in ross township

FALL 2011 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE oss Township

North Hills School District

Quarterly Newsletter

St. Athanasius Community Center Needle Threaders

Stitch Togethera Ministry

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Ross Township | F a l l 2 0 1 1 | inc om m u nit y m a g a z ine s. c om 1

P l e a se r e c y c l e t his m a g a z inewhe n y ou a r et hr ou g h e nj oy ing it .

Welcome to the fall issue of Ross Township magazine. As the summer winds down, and the kids head back to school, I

sincerely hope that you and your family had some time to get away fromit all and relax. It seems that these days, parents driving the family taxi,and kids with their sports/lessons/parties rarely get a chance to enjoythe slow pace of an ever more elusive “lazy summer.”Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate together around

a family table? When did everyone gather to play a board game? Doesanyone remember board games? If your answer was “That one night that thepower went out,” then you might be trapped in the 21st century jail of hyper-life. (I made that termup, but I can do that – I’m the publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless you ask my kids, but I thinkthat life should be simpler. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters should all try to spend some time witheach other as a family more than that one night when the power goes out. Family time is animportant part of being a community. And every community should value quality time with itsfamilies – it’s how we teach our children values, etiquette, and more importantly, how toparticipate in a family structure so they can pass on to their kids what you worked so hard to build.Recently, I saw a commercial where a father shut off the main power to the house so that the familycould enjoy dinner together and blamed the outage on a thunderstorm. The Xboxes were dead.The Facebook was closed. The kids came downstairs in disillusionment to ask what happened.While the commercial was pushing some tasty dinner product, the message was more palatable –you have to make family time. I would take that message one step further – you have to makefamily time a priority. I hope that it’s one of yours.Have a great fall!

Wayne DollardPublisher

Hello and welcome to the fall issue of Ross Township magazine. As I write this, the late summer temperatures are still scorching

outside and I find myself wishing away the days until I feel that first crispbreeze of autumn. I have to admit, fall is my favorite season.I love the cooler temperatures, the blazing colors of fall foliage, the

sound of leaves crunching under your feet, and the smell of the season’sfirst bonfires. Maybe it is because there is a part of me that anticipatesnew chapters in life each September, much like the start of a new schoolyear – only now I am busy getting my children off to school.Come October, our family’s weekend schedule will become packed with all of the fun fall

activities our region has to offer, from trips to the farm for pumpkin picking to a host of fall festivalsand not-so-spooky Halloween events. Each year I find it more challenging to fit everything in thatwe want to do and see. It’s my favorite time of the year for family outings, because no matter where you go or what you

do – the western Pennsylvania foliage assures that getting there will be spectacularly beautiful.We hope that you will utilize this magazine to find all the interesting people and places there

are to explore in the community during this season and throughout the year, like the St. AthanasiusEducation and Community Center, where the schedule is packed with meeting and eventopportunities. Check out an Indians football game, or get your hands dirty in a community gardenbefore the temperatures start to plunge.

Happy Fall,

Dana Black McGrathRegional Editor

oss TownshipF A L L 2 0 11

I N R o s s T o w n s h i p m a g a z ine is a c om m u nit ym a g a z ine d e d ic a t e d t o r e pr e se nt ing ,e nc ou r a g ing a nd pr om ot ing Ross Township b yf oc u sing on t he t a l e nt s a nd g if t s of t he pe opl ewho l iv e a nd wor k he r e . O u r g oa l is t o pr ov id er e a d e r s wit h t he m ost inf or m a t iv e a ndpr of e ssiona l r e g iona l pu b l ic a t ion in t heC om m onwe a l t h of P e nnsy l v a nia .

PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

REGIONAL EDITOR

Dana Black McGrath [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

WRITERS

Pamela Palongue

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoyAnna Buzzelli Joe MilneSharon Cobb Tamara TylendaSusie Doak

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Garyyonphotography.comGinography

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he Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden, an organic communitygarden developed through North Hills Community Outreach,

will help to bring fresh produce to area families in need.One of the two food banks supported by NHCO – the Loaves &

Fishes Food Pantry – serves needy families in Ross and distributesproduce harvested from the garden to their clients, along with drygoods and canned goods. That food pantry also serves severalother North Hills communities, including Hampton, McCandless,lower Richland and upper Shaler. The garden, located in Hampton/Allison Park, also provides produce for the North Boroughs FoodPantry, located in Bellevue, which serves the 15202 zip code.Those who meet income and residency requirements are eligible

to utilize the food pantry services once a month for one year.During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the pantries served 1,248 families.While the pantries do sometimes receive fresh products for

distribution, what is donated isn’t always the freshest, explainsRosie Wise, garden coordinator. Items from the community garden will be harvested fresh and taken directly to clients.The land that houses the garden was donated to NHCO by Teresa

Amelio back in 2008. She asked that the land be utilized for a garden to provide the needy with fresh produce.This year, the project finally was able to get rolling thanks to a

grant from Allegheny Grows, with support from the WesternPennsylvania Conservancy, Grow Pittsburgh and Allegheny CountyEconomic Development. Additional funding was received from theComcast Foundation and the Grable Foundation.“It really pushed us ahead to have our first planting season this

year,” says Wise.Funding from the Grable Foundation enabled NHCO to hire three

youth leadership coordinators to work on the garden. They helpwith any and all garden chores, including weeding, watering, andcoordinating volunteer efforts. The garden, which is located on Davis Avenue in

Bellevue, has provided an outlet for those looking for

volunteer opportunities, Wise says. Volunteer workdays arescheduled at the garden, and volunteers have ranged in ageanywhere from four to 80 years old.“The garden is a good opportunity for volunteering,” Wise

explains. “We often get requests from younger students to volunteer, and this is a good fit.”The experience, she says, is a very hands-on, learn-as-you-go

task, with “no green thumb required.”Amelio’s family, who previously owned the land, lived in a house

across the street from the property. Because the plot where thegarden is now located was never developed, NHCO was able toactually plant in the ground. Several cleanup days were held inMarch in preparation for the planting, and volunteer WadeCupcheck cleared the land for his Eagle Scout project.Planting started in late winter/early spring. A volunteer workday

was held in April to build two raised beds, one at 2 feet high andone at 4 feet high, to allow those who may have some physicalimpairment that prevents them from bending to participate in the effort.Grow Pittsburgh helped with plowing in April. Then volunteers

utilized the lay of the land, following the property’s contours, in thegarden design. Plantings include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers,zucchini, potatoes, parsley, basil, onions, pumpkins and chard.The food pantries surveyed their clients to see what types of

produce they would like to receive. That input was taken intoconsideration when deciding what types of vegetables to grow in thegarden. And some plants, like the chard and parsley, were donated.Chard, planted in April, already has been distributed and is so

plentiful that volunteers are working on finding recipes to passalong to food bank clients so they can learn how to prepare it.Tomatoes and peppers were expected to be ready by midsummer.

Nearly 75 people attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the garden, which was held in June.

Photos by Gary Yon



Pittsburghers love their underdogs, and in Ross Township, John Sponcer’s political career is an underdog story that canmake us proud.

After being beaten by just 70 votes against long-term RossCommissioner Dan Kinross, Sponcer reemerged thanks to agroundswell of support from Republican write-in votes. While he’s nowon the ticket for the general election, Sponcer is in a political no-man’sland, but said that he is ready to keep fighting for Ross’ Third Ward.“It puts me between a rock and a hard place,” Sponcer said. “The

Democrats weren’t going to back me since I lost on their ticket, and theRepublican Party said they won’t help me either, so I’m on my own.”Despite his lack of formal support from either party, Sponcer said he’s

going to remain aggressive in the campaign and believes he can not onlywin in November, but go on to make a positive change in a stagnant ward.Sponcer decided to get into the race after watching township officials

play political games over the decision to raise taxes one mill after 18years, and watching their police and ambulance services get the axe.He’s long led a life of leadership and public service, and is a 37-year

Ross resident. Finally, Sponcer said he decided that enough is enough.Retired from Comcast, Sponcer is no stranger to leadership roles and

public service. He is a U.S. Army veteran and a 37-year veteran of the RossTownship Fire Department. He has served as chief of Perrysville VFD for10 years and president of the Ross Township Fire Association. Sponcer isalso a family man, with a wife and two daughters, aged 20 and 10. When he saw the decisions some of the current commissioners were

making regarding cutting of the programs in Ross that make thecommunity a leader among other North Hills municipalities, he decidedthat someone needed to run against Ward 3 Commissioner Dan Kinross. “When you’re bickering as to whether you’re going to cut six police

hires, eliminate parks and recreation programs, not participate in theEMS services so your residents have ambulance services, and lose theability to fix pot holes because you’re cutting public works budgets, somechanges need to be made,” Sponcer said. “And a lot of people felt thesame way.”

