IN Penn Hills

SPRING 2013

Penn Hills

Training DayPolice

Here’s the PlanAt UPMC Health Plan, we believe customer service should be a service to you, not a headache. That’s why we offer you a personal health care concierge. A live person who lives here and can answer all your questions in just one phone call. Sure, we win awards for our customer service.

But it’s the reaction we get from satis� ed members that we � nd most rewarding.

“I’d like to have my questions answered in just one phone call.”

To fi nd out more visit upmchealthplan.com

community interests

Tomosynthesis Offers Women Greater Detection of Breast Abnormalities ..................................... | 7

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News .......................................... | 17

Penn Hills and Monroeville Police Departments Team up for Citizens Police Academy .................................. | 38

New Advanced Treatment for Skin Cancer .......................................... | 34

Business spotlight

Dental Arts of Pittsburgh .............. | 9

Valley Pool & Spa .............................. | 29

ON THe COVer – K-9 Officer David Wilkinson trains his dog Hector while Eagle Scout Denis Lang who designed the track looks on. –Cover photo by PrimeTime Shots

Dr. Paule� e Paulin loves to see you smile. She has the distinct honor of being a past President of the American College of Prosthodontists, Pennsylvania and a former professor at the University of Pi� sburgh School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics. You know that your smile is in good hands when you walk into her o� ce.

Dr. Paulin is a specialist in prosthodontics which requires three or more additional years of postgraduate training a� er � nishing dental school. Prosthodontists have extensive training in the restoration and replacement of teeth as well as TMJ dysfunction and bite problems.

“Some of the dental services we provide in our o� ce encompass the smallest � llings to complete oral reconstruction,” Dr. Paulin said. “We provide comprehensive dental services from cleanings and x-rays, to crowns and bridges, to dentures and partials, to TMJ and treatment for bite problems. But our most common procedures that we do are cosmetic and implant dentistry, where we strive to preserve the remaining natural teeth and bone in a healthy state for as long as possible, and to provide alternatives for replacement that the patient is happy with esthetically, functionally and comfortably.”

To do that, Dr. Paulin utilizes state-of-the-art dental implants to replace missing teeth, a process that not only restores the area where the missing tooth was, but also outlasts any other replacement options.

“Dental implants are titanium tooth roots shaped like the root of a natural tooth. For patients missing one tooth, a single implant and crown can be used for replacement. If a patient is missing multiple teeth, a bridge can be constructed on top of the implants. For patients who are missing all of their teeth in either the

upper or lower arch, we can a� ach a denture to the implants to provide retention, support and stability. Even people missing only one tooth can be set up for a cascade of events that compromise the neighboring teeth. � e remaining teeth want to shi� into the space, predisposing them to an increased risk for periodontal disease and tooth decay, which leads to further tooth loss.

“In our o� ce we use the Nobel Biocare Dental Implant System, which is the world’s most used implant system and has the most scienti� c documentation, with more than 40 years of publications on their safety, predictability, clinical success and longevity.”

Dr. Paulin said that many times, if the missing tooth is not one visible by smiling, people tend to ignore its replacement, which is a bad choice.

“� e back (posterior) teeth are so very important for proper diet, nutrition and overall quality of life,” she said. “When one or more teeth are missing and not replaced, there are unhealthy additional forces placed on the remaining teeth that could result in fracture and faster deterioration. It can also cause bite problems, shi� ing of the surrounding teeth, TMJ dysfunction, as well as physical facial so� tissue changes that make the face appear sunken and aged.”

Dr. Paulin said missing teeth will also lead to bone loss and further tooth dri� , as teeth surrounding the missing space shi� . It’s a common problem, as it’s estimated that 69 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. � e American Dental Association estimates that the number of people missing all of their teeth at more than 20 million, and those missing between 11 and 15 teeth at 100 million.

Dental implants are a relatively minor surgical procedure typically performed with just local anesthetic to numb the area. Dr. Paulin cites patients who have returned to work the same day they received their implant, highlighting the ease of the procedure. What’s more, implants can be anchors for crowns, bridges and dentures, securing dentures � rmly so they don’t “move around and � oat,” a common complaint among denture wearers.

