked them to donate a photo of their child for her project. In the book, there is a photo of each of the babies, along with a written wish for each of those children. Entries from her journal served as text for the book.

The recent 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks inspired Naman to compile an update to her work. Her latest book, “Faces of Hope 10 Years Later: Babies Born on 9/11,” a sequel


“They are just amazing people,” Naman says of Christina’s family. “They said they would want her to have what the other children had and provided a picture of her at nine years old.”

During his speech at the memorial service for the Arizona shooting victims, President Barack Obama spoke of young Christina, and his words were included in the book as Christina’s “quote.”

Both books are available through Amazon.com. They are among five titles penned by Naman. Her other works include: “Christmas Lights: A Novel,” a work of fiction set during the holiday season; “The Believers,” a Christian fiction novel; and “Caterpillar Kisses, Lessons My Kindergarten

Class Taught Me About Life,” a collection of short stories inspired by Na-man’s experience as a kindergarten teacher in the Catholic school system.

Naman is a graduate of Gateway High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in health education from The Penn-sylvania State University.

She worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and now is a full-time mother and wife who writes as a hobby. “I write pretty much every day, without the pressure of it being a job.”

“ It was a day when everyone remembers where they were and who they were with.”

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

VisitMonroeville

As a business owner, manager or resident of the eastern suburbs,

do you consider Monroeville as a visitor’s destination?

Since 1987, the goal of VisitMonroeville has been

to promote this area to the travel, trade show and

convention industry as a prime location to host a great

conference, meeting or expo. Donna Bour, the Interim

Executive Director of VisitMonroeville has traveled

frequently to Washington D.C., Las Vegas, California

and Florida to meet and talk with show promoters and event planners of sporting, religious,

corporate, music and consumer trade shows. According to Bour, “Monroeville o�ers an

ideal location to host an event - with the 100,000 square foot newly remodeled Monroeville

Convention Center, easy accessibility from the downtown Pi�sburgh and the Turnpike and

a robust mix of hotels, restaurants and retail shopping. Our sta� works closely with the sta�

of the Monroeville Convention Center to market and promote the region as a low-cost,

high-quality location.”In addition to providing traditional meeting planning services and bringing events to

our community, VisitMonroeville is also commi�ed to working with our local businesses

to help promote their products and services to visitors while they are here. “Every show,

conference, business meeting and sporting event presents an opportunity for our local

business and economy to bene�t. Visitors eat at restaurants, shop in our retail stores and

want to be entertained. �ey might need automotive services, be looking for a massage or

haircut or need quick medical a�ention”, says Bour. “We are working hard over the next

few months to really begin educating businesses on how VisitMonroeville can help them

market and build their business by partnering with us.”

Donna brings a host of experience and expertise to VisitMonroeville. She began

her career in fundraising, sponsorship and event management. She has a B.A. in

Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and Master’s degree in

Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University. From August of 2008 to March

2010 Bour served as the Interim Executive Director of the CVB. During that time she

oversaw a complete rebranding of the agency to promote and market the region. She

returned in August of this year to help lead VisitMonroeville into their next stage of

growth and development.Donna has been actively involved with MACC, serving on the Celebrate Monroeville

commi�ee since its beginning in 2005, and on the Sta� Appreciation Luncheon commi�ee.

She regularly a�ends monthly luncheons and Business A�er Hours when she is not

traveling. �is year she is looking forward to the B2B Expo in March and networking with

MACC members and their businesses to get them involved with VisitMonroeville and

share important information and upcoming events in Monroeville.

For more information about VisitMonroeville, visit their website at www.visitmonroeville.com

or join their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/visitmonroeville.

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald addressed members of the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce at a special breakfast meeting at Forbes Regional Hospital. Pictured with Mr. Fitzgerald are Debbie Iszauk, Director of Member Services at Monroeville Area Chamber, Barry Layton, from Penn Center East/LG Realty and 2012 Chamber Board Chair, and Walt Henry from THE pt Group Physical �erapy and past Chamber Board Chair.

Brenda Sebring Esq. and Jack Finnegan Esq. congratulate Monica Robinson of First National Bank as the 2011 Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year. A�orneys Sebring and Finnegan were each honored with the Wes Blaha Member of the Year award in past years.

You should be! A recent survey showed that consumers are 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from a company that belongs to its local Chamber of Commerce. We Mean Business. Call the chamber today at 412.856.0622 or vist us at www.monroevillechamber.com.

Not a Chamber Member?


Premier Medical Associates Family Practice on Northern Pike celebrated the opening of its new o�ce with a ribbon cu�ing ceremony that the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce coordinated. Members of the chamber were present to o�er support and congratulations to a new Monroeville Area Chamber member. Walt Henry from THE pt Group and Chamber Board Director presents a certi�cate to Premier Medical Associates’ COO Joanne Wall and CEO Mark DeRubeis. Joining them are from le� to right: Drs. Dorothy Wihelm, Rajiv Jana, Gregory Li�le, Mayor Greg Erosenko, Councilwoman Diane Allison and Dr. LaDonna Fuge.