In addition, some township employees grumbled that more than 5years’ worth of work on a state-funded comprehensive study would bewiped out simply because of Kinross’ last-minute bickering.Comprehensive plans are done so municipalities can get future

funding for projects – whether at the federal or state level. The loss ofgrant eligibility would also deal a serious blow to the grant-seekingeffectiveness of the township’s other agencies, like the fire departments,which successfully applied for and received grants for a new aerial, newair masks and new radios over the past five years alone. John Reubi, Ross Township Fire Marshal, said that he’s known

Sponcer for more than 30 years and thinks that he would be an excellentcommissioner for Ross Township. “John’s an excellent person. He’s served as fire chief in Perrysville,

and did an excellent job there. He’s been involved with the township fora number of years, as both a resident and as an emergency servicesprovider,” Reubi said. “I think, for one, he has the background ofknowledge of living here, and by being involved in emergencymanagement services, he’s seen another side of what needs to be doneon the commissioner level. He knows the innards of the township, whatthe township needs, and how to go about getting it.” Ralph Freedman, former Ross Township Police Chief who now

consults for the department, said that while he could not comment aboutRoss politics because of his affiliation with the township, he could speakabout Sponcer as a friend he’s known for decades. “I’ve known John for years. He’s a good guy, and he’d make a good

commissioner,” Freedman said. “He’s always a level-headed, good guy.He’s a straight-shooter and has excellent character.”Sponcer hopes that his impeccable reputation and the people of Ross

Township will come through for him again in November.“I may not have party support, but it looks like I have the support of

the people, which counts the most,” he said. “If they’re fed up enoughwith Kinross, then they can make their voices heard again in November,and we can give this Ward the fresh start it deserves.”

Write-in ballots keep Third Ward Contest Alive and KickingRoss Township’s “Comeback Kid”

He’s long led a life ofleadership andpublic service,and is a 37-year Rossresident.

Paid Political Advertisement

Photo by Gary Yon


Edward M. WielgusPresident

Thomas L. KellyVice President

Robert L. BartoArlene J. Bender Timothy F. BurnettJeffrey A. MeyerLou NudiKathy Reid

Sharon A. Schrim

Michael J. Witherel, Esq.Solicitor

Lynne PhillipsBoard Secretary

NORTHHILLS SCHOOL BOARDOF EDUCATION

The North Hills School Board, which iscomprised of nine members who are elected tofour-year terms, welcomes your comments andsuggestions and invites public participation atits meetings. The board secretary, LynnePhillips, can be reached as follows:

Administration Center135 Sixth Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15229Phone: 412.318.1004Fax: 412.318.1084

Email: [email protected]

NORTH HILLSSCHOOL DISTRICT

135 Sixth AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15229412.318.1000

Fax: 412.318.1084For more information on North Hills School District

activities, athletics, events and more, visitwww.nhsd.net

ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Joseph GoodnackSuperintendent

Patrick MannarinoAssistant Superintendent

David HallDirector of Finance & Operations

Dr. Marilyn CainDirector of Elementary Education

Dr. Rita NeuAsst. to the Superintendent, Pupil Services

Jeff TaylorDirector of Curriculum & Assessment

Valerie MengineDirector of Human Resources

Tina VojtkoCommunications Coordinator

George Zappas Director of Food Services

Dan CardoneDirector of Athletics & Activities

John KreiderPrincipal, North Hills Senior High

Bill McGaheeAsst. Principal, North Hills Senior High

Johanna VanattaAsst. Principal, North Hills Senior High

Beth WilliamsPrincipal, North Hills Junior High

Julie FrancyzkAsst. Principal, North Hills Junior High

Ryan YatesAsst. Principal, North Hills Junior High

Elaine ObidowskiPrincipal, Highcliff Elementary

Amy MathieuPrincipal, McIntyre Elementary

David LiebermanPrincipal, Ross Elementary

Jesse SimpsonPrincipal, West View Elementary

Brandon Uddstrom, Class of 2012,Beattie Tech Student Representative


8 Ross Township

The North Hills School Board unanimously named its next superintendent. Mr. PatrickMannarino, who currently serves as assistant superintendent, will succeed Dr. JosephGoodnack as the district’s leader. Dr. Goodnack is set to retire in January 2012. Mr.

Mannarino’s contract is for 4.5 years – from January 2012 through June 30, 2016. Mr. Mannarino has served as assistant superintendent since July 1, 2010. Prior to joining

the central administrative staff he served as principal of North Hills Senior High School for fouryears. He joined the North Hills School District staff as an assistant principal in June 2002 andwas promoted to associate principal in June 2005. In addition, he served as coordinator of thehigh school’s $26.5 million renovation project, which was completed in the fall of 2007. During his tenure as principal North Hills Senior High School expanded its Advanced

Placement program and implemented a robust online program to better meet the needs of 21stcentury learners. In addition, the number of students recognized by the National MeritScholarship and the AP Scholars programs increased dramatically.Mr. Mannarino was honored with the 2008 Online Course Designer Award by

blendedschools.net for his development of an online course, Civics and AmericanGovernment, which is available to students from throughout Pennsylvania viablendedschools.net. The high school course is rich with multimedia and does not require theuse of a textbook, which allows students to truly experience learning anytime, anywhere. Intotal, he has developed six online social studies courses through blendedschools.net as well astwo online professional development courses for teachers in Intermediate Unit 1, which servesschools in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties.Previously, Mr. Mannarino served as the dean of students and assistant athletic

administrator for the Blackhawk School District in Beaver Falls. Prior to his administrativeexperience, he taught high school social studies for Blackhawk. Mr. Mannarino, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Slippery Rock

University, is currently completing coursework for an educational doctorate from theUniversity of Pittsburgh. He received his Principal Certificate from Youngstown StateUniversity and his Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Mannarino resides in Beaver Falls with his wife, Tracey, and their three young children.

NORTH HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

North Hills names superintendent’s successor

Mr. Patrick MannarinoAssistant Superintendent/Future Superintendent

During his tenure asprincipal North HillsSenior High School

expanded its AdvancedPlacement program andimplemented a robust

online program to bettermeet the needs of 21st

century learners.



Nominations for the 2012 North Hills Distinguished AlumniAward will be accepted through Nov. 15, 2011. One male andone female recipient will be announced in February and

recognized during the Senior High Awards Night, held each spring atNorth Hills Senior High School.To qualify, nominees must be alumni of North Hills Senior High

School or the former West View High School who graduated at least10 years ago. Distinguished Alumni nominations will be evaluatedbased upon outstanding contributions made in nominees’ chosenprofession, record of academic achievement, professional and/orbusiness accomplishments as well as community or civicconsciousness.“Countless North Hills and West View graduates have achieved

greatness in their careers and have made significant impacts withintheir community,” Dr. Joseph Goodnack, superintendent, said. “Weare honored to have this opportunity to recognize them and thetremendous pride that they bring to the North Hills School District.”North Hills recently recognized its inaugural Distinguished Alumni

Award recipients – Dr. Timothy Hoffman, class of 1984, and theHonorable Judith Ference Olson, class of 1975.

A Distinguished Alumni wall, honoring each inductee, is locatedwithin the high school’s main lobby. For the first five years (2011 –2015), both a male and a female will be selected annually to receive theDistinguished Alumni Award. Beginning in 2016, one graduate will bechosen per year.For more information, contact Mr. Patrick Mannarino, assistant

superintendent, at 412-318-1019 or via email [email protected].

Distinguished Alumni Award recipients The Honorable Judith Ference Olson, class of 1975 and Dr. Timothy Hoffman, class of 1984.