For more information, contact Paule� e P. Paulin, D.M.D., dental specialist in prosthodontics and implant dentistry, at 412.823.4948.

Smile Onwith Dr. Paulin

UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Spring 2013

© 2013 UPMC

What’s Inside2 Expanding Services, Exceeding Expectations

3 Hope and Healing

4 A Healing Touch

Food in a Glass

5 Clinical Trials Can Change Lives

6 Depression and Older Adults

7 A Difference You Can Count On

UPMC Today_East_Spring_2013_Final.indd 1 2/4/13 5:18 PM

141710

9

Features

A Dog With a Job to Do ................................................................... | 4

Clean Your House, Cleanse Your Soul ......................................... | 6

Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce .............................................. | 8

The Penn Hills Community Welcomes a New High School ................................................................................. | 10

Penn Hills Teen is Honored at Jack and Jill of America, Inc. 2012 Presentation Ball ........................................ | 14

Irish Pittsburgh .................................................................................... | 16

Home Improvement ........................................................................... | 26

Cookies for the Community ........................................................... | 32

Choosing the right Food for your Pet ...................................... | 33

How I Met my Spouse: The Story of Dom & Pat Trapani .. | 31

Justin Calderone: Your Neighborhood Novelist .................. | 35

INSIDeon the cover

IN Penn Hills is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Penn Hills area and its comprising

municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and

professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

IN Penn Hills | SPRING 2013 |

4

Linton Middle School Space Project

SEEpagE 12

From the Publisher Welcome to the Spring issue of Penn Hills magazine! I hope that you are as anxious as I am to get the cold and snow behind us and get busy plan-ning projects around the house.

This issue is dedicated to home-improvement projects great and small. Some projects will give you curb appeal, some will increase your home’s value, and others are for the sheer enjoyment or luxury of it.Regardless of your aims with your home, whether gutting the walls, or just planting the perfect tree in the yard, our homes are a source of pride for us, and not in a status sense. They are where we raise our families, where we feel safe, and where we invite our friends and loved ones for parties and fellowship.

Our homes are where our children play, and where oftentimes we tend to sick loved ones. They are where we try hardest in life, and where the challenges of life hit us the most. Our homes bear witness to our triumphs as well as our sorrows, and they are as much a part of our personalities as what we choose to wear or adorn ourselves with.

So with so much importance placed on the walls that contain us, we hope that you can find at least one project within these pages to be fodder for your next project around the home.

Have a wonderful spring!Wayne Dollard, Publisher

Summer content deadline: 4/17/2013

gardEning?Gardens are commonplace in Western pennsylvania, but Why? What’s the allure of gardening that prompted you to first turn the dirt? Was it a relative who helped you plant your first tulip bulb, or was it your spouse who first introduced you to succulent, vine-ripened homegrown tomatoes?

Let us know how you first got into gardening and send us some pictures of your garden as well!

Email your submissions to: [email protected] and please indicate which of our magazines you receive so we know where to place your story.

we want to know

How did you get into

enn Hills

By Pamela Palongue

Dogs can sometimes make life better, just by being around. Their unconditional love and unassuming demeanor make them an excellent friend and companion. A few dogs are even more special, as they devote their entire lives to helping mankind.

Seeing eye dogs give the visually handi-capped the gift of freedom to explore outside of their homes under the watchful gaze of their canine guardian, keeping them from traffic and sidewalk hazards.

Some dogs help children learn to read by

CommuNIty INterests

wiTH a Job To Doa Dog

providing a calm, non-judgmental presence for beginning readers. Still others herd animals, retrieve game for hunters, pull sleds to provide transportation to remote snow-covered areas and detect the onset of seizures in advance for their masters. But one of the most noble profes-sions of any working dog is probably that of the police dog. They save lives and property and if that’s not enough, they’re pretty good public relations officers too.

Senior K-9 Officer David Wilkinson has worked with several dogs over the years. His current partner is a beautiful, black Belgian Malinois, a type of Shepherd dog, known for their ability to track by scent. This distin-guished-looking dog named Hector is friendly and calm, but when he is on the job, he is all business.