Members of the Monroeville Area Chamber joined together to help Bret Pechersky, owner of Berer Financial Management, celebrate the opening of his new o�ce at 4040 Monroeville Blvd.

Not a Chamber Member?

To learn more about our summer science camps,

visit us online or call 412.237.1637 today!

CarnegieScienceCenter.org


W hen you see snowflakes falling and feel a cold wind blowing, it might be hard to imagine the warm sunshine of May and June. But have faith, these days will come, according to the

Monroeville Historical Society’s board members who have decided it’s not too soon to plan for its warm weather events. They are excited about their annual Gateway School Fifth Graders’ tour in April, Antiques Appraisal on Sunday, May 20, and Children’s Activity Day in June. These activities take place at its historical houses built in the early 1800’s, the McGinley House and McCully Log House, where Sunday open house tours are scheduled from 1 to 4 PM in April, May, and June.

Ideas are also being considered for activities for the Historical Society’s two open house dates at the Old Stone Church during and after Monro-eville’s Memorial Day and Independence Day parades, and for the Commu-nity Tree Lighting and Program in November. The 118-year-old church may be rented for weddings, programs, and meetings.

It’s no secret these events require the efforts and enthusiasm of MHS members and volunteers who want to involve children and adults in activities to show what life was like in Monroeville not very long ago. Craftsmen are also important for the upkeep of the buildings.

Volunteers are essential so MHS can offer the Children’s Old-Fashioned Ac-tivity Day that provides wholesome fun and adventures with its historical scav-enger hunt, experiencing making ice cream in a churn, and games based on the activities of yesteryear like fishing, hopscotch and jacks. The Heritage Day Fes-

tival in October gives visitors an opportunity to see bread baking in an outdoor oven, churn cream into butter, and operate a pump organ. Event chair Mary Lou Span said students and Scout troops interested in helping at events and working on improvement projects are welcome. (Call her at 412-245-1527.)

The time volunteers contribute can be rewarding. For example, MHS president Lynn Chandler said, “Becoming involved in the Antiques Appraisal provides the opportunity to see nearly two hundred precious possessions residents have lovingly wrapped and transported for an expert to assess pos-sible monetary value.”

The dates and times of events are available in local newspapers, street signs, the Monroeville Hisotrical Society website, and the Society’s monthly newsletter sent to its members. Contact Ms. Chandler at 724-327-6164 or by e-mail at [email protected], or log onto the society’s website (mon-roevillehistorical.org) where a membership application can be downloaded and mailed to Lynn Chandler, 606 Illini Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146. Annual dues are: $10 for a family, $7 for an individual, and $2 for a student.

Members and volunteers are welcome to attend MHS board meetings at Monroeville Public Library on the third Tuesday at 7 PM. Logging onto the website affords a wealth of information, including photos and information about the historical sites and fascinating aspects of Monroeville’s history. Archivist Louis Chandler maintains the site. Books on Monroeville are also available. Don’t let the cold weather get you down. Instead “Think Spring” and take time to become a Historical Society volunteer or member!

Relies on

Relies onVolunteers

By Marilyn K. Wempa

Monroeville Historical Society


Volunteers

Pretend fishing in an antique watering trough is a popular activity at the Historical

Society’s annual Children’s Fun Day in June.

Volunteer Paul Brosda made cotton candy for visitors to the Historical Society’s Celebrate Monroeville booth in September.

Visitors at the Society’s historical houses enjoy talking with reenactors Lora Hearn and Henry Bowden to learn about the lives of settlers and Indians. Their demonstrations are a special feature of the Children’s Fun Days and Heritage Day Festivals.

Visitors at the Society’s historical houses enjoy talking with reenactors Lora Hearn and Henry Bowden to learn about the lives of settlers and Indians. Their demonstrations are a special feature of the Children’s Fun Days and Heritage Day Festivals.

More from theMonroeville Historical Society

Pretend fishing in an antique watering

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re you bored because you’re doing the same routine month after month? Would you like to meet interesting and positive people that would motivate you? The solution is to join the Monroeville Arts

Council. You’ll find meaningful activities to do every month with artists, musicians, and people who are making a difference in the quality of cultural life in Monroeville.

Here is an opportunity to become involved in planning the next annual Art Show by contributing ideas for the reception and entertainment. You greet your neighbors when they enter CCAC Boyce Campus’s air-conditioned auditorium for one of the four free concerts planned in July.

You might enjoy encouraging young artists by working at the Children’s Day of Art. Others might like to send thank you notes to contributors who make these activities possible or enter articles on MAC’s Website. It isn’t neces-sary for MAC volunteers to have artistic talent. What is important is a desire to promote quality events in the community.