Phot

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rtesy

of N

orth

Hill

s Pat

ch

– Dr. Joseph Goodnack, superintendent


10 Ross Township

Five individuals were recently inductedinto the North Hills School DistrictSports Hall of Fame. The 2011

inductees include Michael Czerwien(posthumous), class of 2004; Greg Morris,class of 1988; David O’Keefe, class of 1996;Dave Weinerth, class of 1984; and JessicaZapf, class of 2003.Created in 1995, the North Hills Sports

Hall of Fame honors individuals who havedistinguished themselves in athletics duringand/or beyond their years at North HillsHigh School or the former West View HighSchool. Inductees have brought pride andrecognition to the district’s athletic programsand to the community as former players,coaches, administrators and supporters. This year marked the 16th anniversary of

the Sports Hall of Fame. For moreinformation regarding the Sports Hall ofFame or to nominate a deserving alumnus,contact Chelle Zimmerman, activitiescoordinator, at 412-318-1438 or via [email protected].

2011 Sports Hall of Fame InducteesDavid O’Keefe, class of 1996; Dave Weinerth, class of 1984; Jessica Zapf, class of 2003;

Ruthann Czerwien representing Michael Czerwien, class of 2004; and Greg Morris, class of 1988)

Sports Hall of Fame inductees announced

Michael Czerwien(posthumous), Class of 2004

Michael Czerwein was anoutstanding football player at NorthHills. He was honored as WTAEStudent of the Week and was namedFirst Team All-Conference. Mikecontinued his football career atWaynesburg University where he was afour-time first-team all-conferenceplayer and earned Division III All-American accolades in 2007. He wasfeatured in Sports Illustrated after heset the NCAA record career sackswhile paying at Waynesburg. Mikewas pursuing a master’s of businessadministration degree at Waynesburg,where he was a member of thecoaching staff.

2011 Inductees:

Greg Morris, Class of 1988

Greg participated in football andwrestling at North Hills. Asquarterback, Greg led the Indians in1987 when North Hills was namedNational Champions by USA Today.Greg earned All-Conference honorsand was selected to the PittsburghPost-Gazette Fabulous 22 NorthTeam. Greg went on to HarvardUniversity, where he continued hisfootball career while earning a degreein economics. Greg resides in Wilton,Conn., where he serves as presidentand chief executive officer ofTransEngen.

The North Hills School Board appointeda new principal to West ViewElementary School. Mr. Jesse Simpson,

who served as an assistant principal for RossElementary @ Perrysville during the 2010-11school year, was promoted to West Viewprincipal. He began his new position in August.

In addition to his North Hills experience,Mr. Simpson previously served as anelementary school principal, assistant principaland sixth grade teacher in the Morongo UnifiedSchool District, located in California.

“Mr. Simpson proved to be an exceptionaleducational leader for our Ross ElementarySchool community during a time of transitionand construction,” Dr. Joseph Goodnack,

superintendent, said. “I am confident that hewill be equally successful as he leads ourstudents, families and staff at West ViewElementary School.”

He completed his bachelor’s degree inelementary education at Southeastern Collegein Florida and earned a master’s degree ineducation administration from ChapmanUniversity in California.

Mr. Simpson resides in North Irwin with hiswife, Emily, and their two young children –Ella, age 4, and Jackson, age 3. He fills thevacancy created by the departure of Mr. MarcThornton who recently accepted a similarposition in the Mt. Lebanon School District.



Jesse Simpson

David O’Keefe, Class of 1996

David O’Keefe is considered to beone of the best divers in North Hills’history. He served as captain of theswimming and diving team and wasthe WPIAL champion during hisjunior and senior years. David was aHugh O’Brien award recipient in 1993and finished second in thecommonwealth at the PIAA divingchampionships in his senior year. Heattended Duquesne University on anathletic scholarship, where he wasagain named team captain. Dave heldthe Duquesne diving record for men’sdiving and also the college’s record forhis all-time 38 first-place finishes.

Dave Weinerth, Class of 1984

Dave Weinerth was a standoutathlete in track and soccer – havingserved as team captain for both sports.Dave earned four varsity letters, wasWPIAL champion in 1983 and 1984,fourth place medal winner in thePIAA, PIAA champion in the 300meter intermediate hurdles. Dave wasalso named All WPIAL in soccer twoyears in row as well as WesternPennsylvania State Select Team forsoccer. Dave attended the UnitedStates Military Academy, West Pointwhere he continued to excel in track.In addition to athletics, he was anhonors student and earned a BronzeStar Medal as a platoon leader in theGulf War. Dave is currently in theconsulting business and resides in theSan Francisco Bay Area.

Jessica Zapf, Class of 2003

Jessica Zapf was a member of the NorthHills varsity basketball team. She was a fouryear letter winner, a three year starter and atwo year team captain. Jessica is the NorthHills’ all-time leading scorer with 1,159points. She ranks in the top five inrebounding with 615. She also holds theschool records for most points in a gamewith 37 and most rebounds in a game with19. Jessica was selected to play in the Eat’nPark Pennsylvania Hoops Classic All-StarGame and was named to the second teamPittsburgh Tribune-Review Class AAAAAll-Star Team, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette All-Section, and as a two-time Tribune-ReviewNorth Fab 5 selection. Jessica continuedher athletic career at the University ofPittsburgh – Johnstown where she helpedthe Lady Cats to four consecutive 20-winseasons, two NCAA tournaments berthsand an 84-27 record.

Principal appointed to lead West View Elementary

Confidentiality

It is district policy that parents have the right, upon writtenrequest, to review their child’s school records and to reviewthe district’s record-keeping policy.

Parents will be notified in writing prior to the removal of itemsfrom their child’s file and given the opportunity to challengethe removal of any specific document.Documentation on special education students is

maintained in a separate confidential folder. Only staff witha “need to know” have access to these folders. A sign-insheet giving the name of the person accessing theinformation, the date and the reason for reading theinformation must be completed. For further information/clarification, contact Assistant

to the Superintendent for Pupil Services Dr. Rita A. Neu at412- 318-1008.

12 Ross Township


Gifted Education: Screening & Evaluation Process

Referral for a Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation shall be made when a studentis suspected by teachers and/or parents of being gifted and in need of speciallydesigned instruction. The parent must sign a Permission to Evaluate form in

order for the process to begin. The school psychologist conducts a formal evaluationand this evaluation along with: information from the parents, demonstratedachievement, performance/expertise in one or more academic areas, high levelthinking skills, communication skills, academic creativity and measured rate ofacquisition/retention of new academic content or skills that reflect gifted ability isused to develop a Gifted Written Report (GWR).The Gifted Multidisciplinary Team shall prepare a written report that brings

together the information and findings from the evaluation. The report shall makerecommendations as to whether the student is gifted and in need of speciallydesigned instruction.The Gifted Individualized Education Program team reviews the

recommendations of the Gifted Multidisciplinary Team and determines whetherthe student needs specially designed instruction including enrichment and/oracceleration. If the student is determined to be gifted and in need of speciallydesigned instruction, a Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) will bedeveloped and implemented.A gifted student is defined as “a student who is exceptional” under section 1371

of the School Code because the student meets the definition of mentally gifted inthis section, and needs specially designed instruction beyond that required inChapter 4 relating to academic standards and assessment. This term applies only tostudents who are of school-age. Provisions for gifted students are contained inChapter 16, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Rules and Regulations, Title 22:Education. For additional information or clarification, please contact Assistant tothe Superintendent for Pupil Services Dr. Rita A. Neu, 412-318-1008.

The North Hills Junior High Schoolrecently welcomed a new member of itsadministrative staff. Ryan Yates, former

Dean of Students at Highlands High School,now serves as the assistant principal in theschool’s A-K office. Mr. Yates served as dean of students at

Highlands High School for two years. Duringthis time he gained valuable knowledge andexperience in student discipline, curriculumdevelopment and policy implementation. Healso served as a health and physical educationteacher in the Fort LeBoeuf School District forthree years.

“Mr. Yates’ prior administrative experiencepositions him well for his new role as assistantprincipal at North Hills Junior High,” Dr.Joseph Goodnack, superintendent said. “He isa great addition to our leadership staff.”Mr. Yates earned a Master of Educational

Leadership and a Bachelor of Science degree inhealth and physical education from EdinboroUniversity. He resides in Lower Burrell with his wife,

Jessi. Mr. Yates replaces Christian Lesnett,who recently accepted a similar position in thePeters Township School District.