Hector is one of four dogs employed by the department to help with narcotics searches, crowd control, building searches for burglars and missing person searches. Additionally, the

dogs instinctively protect the officer and help provide an extra set of eyes and ears to alert the officer of impending danger.

Each of the four dogs live with their officer, which helps them to bond with their partner and ensures the proper care of the animals. The K-9 law enforcement lineup includes two German Shepherds and one Dutch Shepherd, according to Wilkinson. “The commands must be given in the language that the dog under-stands, for example German for the German Shepherds,” explains Wilkinson.

Besides his regular patrol duties, Hector will make appearances at 15 to 20 community events per year, meeting local residents. “He’s a great PR person for the department,” adds Wilkinson. Although friendly and approach-able to children and bystanders, Hector’s demeanor changes markedly when it is time to work, and he becomes intensely focused on the task at hand, with no patience for distractions.

To train these hardworking K-9 officers to

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” -Will Rogers

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this level of expertise takes hours of practice. An obstacle course is essential for the dogs to practice walking and running on different type of surfaces and making necessary jumps through windows and doors to get to both victims and perpetrators.

The K-9 track at Universal City had fallen into disrepair and was an unsafe place for the dogs to practice. Local Boy Scout Denis Lang worked at Moloney’s K-9 Academy in Monroeville and became interested in build-ing a new track when he learned of the state of its deterioration from owner Pat Moloney. Coincidentally, Lang’s grandfather had built the original track, which made the project even more appealing to the scout as his Eagle project. Planning for the project began in December 2011 and the actual building started in May 2012, with the new track completed just a month later in June. “I had lots of help from friends and family members who volunteered and Alm Construction Company furnished a lot of the building sup-plies,” says Lang. He was awarded his rank of Eagle in October 2012 and now attends college at Penn State, majoring in mechanical engineering.

Penn Hills Police Chief Howard Burton says, “It was an honor for our department to work with Denis on the project. He really worked hard and did an outstanding job. We’re very grateful for it and he [Lang] should be very proud of it.”

Wilkinson agrees that the track is a great place to train. The new course

includes both closed and open jumping areas, including a car door, about ten 55-gallon bar-rels to jump over, four-foot fences, and a tunnel to climb through which mimics a drain pipe. The course also has a catwalk with open spaces which is difficult for dogs to walk across with their paws. “We have to train them for every kind of surface that they’re going to encounter out there on the streets,” says Wilkinson. He also adds that dogs generally have poor depth perception, a problem which can be overcome

with regular training.Hector fearlessly flies through the air, jump-

ing through small window areas and over fences with ease.

He has learned to easily negotiate the catwalk and crawl quickly through tunnels, making him an invaluable asset in emergency situations and hard-to-reach places.

So the next time you see Officer Wilkinson and Hector, you can rest assured that Penn Hills is a little safer with them on the job.

Penn Hills Police Chief Howard Burton says, “It was an honor

for our department to work with Denis on the project. He really

worked hard and did an outstanding job.”

Penn Hills | spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

By Chelsie Kozera

Once a year, you may get the feeling that something is just not right. Perhaps it’s the dust bunnies that start exposing themselves to your house guests or the foul stench that tickles your nose each time you open the refrigera-tor door. Whatever sign grabs your attention first, it’s usually enough to begin the annual house-cleaning rampage. This period of time, when Hulk-like strength allows you to move all pieces of furniture while limbs stretch like Gumby to dust the hidden corners of your home, is known as “spring cleaning.” To some unsuspecting (generally male) counterparts this may seem like an unnecessary frenzy. But it’s actually quite normal and healthy. In fact, a good spring cleaning can even benefit your community.

The birds are chirping, the snow is melting, and you’re anxious to prepare for a new season by creating a fresh living space. Ridding your home of clutter is a great way to dive into the process. Pick up some boxes from your local grocery store and start sorting the remnants of your pack rat behavior. Begin with the bed-room closet and move into the kitchen, spare rooms, and if you have any strength left, you can tackle the abyss: your basement, of course. And donating your unwanted belongings is a great way to clean, organize and give back to your community.