While planning and fundraising goes on throughout the year, MAC’s events are scheduled for only two months. Board meetings are held at the Monroeville Public Library on the second Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Yearly dues are $20 - individual, $25 - family, $15 - senior individual (55+), $20 - senior family membership, $50 – sponsor, and $100 and up – company/

organization. Checks and envelopes should be made out to “Monroeville Arts Council,” in care of Membership Chair Kim Sauers, at P.O. Box 942, Monro-eville, PA 15146. For inquires, call MAC’s phone number - 412-373-0277, or log onto the Website at monroevilleartscouncil.org or use its e-mail address [email protected] . Think of the difference you’ll make in your life and others’ lives by joining MAC!

MONROEVILLE

ARTS COUNCILProvides Cure for

WinterBlahs!

By Marilyn K. Wempa

Kids’ & Teens’ Korner Art Show winners enjoyed receiving congratulations from Show Chair Isabelle Ross and the contest judge, Kim Sauers, at the Art Show Awards Ceremony in July at CCAC Boyce Campus. The show was held at Monroeville Mall.

Arts Council board member and artist Kim Sauers enjoyed using her talents to decorate visitors’ faces at the Arts Council’s Celebrate Monroeville booth.


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Colon and rectal cancer: Prevention is KeyColon and rectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. One out of every eighteen men and women will develop this type of cancer in their lifetime.

The good news is, this type of cancer can be detected early. It takes between 5 and 10 years for some polyps to develop into co-lon cancer, so early detection can mean the difference between life and death. With an early diagnosis, the �ve year survival rate is close to 90%. Without early detection, once a cancer has metastasized, the 5 year survival rate is only 10% .

Although testing is available, many people don’t take advantage of the opportunity to be tested. In fact, only 54% of Americans over 50 have had a colonoscopy. Why?

There are a number of reasons why people do not get a colonoscopy, including:

• Some people are concerned about complications, although the true risk is less than 1%,

• The test involves drinking a solution that does not taste great and is used to cleanse the bowels before the test,

• Having the test done involves losing a day of work for most people,

• Having the test requires anesthesia, • Some people are concerned about

costs, however, this test is usually covered by all insurance carriers, including Medicare and Medicaid.

• With the anesthesia comes the need for someone to drive you to and from the test,

• Most people also have associated a colonoscopy with a loss of privacy and personal modesty.

Given all that, why undergo such a test? Quite simply, this test offers early detection that can save your life. It can help prevent the need for a colostomy to catch your waste material, pain associated with the disease and the need to undergo invasive surgery or radiation and chemotherapy.

So what should you do? Talk to your family physician about your risks of developing colon and rectal cancer and get a colonos-copy scheduled. Talk to your gastroenter-ologist about the bene�ts and risks for the procedure as they apply to you. But most importantly, put this life saving test on your list for 2012. Get it done.

Dr. Irving Gottfried, MD, MPH, FACP, FACG,AGAF, is a gastroen-terologist with Premier Medical Associates, the largest indepen-dent multi-physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area.


Meet Dr. Mohan, the medical director of Premier’sHospitalists Program in Monroeville.

The program provides hospitalized patients with dedicated, round-the-clock care from Premier doctors. Our hospitalists focus exclusively on giving patients the medical care needed to get them healthy and out of the hospital.

This program has proven to reduce hospitals stays and get patients back on their feet. Our patients find real value in that.

The care is efficient. The care is high quality.

At Premier, we are Building Better Care.

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| IN BEDFORD COUNTY |

| IN BETHEL PARK |

| IN BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN- WHITEHALL |

| IN CANON-MAC |

| IN CARLYNTON-MONTOUR |

| IN CHARTIERS VALLEY |

| IN FOX CHAPEL |

| IN HAMPTON |

| IN HARBORCREEK [Erie] |

| IN KEYSTONE OAKS |

| IN MARS AREA |

| IN McKEESPORT AREA |

| IN MERCER COUNTY |

| IN MILLCREEK [Erie] |

| MONROEVILLE |

| IN MOON TOWNSHIP |

| IN MT. LEBANON |

| IN MURRYSVILLE |

| IN NORTH ALLEGHENY |

| IN NORWIN |

| IN PENN HILLS |

| IN PETERS TOWNSHIP |

| IN PINE-RICHLAND |

| IN PLUM |

| IN ROSS TOWNSHIP |

| IN SENECA VALLEY |

| IN SEWICKLEY AREA |

| IN SHALER |

| IN SOUTH FAYETTE |

| IN UPPER ST. CLAIR |

| IN WEST ALLEGHENY |

| IN WEST COUNTY [Erie] |

| IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS |

| IN WEST MIFFLIN |

| IN WOODLAND HILLS |

IN Baldwin-Whitehall

IN Bedford County

IN Bethel Park

IN Canon-Mac

IN Chartiers Valley

IN Fox Chapel

IN Hampton

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