Ryan Yates

Assistant principal appointed at Jr. High

Ross Township | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13


The North Hills School District uses thefollowing procedures for locating,identifying and evaluating specific needs of

school-aged students who may require specialprograms or services. These procedures, requiredby law, are:

The district, as prescribed by Section 1402 ofthe School Code, routinely conducts screening ofa child’s hearing and visual acuities at certaingrades or as needed. Gross motor and fine motorskills, academic skills and social and emotionalskills are assessed by classroom teachers on an on-going basis.

Specific needs from all of these screeningsources are noted in the child’s official file. Schoolrecords are always open and available to parents,and only to school officials who have a legitimatereason for “need to know” information aboutthe child.

Information from the records is released toother persons or agencies only with appropriateauthorization which involves written permissionby parents. Parents with concerns regarding theirstudent may contact building principals at anytime to request a screening or evaluation of theirchild. Communication with parents through aninterpreter including sign language is available ifneeded.

Screening information will be used by theSupport Services Teams at the elementary andsecondary schools to evaluate the child’s specificneeds or to document the need for additionalassessments. If it is determined that a studentneeds additional evaluation, parents will be askedto sign a form that permits one of the district’sschool psychologists to conduct an evaluation.

Following the completion of themultidisciplinary team evaluation, an EvaluationReport is compiled with parent involvement and

includes specific recommendations for the typesof intervention necessary to meet the child’sindividual needs. Parents are invited to participatein a meeting where the results of themultidisciplinary evaluation will be discussed. AnIndividualized Education Program (IEP) will bedeveloped for eligible students.

Parents are presented with a Notice ofRecommended Educational Placement(NOREP) which outlines the programs, servicesand location of services. If parents disagree withthe program being recommended, the issue maybe addressed at a pre-hearing conference, amediation, or at an impartial due process hearing.

Information about early intervention servicesand programs, parental rights, mediation or dueprocess procedures, specific special educationservices, district programs, and the district’seducational records policy are available uponrequest from the building principal.

Parents with children between the ages of 3and 5 have a right to an evaluation to determineeligibility for early intervention services. EarlyIntervention services are available to all eligibleyoung children beginning at age 3 through aprogram offered by the Allegheny IntermediateUnit. Parents who believe their child needs to beevaluated for eligibility may contact DiscoveryAssessment Referral Tracking (DART) at 412-394-5736, or Assistant to the Superintendent forPupil Services Dr. Rita A. Neu at 412-318-1008.

Parents may initiate a request for screening orevaluation of their child at any time by contactingthe child’s classroom teacher or the buildingprincipal. More information about theseprocedures may be obtained by calling Assistantto the Superintendent for Pupil Services Dr. RitaA. Neu at 412-318-1008.

As stipulated in the No Child Left BehindAct, parents/guardians may requestinformation regarding the professional

qualifications of their child’s classroomteacher(s). Specifically, individuals have theright to ask for the following information:

• Whether the student’s teacher met statequalifying and licensing criteria for thegrade level or subject he/she is teaching;

• Whether the teacher is teaching underemergency or other provisional status;

• The teacher’s college major, thebaccalaureate degree, and/or anyadvanced degrees earned by the teacher;

• Whether the child is provided services byparaprofessionals and, if so, theirqualifications.

To obtain this information, please submityour request in writing to Mrs. ValerieMengine, director of human resources, at theaddress listed below. Each request shouldinclude the student’s name, his/her teachers’names and the school he/she attends. Pleasebe certain to include your name, address and atelephone number at which you can becontacted during the day.

North Hills School DistrictAttn. Valerie MengineHuman Resources Department135 Sixth AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15229412-318-1010

Guidelines for Screening, Evaluating Students

Parents’ Right to Know

In compliance with state and federal law, noticeis hereby given by the North Hills SchoolDistrict that it conducts ongoing identification

activities as a part of its school program for thepurpose of identifying students who may be inneed of special education and related services(eligible students). If your child is identified bythe District as possibly in need of such services,you will be notified of applicable procedures.

Individualized services and programs areavailable for children who are determined toneed specially designed instruction due to thefollowing conditions:

• Autism/pervasive development disorder • Blindness or visual impairment • Deafness or hearing impairment • Developmental delay • Intellectual Disability• Multi-handicapped • Neurological impairment• Other health impairments• Physical disability• Serious emotional disturbance • Specific learning disability• Speech or language impairment

If you believe that your school-aged childmay be in need of special education services andrelated programs, or young child (age 3 toschool-age) may be in need of early intervention,screening and evaluation processes designed toassess the needs of the child and his/hereligibility are available to you at no cost, uponwritten request. You may request screening andevaluation at any time, whether or not your childis enrolled in the District’s public schoolprogram. Requests for evaluation and screeningare to be made in writing to the buildingprincipal.

In compliance with state and federal law, theNorth Hills School District will provide to eachprotected handicapped student withoutdiscrimination or cost to the student or family,those related aids, services or accommodations,which are needed to provide equal opportunityto participate in and obtain the benefits of theschool program and extracurricular activities tothe maximum extent appropriate to the student’sabilities. In order to qualify as a protectedhandicapped student the child must be schoolage with a physical or mental disability, whichsubstantially limits or prohibits participation inor access to an aspect of the school program.These services and protections for “protectedhandicapped students” are distinct from thoseapplicable to all eligible or exceptional studentsenrolled (or seeking enrollment) in specialeducation programs.

For further information on the rights ofparents and children, provision of services,evaluation and screening (including purpose,time and location), and rights to due processprocedures, you may contact in writing anybuilding principal.

Guidelines for “Protected

Handicapped Students”

In compliance with state and federal law,the North Hills School District will provideto each protected handicapped student the

aids, services and/or accommodations whichare needed to provide equal opportunity toparticipate in and obtain the benefits of theschool program and extracurricular activities.

In order to qualify as a “protectedhandicapped student,” the child must be ofschool age with a physical or mental disabilitywhich substantially limits or prohibitsparticipation in, or access to, any aspect of theschool program.

These services and protections for“protected handicapped students” are distinctfrom those applicable to eligible orexceptional students enrolled, or seekingenrollment, in special education programs.

For more information on evaluationprocedures and provisions of services to“protected handicapped students,” contactAssistant to the Superintendent for PupilServices Dr. Rita A. Neu at 412-318-1008, orwrite to her at the North Hills School DistrictAdministration Center, 135 Sixth Avenue,Pittsburgh, PA 15229.

Programs for Eligible or Protected Handicapped Students

100% of NHteachers highly

qualified

No Child Left Behind requires that allpublic school teachers in coreacademic subjects be Highly Qualified.

A highly qualified teacher in Pennsylvaniais one who:

• holds full certification; • has at least a bachelor’s degree; • has completed a content area major; • has passed a content area test; and • has completed teacher education course

work.In 2010 – 2011, 100 percent of the

teachers in the North Hills School Districtmet or exceeded the highly qualified criteria.

“In order to qualify as a protectedhandicapped student the child must beschool age with a physical or mental

disability, which substantially limits orprohibits participation in or access to an

aspect of the school program.”

14 Ross Township



For more information on Celiac Disease & Gluten-free Diet Information, go to www.celiac.com.

Event RaisesCeliac DiseaseAwareness

Steven Negri of Mandy’s Pizza WestView serves slices from the region’sfirst recorded 30-inch gluten-free

pizza at an event to raise Celiac Diseaseawareness at the West View VFW. Theevent drew several hundred people fromall over town to sample Mandy’s gluten-free pizza, cookies from Gluuteny inSquirrel Hill, fresh apples from Soergel’sOrchards, and to meet with arearepresentatives of Celiac support groups.National Celiac Awareness Day wasSeptember 13. Celiac Disease is a glutenintolerance affecting 1 in every 130people. Gluten is found in wheat, so thosewith Celiac adhere to strict diets and relyupon places like Mandy’s and Gluuteny tomake palatable substitutes for the foodthey are required to avoid, like pizza andcookies.

It's not too late to enjoy locally grownproduce. The farmers' market in West View isexpected to run through October, or until the

fall harvest is finished. Held Tuesdays from 4 to 7p.m., the market is located at 456 Perry Highway,behind West View Savings Bank. Enjoy a widevariety of local produce and many other items –while they last!