Keith Kondrich, executive director of St. Vincent DePaul’s Pittsburgh Council, had time to share some donating tips with IN Commu-nity. He relayed that the organization accepts clothing donations as well as useable household goods and furniture, and stressed that there’s always a need for men’s clothing and good furniture. “A general rule of thumb is to donate

something you would give to a family member,” says Kondrich. So be mindful of what you’re donating. While that broken decorative plate that your grandmother gave you may be a family heirloom, it is still a broken plate.

At times we all experience some angst when parting with certain items, but if you only pull an item out of a box every few years and say, “Ahhh!” then store it away again, perhaps it’s time to say goodbye. It may bring joy to some-one else who is less fortunate than you.

Penn Hills residents are lucky to live close to a St. Vincent De Paul store located in the shop-ping plaza on Frankstown Road. You can take items to the store or place them in the drop boxes outside. St. Vincent DePaul’s website (www.svdppitt.org) also has a list of all the drop boxes around Pittsburgh.

Another local organization that would like your gently used items is the Riverview Children’s Center located at 655 Sylvan Way in Verona. This nonprofit educational institution offers nationally accredited early childhood education, and for income-eligible families,

there is a free educational program. The center can use games, puzzles, books, art supplies and other children’s educational items.

Also, while reorganizing the kitchen, I’m sure you will find plenty of canned goods to donate to the food bank. You can consult www.PitsburghFoodBank.org/donate to learn how to get your items into the hands of those who are in need.

Once you’ve downsized the clutter, your next move should be tackling the cleaning room by room. Pick one to dust, wipe, sweep, vacuum, and even wash. If you’re stretching your cleaning project out over a few days, assign different tasks to yourself for each day. For example, dust surfaces, clean windows, and organize drawers one day. Spend the following day washing drapery and clothes while you vacuum. Some easy spots to forget are lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. We tend to neglect some areas of our homes, but spring is the perfect time of year to come out of hibernation and pay all those little nooks and crannies some attention.

A clean home leads to a clean mind. When we’re organized we tend to feel better, think better. This spring, clean your space and donate what you can to your local community. It’s good for you and good for others!

At times we all experience some angst when parting with certain items, but if you only pull an item out of a box every few years and say, “Ahhh!” then store it away again, perhaps it’s time to say goodbye. It may bring joy to someone else who is less fortunate than you.

SoulDonate to Local Nonprofits

Clean Your House, Cleanse Your

FEAtuRE




Chamber EventsMarch 2013Men In Business LunchMarch 11, 2013- 12:00pm Green Oaks Country Club

Penn Hills Chamber Vendor Day March 14, 2013-Penn Hills YMCA

All Member Luncheon March 20, 2013- 11:15am Edgewood Country Club

April 2013Men In Business LunchApril 8, 2013-12:00pmComfort Inn, Rodi Road

Administrative Assistant DayApril 25, 2013-11:15amGreen Oaks Country Club

May 2013Men In Business LunchMay 13, 2013-12:00pmComfort Inn, Rodi Road

Women In Business LuncheonMay 15, 2013- 11:30amGreen Oaks Country Club

June 2013Men In Business LunchJune 10, 2013Comfort Inn, Rodi Road

Women in Business LuncheonJune 19, 2013, Green Oaks Country Club Check with the chamber office for more details at 412.795.8741.

PENN HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Monthly Women in Business Luncheon - Third Wednesday of each monthMonthly Men in Business Luncheon - Second Monday of each monthSummer Golf Outing Event - As scheduledAdministrative Assistants’ Day Luncheon - April each year

Many other events to be announced

www.pennhillschamber.org

CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS Name Position CompanyDenise Graham-Shealey President First Niagara BankBruce T. Hall Vice President Bruce T. Hall, CPADominique Ansani Secretary Penn Hills School DistrictRussell Arrington Treasurer PNC BankJay Hope Board Member Penn Hills YMCABernadette Rose Board Member Rapp Funeral HomeChris Fedele Board Member Fedele Insurance CompanyBill Trogler Board Member Penn Hills Police DepartmentJo Luncher Board Member Anywhere TravelScott Yusavage Board Member Computer FellowsSara Werner Co-Director Penn Hills Chamber of CommerceRaymond Luncher Co-Director Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce

The Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce is always seeking new members. We have recently added a “resident” level, which allows residents to receive our “Business Times” monthly newsletter. This fee is only $10 per year.

ALL OTHER EVENTS TO BE PLANNED, PLEASE CHECK OUR MONTHLY

NEWSLETTER.

The Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 62 years as a chamber. We are proud to have served our community and its residents for 62 years.

12013 Frankstown Road Pittsburgh, PA 15235 Phone: 412.795.8741

Fax: 412.795.7993 www.pennhillschamber.org

www.pennhillschamber.org

Volume 13 — Issue 2FEBRUARY, 2013

Business Times

UPMC EAST • FORBES HEALTH • Minuteman Press, Route 30 & PAY-A-WAY

This newsletter is being sponsored by:

This is the 25th article for a business that has been in business for 22 years or more.

The Penn Hills YMCA was founded in 1952 by a group of local citizens concerned with the lack of recreational activities for the youth of Penn Township. In 1959, a small Program Center was built. The Penn Hills YMCA served the community with an abundance of youth programs until 2005 when the New 25,000 square foot addition was built. Today with the addition to the building we can serve all ages of the community. The Y is one of 17 branches of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. The addition back in 2005 added a full size gymnasium, locker rooms, group exercise rooms, and a 3500 square foot state of the art Wellness (fitness) Center. The Penn Hills Y serves not only Penn Hills but Verona, Wilkins Township, Oakmont and parts of Monroeville.

The Penn Hills Y offers a variety of programs and services for all ages which include before and after school child care, Y-Tot Nursery school, youth and adult sports, karate, art classes, swim lessons, plus much more. In our Wellness Center we have 25 pieces of cardio equipment, pin select weight machines, and a variety of free weights and benches to suit everyone’s needs. The Y also offers over 40 group exercise classes ranging from beginner classes to group cycling and intense cardio to Yoga and Pilates. Penn Hills has the largest SilverSneaker program of all the Y’s in Pittsburgh. SilverSneakers is a program for adults over the age of 65 that have certain types of Highmark insurance. The Y also has its’ own dietician on staff to meet your needs, offering programs like Eat Well for Life, Drop 10lbs in 10 wks, and Personal

10lbs in 10 wks, and Personal Nutrition Coaching.The Y is a United Way agency and a non profit 501-c organization. Each year the Y embarks on an Annual Support Campaign to raise money for youth and families that may not be able to afford child care, a membership or a program. Our income based memberships makes it affordable for everyone, our policy is to never turn away anyone because of an inability to pay.

The Y has been here for 61 years in Penn Hills and will be here for many, many more years. The staff is ready to meet your needs and goals. The Y is for Youth Development, Healthy Living, Social Responsibility. Stop by the Y for a free visit and tour.

THE

Dr. Paule� e Paulin loves to see you smile. She has the distinct honor of being a past President of the American College of Prosthodontists, Pennsylvania and a former professor at the University of Pi� sburgh School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics. You know that your smile is in good hands when you walk into her o� ce.

Dr. Paulin is a specialist in prosthodontics which requires three or more additional years of postgraduate training a� er � nishing dental school. Prosthodontists have extensive training in the restoration and replacement of teeth as well as TMJ dysfunction and bite problems.

“Some of the dental services we provide in our o� ce encompass the smallest � llings to complete oral reconstruction,” Dr. Paulin said. “We provide comprehensive dental services from cleanings and x-rays, to crowns and bridges, to dentures and partials, to TMJ and treatment for bite problems. But our most common procedures that we do are cosmetic and implant dentistry, where we strive to preserve the remaining natural teeth and bone in a healthy state for as long as possible, and to provide alternatives for replacement that the patient is happy with esthetically, functionally and comfortably.”

To do that, Dr. Paulin utilizes state-of-the-art dental implants to replace missing teeth, a process that not only restores the area where the missing tooth was, but also outlasts any other replacement options.