Photos by Gary Yon

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Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 Reversing Dementia at

UPMC Passavant

page 3 Use Your Head to Stop Strokes

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

page 5 A Matter of ChoiceMagee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for themselves

page 6 A New Level of Pinpoint AccuracyThat’s Patient Friendly

page 7 Welcoming New PhysiciansWhat’s Happening at UPMC Passavant

2 www.UPMC.com/Today

Reversing Dementia atUPMC PassavantNormal pressure hydrocephalus is the most treatable form of dementia, using a minimally invasive brain procedure offered by UPMC Passavant’s Cranial Neurosurgery Program

Janet Wilson’s world fell apart when the 52-year-old substituteteacher from Cranberry suddenly started experiencing memory loss and tremors in May 2010. CT scans ruled outsome problems (such as a brain tumor), so she underwent a battery of tests to determine if she had a rare form of dementia known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

The brain’s many tasks include making a clear fluid that protects, cushions, and nourishes itself and the spinal cord.Hydrocephalus occurs when that fluid doesn’t drain properlyand puts pressure on the brain.

Important warning signs“In older adults, the form of hydrocephalus called normal pressure hydrocephalus can cause symptoms of dementia. It’s often misdiagnosed because it mimics those of Parkinson’sor Alzheimer’s disease,” explains Arlan Mintz, MD, FACS,FRCS, director of the Cranial Neurosurgery Program atUPMC Passavant. Symptoms of NPH may include:• Memory loss, difficulty in thinking clearly andproblem solving• Problems walking• Inability to control bladder

Diagnosing NPHUp to five percent of all dementia patients have NPH, and there is no known cause. The good news is that it often can be treated with a minimally invasive procedure. Janet underwent a battery of memory and gait tests — plus a procedure known as a lumbar drain trial — to confirm her diagnosis of NPH.

“During the lumbar drain trial, patients are hospitalized forthree days while a catheter in the lower back drains built-upfluids,” says Dr. Mintz. “Patients who show progress are good candidates for having a shunt implanted.” A shunt is aflexible tube that allows the built-up fluid in the brain to drain. Janet started seeing results within 24 hours, noting, “I began feeling like myself again.”

In July 2010, a permanent shunt was inserted in Janet’s brain,connected by a tube to her abdomen, where the clear fluiddrains and is absorbed by her body. Two days later, she returned home.

“We use programmable shunt valves that allow us to use magnets on the skin’s surface to adjust the drainage flow based on pressure,” says Dr. Mintz. “Only my hairdresserknows for sure,” laughs Janet. “The shunt just feels like a little bump on my head.” She also sees Dr. Mintz twice annually for check-ups.

Seeking help for NPHIf you suspect that you or a family member may have NPH,consult with your family doctor, then a neurologist, to start the diagnosis process. The best results are seen with patientswith early stages of NPH.

Located in Passavant’s state-of-the-art pavilion, the new Cranial Neurosurgery Program offers comprehensive care topatients with brain-related illnesses and diseases. “Residents of Pittsburgh’s northern communities no longer need to travel far to have access to expert surgeons and a full range of diagnostic and surgical tools,” says Dr. Mintz. For more information, visit www.UPMCPassavant.com.

• One in 200 adults over age 55 has NPH.

• More than seven million Americans have some form of dementia.

• Fourteen percent of assisted living/nursing care residents have NPH.

Did You Know?

1-800-533-UPMC 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You’re at risk any timeyour blood pressure orcholesterol are up. It’sfar better to prevent astroke than to deal withthe consequences.”— Lawrence Wechsler, MD

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

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

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

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

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

Act FASTStrokes require immediate medical attention,so knowing the warning signs is crucial, says William Kristan, MD, chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UPMC Passavant. Stroke symptoms can include sudden onset of:

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

• Problems with balance or walking

• Vision problems

• Slurred speech

• Confusion

• Problems speaking or understanding

• Severe headache

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

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

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

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

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

• People age 65 and older

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

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

• Pregnant women

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Do You Have UFTs?Dr. Perryman says that uterine fibroid tumors can be as small as a pin or as large as a grapefruit. “It’s not clear why fibroids occur, although family history seems to play a role,” he explains. “They’re also seen more frequently among African-American women.”

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

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

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

For more information, visit www.UPMCPassavant.com.

A Matter of ChoiceMagee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for them

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

Her gynecologist, Charles Perryman, MD,of UPMC Passavant, prescribed anultrasound, then an MRI. Based onthose results, he diagnosed Robin withuterine fibroid tumors (UFTs) and referredher to the Fibroid Treatment Center atMagee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FibroidsBefore embolization

After embolization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-800-533-UPMC 7

What’s Happeningat UPMC PassavantThese free events are offered by the Passavant Hospital Foundation

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

Emily S. Burns, MDInternal Medicine

Jamie M. Cannon, MDGynecology

James J. Garver, MD, PhDGynecology

Ravindra S. Godse, MDInternal Medicine

Shailen F. Greene, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Frank N. Grisafi, MDOrthopaedics

Jennifer M. Holder-Murray, MDColorectal Surgery

Justin S. Hong, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Henry N. Huie, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Praveen Jajoria, MD, MPHRheumatology

Geetha Jeyabalan, MDCardiovascular Surgery

Sandeep Kathju, MD, PhDPlastic Surgery

Sameer J. Khandhar, MDCardiology

Forozan Navid, MDThoracic Surgery

Michael R. Pagnotto, MDOrthopaedics

Amrish D. Patel, MDPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation

James F. Pingpank Jr., MDGeneral Surgery

Michael T. Ryan, DPMPodiatric Surgery

William E. Saar, DOOrthopaedics

Jo-Anne M. Salangsang, MDInfectious Disease

Maddie Sharma, MDRadiation Oncology

Jonathan P. Shepherd, MDGynecology

Atrial Fibrillation Tuesday, Sept. 20 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North CampusSpeaker: Sandeep Jain, MD Symptoms, causes, risks, and potential treatment options, suchas advanced medical therapy,pacemaker insertion, and surgicalstrategies will be discussed.Please call 412-369-3701 to register.

Pain in the ElderlyWednesday, Sept. 21 12:30 p.m.Senior Center, Cranberry TownshipMunicipal Building Speaker: Frank Kunkel, MD Learn how pain in the elderly can be diagnosed and what treatments are most effectivewithout adverse side effects.Please call 412-367-6640 formore information.

Diabetes SymposiumThursday, Sept. 29 Doors open at 8:45 a.m.Conference Center Legacy Theatre,Cumberland Woods Village Free screenings, vendor displays, informational tables,and presentations throughout the day. For more informationplease call 412-367-6640.

Common Foot and Ankle Problems: Diagnosis and TreatmentTuesday, Oct. 18 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North CampusSpeaker: William E. Saar, DO Learn about the causes of footand ankle pain, foot and anklearthritis, and available treatment options. Please call 412-369-3701to register.

Shoulder Pain as You AgeWednesday, Oct. 19 12:30 p.m.Senior Center, Cranberry TownshipMunicipal BuildingSpeaker: Joshua Szabo, MD Learn about the causes of shoulder pain and new treatment options. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

Weight Loss and Weight ManagementTuesday, Nov. 1 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North CampusSpeaker: Registered dietitian,UPMC PassavantYour body is absolutely unique.To lose weight and keep it off, you need to know about a variety of factors that will improve your health, allowing you to lose weight and maintainthe weight loss. Please call 412-369-3701 to register.

Healthy Living with DiabetesTuesday, Nov. 15 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.CCAC North Campus Speakers: Patrick McCarthy, RN;LuAnn Berry, RD, CDEPlease call 412-367-3701 formore information.

Wednesday, Nov. 1612:30 p.m.Senior Center, Cranberry TownshipMunicipal BuildingSpeaker: Patrick McCarthy, RN November is National Diabetesmonth. Learn what diabetes is, what medicines are availablefor treatments, and current recommendations for stayinghealthy with diabetes. Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

Legacy Music Series: Holiday Performance Friday, Dec. 27:30 p.m.Conference CenterLegacy Theatre, CumberlandWoods VillageThe Passavant Hospital Foundation staff invites you toenjoy a special musical programcalled Sounds of the Season.Please call 412-367-6640 formore information.