“Dental implants are titanium tooth roots shaped like the root of a natural tooth. For patients missing one tooth, a single implant and crown can be used for replacement. If a patient is missing multiple teeth, a bridge can be constructed on top of the implants. For patients who are missing all of their teeth in either the

upper or lower arch, we can a� ach a denture to the implants to provide retention, support and stability. Even people missing only one tooth can be set up for a cascade of events that compromise the neighboring teeth. � e remaining teeth want to shi� into the space, predisposing them to an increased risk for periodontal disease and tooth decay, which leads to further tooth loss.

“In our o� ce we use the Nobel Biocare Dental Implant System, which is the world’s most used implant system and has the most scienti� c documentation, with more than 40 years of publications on their safety, predictability, clinical success and longevity.”

Dr. Paulin said that many times, if the missing tooth is not one visible by smiling, people tend to ignore its replacement, which is a bad choice.

“� e back (posterior) teeth are so very important for proper diet, nutrition and overall quality of life,” she said. “When one or more teeth are missing and not replaced, there are unhealthy additional forces placed on the remaining teeth that could result in fracture and faster deterioration. It can also cause bite problems, shi� ing of the surrounding teeth, TMJ dysfunction, as well as physical facial so� tissue changes that make the face appear sunken and aged.”

Dr. Paulin said missing teeth will also lead to bone loss and further tooth dri� , as teeth surrounding the missing space shi� . It’s a common problem, as it’s estimated that 69 percent of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. � e American Dental Association estimates that the number of people missing all of their teeth at more than 20 million, and those missing between 11 and 15 teeth at 100 million.

Dental implants are a relatively minor surgical procedure typically performed with just local anesthetic to numb the area. Dr. Paulin cites patients who have returned to work the same day they received their implant, highlighting the ease of the procedure. What’s more, implants can be anchors for crowns, bridges and dentures, securing dentures � rmly so they don’t “move around and � oat,” a common complaint among denture wearers.

For more information, contact Paule� e P. Paulin, D.M.D., dental specialist in prosthodontics and implant dentistry, at 412.823.4948.

Smile Onwith Dr. Paulin


By Chelsie Kozera

We don’t always welcome change; a change to our routine, our environment, our family, or

community can be daunting. As humans we grow accustomed to what we know, what’s comfortable. But it’s important to realize the power of change. It can bring with it new friends, incredible improvements, and even a stronger sense of community.

The Penn Hills School District is cur-rently experiencing a change that will impact parents, students, teachers, administrators, and residents for years to come. Discus-sion began in 2008 about the prospect of a

FEAtuRE

Welcomes a New High School

new academic building for the Penn Hills students, and by 2009 it was decided that the district would borrow money to build a new technology-rich high school, consoli-date six elementary schools into one newly constructed school and provide renova-tions to Linton Middle School. The first of these projects was tackled: Penn Hills High

School. Essentially, the administrators respon-

sible for creating a new academia for Penn Hills students felt that saving money for the district was a priority, which is why $147 million was borrowed so taxes would not have to be raised.

The old high school building dated back

THe PeNN HillS CommuNiTy


to the early 1950s. To have this building renovated and brought up to code would have cost more money than the construction of a new one. The design of the new academic building is really spectacular, in-corporating unique aspects of the school’s mascot – the Native Amer-ican Indian – into the architecture. The entrance is a canopy pointing proudly to the future with a totem pole-like support column. Parts of the design can be related to Native American identity, like strength, honor, achievement, and creativity. But this 21st century learning facility doesn’t just look impressive; it functions impressively as an energy-efficient building and qualifier of LEED (Leadership in En-ergy and Environmental Design) certification.

Some features of the building that aid in achieving sustainability are a highly reflective roof surface, sky lighting and fenestration that will allow daylight into 75% of classrooms, an ice storage unit used to cool the building, and electrical systems using conservation prin-ciples.

“Penn Hills High School will be the first green high school in the state,” says Richard Liberto, director of business affairs. Mak-ing moves toward the future doesn’t stop at being environmentally efficient; this high school is equipped with the latest technology as well. Each classroom, instructional space, and public gathering place has a presentation station and a cable television, and flat LCD panels that are located in common areas. The facility is “a top-of-the-line learning environment”, Liberto explains.

Along with technological advancements, the new high school also offers new athletic fields. The soccer field was completed in early October and a brand-new synthetic turf football field with bleachers and a scoreboard opened for the 2012 season on September 7. The construction of a new football field was made possible by the use of a $200,000 grant from the Steelers through the NFL’s Grassroots Program.

Long-time natives of the area remember Penn Hills football fondly. Today, the team still displays extraordinary talent and athleticism. The field is a well-deserved reward to the players who bring the com-munity such joy.

The new academic building “brings a better learning environ-ment and a new culture to the district,” Liberto tells IN Penn Hills.

Ultimately, the high school will bring a new sense of place to the community, beginning with the physical building and continuing on to better lessons, better learning, better students, and a better future, not just for those who experience the new learning facility, but for the community as a whole.

Penn Hills High School will be the first green high school in the stateRichard Liberto, Director of Business Affairs


on February 9th, star Wars landed at linton middle school in penn hills for a special event to benefit the multiple sclerosis Foundation. visitors had the opportunity to meet some of their favorite star Wars characters such as imperial stormtroopers, tie Fighter pilots, imperial officers, biker scouts, elite troopers, and denizens from the outer rim. darth vader, darth malic, and the emperor himself were in attendance.

the big event of the day was a star Wars Jeopardy match between selected students. students were chosen from trivia contests held during school lunch periods.

FEAtuRE

Linton Middle School Space Project



By Kathy RudolPh

The hard work and dedication of eight area African-American high school juniors and seniors were recognized

at the 2012 Jack and Jill of America Inc., Pittsburgh Chapter Presentation Ball held at the Omni William Penn Hotel. The theme was “Our Journey: Creating Our Legacy.” The teens were honored for their “outstanding

academic, athletic and community service achievements” while they waltzed the night away. The proceeds from the ball benefited the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Penn Hills area resident and high school senior Rikki LiNae Murphy was a presentee at the ball. It took approximately one year for her to prepare for the ball, participating in various seminars from community service to leader-ship along with many other subjects.

Organized in 1944, the nonprofit Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is one of the oldest African-American family organizations in the United States, founded by the late Marion Stubbs Thomas in 1938 in Philadelphia. It provides social, cultural and educational op-portunities for youth between the ages of two and 19.

Dr. Rhonda Johnson has been a Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Pittsburgh Chapter member

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. 2012 Presentation Ball

P e N N H I l l s T e e N I s H O N O r e d f O r H e r A C H I e v e m e N T s A s A P O s I T I v e r O l e m O d e l


since 1994 and was a volunteer at the ball. “The Pittsburgh Chapter is the second oldest in the nation,” said

Johnson. “We have a rich history. I have two daughters who have been presentees in the ball in the past and have one son remaining that will be a will be a presentee next year. There are so many opportunities for the children...cultural cultural, educational, recreational and social activities and most importantly, community service. We believe in giving back to the Pittsburgh community and give throughout the year to charities such as the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.”

To learn more about Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Pittsburgh Chap-ter, please visit the website at www.jackandjillpittsburgh.com.

dr. rhonda Johnsonrikki linae murphy with mother, linda murphy2012 Jack and Jill presentation ball

presentees and their parents


There are many historical books on the migration from the Emerald Isle to America, but this book focuses on the Irish flight to Pittsburgh specifically and even explores the individual neighbor-hoods where they settled, founded churches and worked to pursue the American dream. Pittsburgh offered jobs in the steel mills, the mines, the railroad and domestic service. Though these were some-times dangerous, less-than-desir-able jobs, the Irish quickly lined

up for the work, all the while facing prejudice and dire economic situations.

McElligott has been influenced by her Irish roots throughout her life. She was born in Mercy Hospital which was founded by the Dublin-based Sisters of Mercy who came to Pittsburgh in 1843 to tend to the needs of the new residents from Eire.

McElligott spent her early years in the Hill District, where thou-sands of Irish immigrants lived, including her grandparents.

As the author began collecting photographs depicting early Irish life in the region, she found that the struggles of the early immigrants and the prejudices they faced touched her heart. The

individual stories of the families (including her own), made an indelible impression on her as she realized the sheer determination that was required of her ancestors to transcend their poverty-stricken status and not only survive, but thrive in their new environment. Some of the most successful Pittsburgh Irish have been Gover-nor David L. Lawrence, dancer Gene Kelly and boxing champion Billy Conn, who, as noted in the book, exemplified the climb from prejudice and poverty to respectability and wealth.