Bridge to Hope Family Support Group Every Wednesday7 p.m.Conference CenterConference Room #1, Cumberland Woods VillageDrug and alcohol addiction andits accompanying tragedies havetouched countless Americansfrom all walks of life and from all backgrounds. The Bridge toHope provides education andsupport to affected families.Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

Legacy Music Series UPMC Passavant McCandlessPassavant Hospital Foundation is seeking talented musicianswho want to help lift people’sspirits and volunteer their time to give the gift of music. Applications are now being accepted for upcoming dates.Please call 412-367-6640 for more information.

For more informationabout classes at UPMC Passavant and affiliated outpatientcenters, call UPMC Physician Referral at 1-800-533-UPMC(8762).

UPMC Passavant9100 Babcock Blvd.Pittsburgh, PA 15237

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

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

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The question of whether breakfast really does impact a student’sschool day has been around forever. Students have been tested instudies since the early 1950s, and ever since it has been widely

accepted that students who eat breakfast perform better academically. If you look at the idea of eating breakfast before school simply, it

seems pretty obvious as to the benefits. You go to bed at night on arelatively empty stomach. You sleep roughly eight hours withoutconsuming any food and then wake up for school in the morning. If youdon’t eat breakfast, you are going into a full day without replenishing yourbody. Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, does it?

Terrill Bravender is a professor of pediatrics at Duke University, andhe breaks it down in simple terms: “Without glucose, our brain simplydoesn’t operate as well. People have difficulty understanding newinformation, they have a problem with visual and spatial understanding,and they don’t remember things as well.” Glucose is the brain’s basic fuel.You wouldn’t take your car on an eight-hour road trip without filling upthe gas tank first, would you?

The next step is to maximize your breakfast potential by choosingfoods that will allow you to raise your blood sugar level, but won’t cause adramatic fall after a few hours. Most experts agree that any breakfast isbetter than no breakfast at all, but there are certain types of breakfastfoods that will raise your blood sugar level slowly, and therefore will giveyou enough energy to last the entire morning.

Sugary cereals are usually a favorite among young children, but thesecereals will quickly raise the blood sugar level and then drop off a fewhours later, leaving children sluggish before lunch. On the other hand,

oatmeal contains roughly the same amount of sugar but it also has moreprotein and fiber, and therefore has an overall lower glycemic index. Theoatmeal will raise the blood-sugar level for the student which will lastthroughout the morning.

Now, I have to admit, I was never a “morning person,” and I alwayspreferred sleeping in to having breakfast. My mom always made me eatbreakfast as a child, but when I was old enough, I chose to opt out of it. Idid well academically, went on to college, and then graduated from lawschool. I figured breakfast really wasn’t as important as everyone alwaysthought it was, and I was sure many other people agreed with me. Iconducted my own small survey of friends and acquaintances on whetherthey all ate breakfast every morning growing up before school. To mysurprise, out of 20 men and women, I was one of only two people whoresponded that I did not eat breakfast on a regular basis. Eighteen othersresponded that they ate breakfast every single day growing up, and still doto this day. These 18 people are all very successful and have jobs rangingfrom psychologist to lawyer to fashion merchandiser.

Clearly, most people agree with the years of studies that show thatstudents do better academically when they choose to start their day withbreakfast. Next time you wake up a little late, or think that breakfast is notas important as everyone says, think again. Go ahead and grab a yogurt onyour way out the door because, remember, any breakfast is better than nobreakfast at all.

Citations: “A Better Breakfast Can Boost a Child’s Brainpower” – Allison Aubrey, August 31, 2006; npr.com

Can BreakfastReallyMake orBreakaStudent’sDay?

By Leigh Lyons

Students do better academically when they choose to start their day

with breakfast.



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Since opening its doors a little over a year ago, the St.Athanasius Parish Education and CommunityCenter has been buzzing with card playing, fitness

classes, community groups and those just looking for aspot to gather.

“To see people thriving is very exciting,” saysPatrice Mikec, coordinator for the center. “It’sbeen a very busy, wonderful year.”

After St. Athanasius School closed in June2010, the parish was faced with some decisionsabout what to do with the building.

Church officials learned in February of thatyear that the school would be closing. At thetime, the church was going through a parish

assessment and renewal process, and began looking forways to improve and enhance its outreach.

Even though the school was closed, the church stillneeded to utilize the building for its Faith Formationprogram, to provide religious education for children andyouth of the parish. About 200 students attend theprogram on Monday evenings.

But, the parish didn’t want the building to sit idleduring the other days of the week. Some membersproposed the idea of utilizing the building as acommunity center, among other suggestions. Aftersurveying hundreds of parishioners, the church decidedto move forward with establishing the Education andCommunity Center.

“To see people thriving is veryexciting. It’s been a very busy,

wonderful year.”– Patrice Mikec, coordinator for the center

St. AthanasiusRecreation

Center is

by Dana Black McGrath


Mikec, who was hired in April 2010, immediately beganbrainstorming about possible programming at the center. “I thoughtabout what we didn’t have, and came up with recreational andeducational activities, classes and programs and presented those tothe parish and committee.”

Around the same time, Mikec started visiting the BenedictineSenior Center to get some ideas about how to offer support for seniorcitizens, because there are so many of them in the St. Athanasius parishand community. But, at the same time, she wanted to be certain not to pullpeople away from the Benedictine Center’s program.

Instead, Mikec was hoping to enhance the Benedictine Center’sprogram through collaboration. Unfortunately, however, the centerannounced it would be closing and the building was put up for sale.

“A lot of their programs needed a home,” Mikec explains, “so webrought them over here.”

Those programs included card playing groups, art classes, music andwellness groups. A self-guided art class met on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.; onMondays and Fridays about 15 people gathered to play the card game500; on Thursdays about 30 gathered for a game of Bridge; and onTuesdays Vittone’s Music Center conducted a music and wellnessprogram offering group organ lessons to about 27 people.

So, Mikec decided to integrate what she calls this “wild array” ofactivities into programming at the St. Athanasius center.

Programs at the St. Athanasius center now include the Senior Lunch &Games, held on the third Friday of each month. Those attending are askedto bring $1 along with an appetizer, side dish or dessert. The gatheringstarts at 11:30 a.m. and lunch is served at noon, followed by entertainmentor a guest speaker, then guests stay for an afternoon of game playing.

The coffee shop at the center has become quite a hot spot. OpenMonday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesdays andThursdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the coffee shop has dining tables forgathering along with a couch and three loveseats for getting comfy. Avending machine is provided for coffee, and teas are donated. Often therealso are donated baked goods. And, the coffee shop is equipped with eightcomputers with Internet access.

Available to be rented for meetings and events, the coffee shop seats 24comfortably. In the event that it is rented, the shop will post a notice andbe closed to visitors but, “as long as the door is open, come on in,” Mikecsays. “It’s a hot spot; it’s homey and comfortable.”

There also are groups that rent space at the center on a regular basis,like the round dancers who practice choreographed ballroom dancingevery other Wednesday.

A fitness room at the center is open to parishioners. Filled withdonated equipment, membership is just $10 per month. Mikec hopes toexpand the hours once more volunteers are in place.

The Angels Program, an hour and a half of structured play for childrenages 0-4 and their caretakers, will return again this fall. Mikec says therewas “overwhelming response” to the program, which meets once a weekon Wednesday mornings.

Another popular group at the center is Needle Threaders, a sewinggroup ministry, which welcomes members to join even if they don’t sew.The group makes comfort quilts and dignity gowns for women who areundergoing cancer treatment, along with wheelchair and walker bags.

These and other items made by the group are available at a yearly sale.This year’s sale is set for Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A large portion ofthe proceeds from the sale are donated to the community center.

“It has become a wonderful social circle for the community,” saysMikec. “There are many non-parishioners and the group is open toanyone who wants some social time.”

Parish members also provide financial support for the center.“The parish is very committed to making this work,” Mikec says of the

center. Members make donations in the weekly collection at Mass andthere have been anonymous donations.

“We are trying to address everyone’s needs,” she says. “We are alwaysopen to suggestions and willing to try to make it work.”

For more information about the center and a complete list of classes,events and programs, visit the website at www.sapecc.org.

Photos by Gary Yon

When the dog days of summer are behind usand that first crisp snap of fall is in the air, energyseems to make a rebound and even the animalsaround the Ross Township area seem livelier,more alert. During this time, there’s nothing morewonderful than taking advantage of those last milddays to get outside and enjoy the outdoors bydoing a little yard work.

If you need some inspiration, just take a lookaround some of the Ross Township region's manyfarms and markets. One look at the blazing colorof fall blooms and pumpkins there will have youitching to get your yard autumn-ready.

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

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

If your summer flowers have faded, be sure totrim back dead leaves and blooms and add somefall flowers for some more vibrant color. Mumsand sunflowers can be purchased in pots to accentany garden with a fall palette, but don’t forgetpurple as a great contrasting color to oranges,yellows and sienna. Some fall flowers with purpleaccents are pansies, purple coneflowers, asters andmums. All of these will grow well in zone 6, whichincludes Ross Township. For some green accent,you might try growing some arugula in a pot orself-watering container. This spicy, leafy plant haslong been popular in France and Italy and actuallygrows better in the fall than in the summer. Theleaves will add zest to your salads and other falldishes. Although the planting time for arugula is inthe spring, seedlings can be purchased and

transplanted, however they also do well if left incontainers or pots.

Even if you’re not particularly good atgrowing plants and flowers, there are many waysto accent your lawn and garden with minimaleffort and maintenance. Brightly coloredpumpkins (plentiful at Ross Township farms)placed around pathways and steps give awhimsical touch to decorating. Avoid placingthem in direct sunlight and directly on the groundand your pumpkin may well last for two to threemonths in the cool fall climate. Other low-maintenance decorations for fall are corn stalksand bales of hay. Hay bales also provide extraseating in outdoor areas.

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

REAL ESTATE ROSS TOWNSHIP

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

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

FALL LANDSCAPING IDEAS


According to a study conducted by the PewResearch Center in Washington, D.C., homeswhere multiple generations of family have blendedtogether under one roof are on the rise. It is notuncommon around the Ross Township area tofind families with three, sometimes more,generations living under one roof.

With economic constraints and the high cost ofchild care, it is easy to see why children, parents andgrandparents living together in one dwelling makessense in many situations. It’s easy to see why multi-generational dwellings which appeal to the needs ofall ages are quickly becoming the trend.

From this perspective a ranch-style house onone floor is a good choice. Seniors with mobilityproblems will not have to deal with steps, but alsoparents will not have the added worry of theiryoung children falling down stairs. Anotherimportant feature of multi-generational homes isthe ‘mother-in-law suite,’ which could just as easilybe called the ‘father-in-law suite.’

This is generally an area of the house that isdesigned for an aging parent, giving them adegree of privacy and independence while stillbeing a part of the nuclear family household.They are sometimes located in a basement foreasier access for those with mobility issues andoften times will have a separate entrance, giving itthe appearance of a mini-apartment. They usuallyalways include a bedroom and private bath,however they may also come with kitchenettesand a small living area as well.

When accessibility becomes an issue with anolder adult, there are many options for making thehome more accessible without giving it theindustrial-style, nursing home appearance.

This is an important consideration when itcomes to the re-sale of the house. First of all, if an

individual is wheel-chair bound, doorways must bemade larger to accommodate the chair. With amodern contemporary home, this may beaccomplished by removing walls for a more openfloor plan which appeals to buyers or wideningdoorways with attractive archways. This will makethe change look more intentional and less like atemporary fix for a mobility problem.

Many times it becomes necessary to installgrab bars in baths and showers for the safety ofsenior family members. Although there are manyindustrial style models from which to choose,there are a few companies on the web that aresensitive to the attractiveness of the grab bars andoffer styles in decorative brass and silver. Walk-inshowers and baths can be constructed withattractive glass enclosures that fit everyone’s styleand are still accessible for seniors.

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

MAKING YOUR HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL GENERATIONS

REAL ESTATE ROSS TOWNSHIP



Holiday Donations RequestedNorth Hills Community Outreach is requestingdonations for Sharing Holiday Warmth. Each year,several hundred local families in need receive foodand utility credits during the holidays, as fundingallows. Contributions can be sent to North HillsCommunity Outreach, 1975 Ferguson Road, AllisonPark, PA 15101. NHCO is also collecting new,unwrapped toys for children and youth of all ages. For more information, contact Vicki at 412.487.6316,option 1.

Volunteer Orientations and Opportunities at NHCO• Open Your Heart to a Senior volunteer trainings areheld at various times and locations every month. Call412-307-0071 to learn more about helping a seniorremain safe and independent in his own home.Volunteers are needed in every community inAllegheny County.

• Volunteer orientation sessions for interestedvolunteers: November 10, 10 AM, NHCO Millvale,416 Lincoln Ave. Contact Linda Robins at 412.487.6316, option 2, x3215 to sign up.

• Volunteers are needed to rake leaves for elderlyneighbors in need, Saturdays through November 19.NHCO is also compiling a list of names and numbersof volunteers willing to help shovel snow for seniorsthis winter. Contact Nancy Jones at 412.307.0069.

Free Computer ClassesNorth Hills Community Outreach offers free computerclasses to help people become more comfortableusing computers in their job searches. Classes areopen to everyone and include Introduction toComputers, Introduction to the Internet, Internet JobSearching, Word, Excel and Powerpoint. The classesare free, but space is very limited so registration isrequired. Classes are held at NHCO’s Millvale Satellite,416 Lincoln Ave on Wednesdays from 10:00-12:00 p.m.Call Kevin at 412.487.6316, option 2.

Vehicle Donations NeededNorth Hills Community Outreach needs donatedvehicles for its Community Auto program. There aremore than 50 low-income people waiting for a car sothey can get to work. Donors can take the maximumpossible tax deduction. Call 724.443.8300 or visitwww.communityauto.org.


You don’t have to live withpainful varicose and spider veins.Should I Have My Veins Evaluated?Q & A WITH A VEIN SPECIALIST: While finishing charts at theend of my day, I took a few moments to listen to my staff answerquestions for a patient on the phone. The questions asked were veryimportant as were the answers that were given. Here are someexamples:

What is Phlebology?Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins and the

disease of veins. Two organizations dedicated to the advancement ofthis field are The American College of Phlebology and the AmericanVenous Forum.

Why should I see a board- certified phlebologist to evaluate my varicose veins

When it comes to any aspect of your health care, it is important tobe proactive in the choice and research of who will become medicallyresponsible for your evaluation and treatment. Though venousdisease is not always a visible ailment, it can be a serious healthproblem leading to more serious issues, so choosing a specialist, orboard certified phlebologist for your venous care is a wise decision.

Board certification in phlebology identifies a physician who hastaken the extra step of becoming specialized in the treatment ofvenous disease. Not only is the physician often a member oforganizations such as the American College of Phlebology (ACP) andthe American Venous Forum (AVF) but they have met additionalrequirements set by the certifying board. After meeting theserequirements, he or she must then pass a certifying exam allowing thephysician to identify him or herself as board-certified.

Is membership the same as board certification?This question is particularly important as it defines the specialty of

a phlebologist. While a physician may be a member of many differentorganizations, these organizations only require an interest in the fieldfor joining. Thus membership is unlike board certification wherequalification is determined through training and testing. Here’s howthe ACP defines its board certification: “The establishment of a BoardCertification Exam brings recognition to both the field of phlebologyand those providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills andexperience to provide quality care to phlebology patients.”

I had a free screening at ahealth fair and was told thatI don't have venous disease,but I still have aching, painand discoloration at theankles. What should I do?

While free screenings can beinformative, remember that this isjust a brief glance into a patient'svenous system. A complete venousexam and venous mapping by aboard-certified phlebologist is bestto determine if a patient has venousdisease.

Since a proper venous ultrasoundis such an integral part of thisevaluation, the American College ofPhlebology has set requirements for itthat include the following:• A venous ultrasound should be ordered by a

physician.• A lower extremity ultrasound should study the entire leg, from ankle

to groin. Failure to identify and treat all sources of reflux may result inoutright treatment failure.

• Evaluation of the venous system should be performed with the patientin the upright position. Sitting or lying down are inappropriate for thedetection of reflux or the measurement of vein diameters.

• A venous ultrasound should be performed by a trained physician or aregistered vascular ultrasound technician (RVT) and theninterpreted by a physician.

If I have had an evaluation elsewhere, can I still be evaluated in your office?

Of course. A free evaluation is commonly ‘ free’ because patientsare often not meeting with a physician, a physician assistant or a nursepractitioner, so this visit cannot be billed to insurance. However, mostinsurances allow for a second opinion. If you have any questionsabout the second opinion being covered, contact member services onthe back of your insurance card.

This Industry Insight was written by Theresa Schneider.

Terrance R. Krysinski, MDGeneral SurgeonBoard Certified PhlebologistVein Institute of Pittsburgh724.934.VEIN (8346)

16000 Perry Highway, Suite 2, Warrendale • 6507 Robinson Center Dr., Pittsburgh

724-934-VEIN (8346)


Sport Clips Haircuts, a place that makes itgood to be a guy, has recently remodeled itsOhio Township location on 270 Mt. Nebo

Pointe Drive in Pittsburgh. The new store designfeatures a 52” flat-screen television mounted on atruck bed graphic, so clients can “tailgate” in thereception area, along with anti-fatigue wood-grainflooring, large-scale ball park-themed wallgraphics, and 32” flat-screen televisions at eachcutting station.

“Sports is a big part of our community,” saysBob Barnot, Team Leader for the Ohio Townshiplocation. “It’s in the fabric of Pittsburgh and itjust makes sense to have a place where men andboys can watch sports and talk about the teamsthey love-it’s a new twist on the traditional barbershop. Guys feel very comfortable here and welove being part of it.” Bob and his wife, Michelle,also own Sport Clips in Bridgeville that will openin September.

In addition to traditional men’s haircutservices, Sport Clips offers clients its signature“MVP Treatment” that includes a precisionhaircut, massaging shampoo, hot steamed toweltreatment, and neck and shoulder massage. “Weknow the new design, paired with our same greatservices and stylists, will take our clients’experience to the next level, ”says Michelle. “Ineverything we do, it’s about providing the #1 besthaircut experience for guys.”

Sport Clips Haircuts A 21st Century Barbershop in a Sports-Themed Setting


Reach over 17,960 potential customers in Ross Township

oss Township


oss Township gave residents a wide variety ofmemorable and fun events recently at The Ross TownshipIndependence Day Celebration. Starting with a car cruise

at North Hills High School, neighbors were then treated to aparade in West View featuring local fire stations, Girl Scout andBoy Scout troops and vintage and specialty cars. The celebrationcontinued at The Ross Township Community Center with deliciousfood and kids activities including face painting, crafts, games andinflatable bouncers. Musical entertainment by Kardaz, fireworksby Pyrotecnico and the movie “Avatar” finished off the special day.

“Because of the budget cuts for events like this one lastNovember, we really appreciate the support from our sponsors inthe community and Commissioner Jerry O’Brien to make this eventhappen,” said Pete Geis, Ross Township director of parks andrecreation. “Without Jerry O’Brien selling advertising on his owntime, today’s celebration, Easter Egg-stravaganza, Fishing Tournamentand Community Day would not be happening.”Upcoming events include Community Day on September 24 which

will feature family activities and a fireworks display.

Art and Donna Berberich

Johnna, Billy and JohnWilliam Mullen

Local Girl Scout Troops

Michelle Trader and Frankie Tome

by Kathleen Rudolph

Kelly Krizmanich, Ross Township Parks and Recreation Intern and Pete Geis, Ross Township

Parks and Recreation Director

Julie and Nicholas Bartel,Mia Simmons

Tiffie, Winnie and Brandon Staab

The Barilar Family

Maggie, Becky and Everett Flickinger


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

memorial. During the trip, Cavanaugh paused to talk to each of thepassengers and listen to their personal accounts of the war. >eirstories of a war fought over 60 years ago captivated him. But henoticed something else too; relating their experiences seemed to givethem a sense of peace as well. Many of the veterans in their 80s and90s had never told their story to a living human being before.Cavanaugh, the son of a WWII veteran who served in the 3rd Army,65th Infantry under Gen. George PaBon, began to formulate anidea where veterans could come together on a regular basis andshare their stories and their camaraderie. With this in mind, heorganized a breakfast in the spring of 2008 with about 30 veteransin aBendance, and the Veterans Breakfast Club was born.

Since that time, the organization has grown to four locationswhere veterans meet on a regular basis. Historian Todd DePastino, also the son of a veteran, has

joined ranks with Cavanaugh to help make sure that thesesnippets of history are not lost. Many of the veterans are older

and unable to make long trips to memorial celebrations andreunions that they may have aBended in the past. >e

locations of Bethel Park, Coraopolis, Penn Hillsand the North Hills serve as places for themto gather, enjoy a breakfast and share theirexperiences. >e men are encouraged tobring photos of themselves during their

service time which are displayed on aprojector. “Once they enter the room, it’s as if

they are transported back in time,” says DePastino.Music from the 1940s is played and posters from theera are displayed. >e veterans share their storiesby addressing the entire group and alsoinformally.

>e North Hills group, which waslaunched in July 2008, will host their

next breakfast on Wednesday,Nov. 30, at Grazie Restaurant

in the Oxford Athletic Club. Cost for a fullbreakfast is $10,

co?ee and a danish is $6, and to simply aBend the meeting is free.>ere are a majority of WWII veterans, however the clubis not limited to one war or even to veterans. Anyonewho is interested in aBendingand learning more aboutour nation’s conAicts from @rsthand accounts of thosewho were at the forefront of the action are welcome. DePastino notes that recently a 22 year-old

veteran aBended the breakfast to share his story andit was eerily similar to the experiences of his eldercounterparts.

ePastino remembers the story of onegentleman who served in the ArmyAir Corps in England during World

War II. He recounted how the men would allsit around playing blackjack until they wouldget the call to go into action. >en hours

l

Anotherg

He escaped unharmed, but later in the war when this same

v

We honor our veterans when we listen to their

s


Many of the veterans in their 80s and9

With this in mind, he

o

>e men are encouraged tob

>

e

later they would return and the empty chairsaround the room served as a poignant reminder

of those who did not return. Anothergentleman who served in the 104thTimberwolf Infantry in Holland relateda story of incredible coincidences. Hevolunteered as an escort taking twoGerman prisoners of war back to theirdetention site. Along the way, he

noticed the Germansbecoming very agitatedwhen suddenly they bothjumped on him.Although he must haveinitially thought theywere aBacking him, inactuality they wereaBempting to save his lifebecause they heard the

German war planes in the distance that subsequently @red uponthem. He escaped unharmed, but later in the war when this sameveteran su?ered a gunshot wound, one of the German prisoners ofwar who helped save his life was working as an orderly in thehospital where he was being treated.

“At @rst glance, although some of these men may not look asthough they would be very eloquent speakers, I’ve found thateveryone is an expert at telling their own story,” says DePastino. >ebreakfast meetings regularly draw about 150 people at the BethelPark location and around 60 at the other locations. Wives, childrenand interested members of the community are frequently inaBendance.

>e Veterans Breakfast Club was granted non-pro@t status inJuly and DePastino, already a published author of note, willorganize a narrative collection of these stories. “>e telling of thesestories has a therapeutic e?ect for these veterans,” says DePastino,“and it’s amazing to see the relief they feel of having @nally sharedtheir experiences.” We honor our veterans when we listen to theirstories and perhaps even more so when we refuse to forget them.

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



It's not too late to catch the Indians varsity football team underthe Friday night lights. Get out and support the team at one ofthe remaining games on their schedule:

Friday Sept. 23 at Shaler Area High School 7:30 p.m.

Friday Sept. 30 at Hempfield High School 7:30 p.m.

Friday Oct. 7 Butler Homecoming 7:30 p.m.

Friday Oct. 14 at Erie McDowell HS 7:00 p.m.

Friday Oct. 21 Seneca Valley H.S. Senior Recognition 7:30 p.m.

Friday Oct. 28 at North Allegheny Senior High School 7:30 p.m.

Photos by Gary Yon

2011 NORTH HILLS FOOTBALL

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

We are currently compiling an updated list ofhouses of worship in Ross Township.

Please contact [email protected]

with your name, phone, address and website.

HOUSES OFWORSHIP

Northgate Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.931.6016

St Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.367.9001

Hiland Presbyterian Church. . . . . 412.364.9000

McKnight United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . 412.364.7132

Christ Episcopal Church . . . . . . . 412.364.2442

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