McElligott calls the project a labor of love and “an attempt to resurrect the memory of those souls and remind current generations that we come from a place of both deep suffering and extraordinary accomplishment.”

“I hope that the book will honor the memory of the thousands of Irish immigrants who fled the [Potato] Famine, then struggled to survive in the harsh world of industrial Pittsburgh,” she says.

McElligott graduated from Thiel College and did postgrad-uate work at the University of Pittsburgh. She is active in the Gaelic Arts Society of Pitts-burgh and continues her search for Irish-Pittsburgh artifacts. Some of her favorite Irish au-thors include George Bernard Shaw and Kate O’Brien.

Irish Pittsburgh is available on Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble.

Penn Hills native Patricia McElligott has recently released a book called Irish Pittsburgh, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

open house date - april 24th


UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Spring 2013

© 2013 UPMC

What’s Inside2 Expanding Services, Exceeding Expectations

3 Hope and Healing

4 A Healing Touch

Food in a Glass

5 Clinical Trials Can Change Lives

6 Depression and Older Adults

7 A Difference You Can Count On


2 UPMC.com/Today

Our lungs play a critical role in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. But growing numbers of people of all ages are diagnosed annually with a respiratory illness or disease — including asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.

New support for lung health

UPMC’s Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine in Oakland includes renowned specialists in pulmonary medicine, critical care medicine, and allergic disorders of the lung. Their research and clinical accomplish-ments led U.S. News & World Report to rank UPMC among the top 10 pulmonary programs in the country.

With the arrival of the new UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center- Monroeville, located at 400 Oxford Drive, those same physicians are bringing their expertise to Monroeville. “The mindpower of many of the country’s leading experts in pulmonary health is now available here,” says James Lanz, MD, division director for pulmonary medicine at UPMC East. The center’s specialists will offer outpatient and inpatient care, using advanced diagnostic tools and the latest treatments for teens and adults.

Comprehensive sleep medicine services also are available at the new center, including a sleep lab with four newly renovated rooms. Sleep evaluations are offered during the day and night.

Through the introduction of its intensivist and hospitalist programs (see below), UMPC East also provides a new level of comprehensive medical care to patients with respiratory problems. “UPMC East offers access to skilled physicians 24/7,” notes Dr. Lanz. “This round-the-clock care is key to better patient outcomes.”

To learn more about the new UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center-Monroeville, visit UPMCEast.com. To schedule an appointment with any of our lung specialists, please visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Expanding Services, Exceeding ExpectationsThe new UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center-Monroeville brings a nationally ranked pulmonary program to the Eastern communities — and renowned specialists to UPMC East.

Physicians you can count onPatients in the intensive care unit (ICU) need greater monitoring and specialized care while recovering from critical condition, such as chronic respiratory failure and postoperative procedures with potential risk of complications.

To meet that need, UPMC East’s medical staff now includes intensivists — skilled physicians who deliver a high level of medical expertise to ICU patients any time of day or night.

“Intensivists specialize in areas like pulmonary medicine or surgery, then train for several years in critical care medicine,” explains James Lanz, MD, division director for Pulmonary Medicine at UPMC East. “National studies show that ICU patients cared for by intensivists do better and recover more quickly.”

Non-ICU patients at UPMC East have 24/7 access to hospitalists, who are board-certified physicians in internal medicine or family practice. “Family doctors and specialists have hectic schedules,” says Tiffany Musick, MD, director of the hospitalist program at UPMC East. “We’re available at all times, offering patients a continuum of care from admission to discharge and back to their primary care doctor.”

“And even if your family doctor or specialist is not affiliated with UPMC East, through our electronic health records, he or she will have full access to your hospital records and receive regular reports from our hospitalists and intensivists,” says Dr. Musick. “Both programs ensure a high touch and satisfying experience for patients, and provide seamless communication with their physicians.”


1-800-533-UPMC 3

Decades after receiving a childhood blood transfusion, Chris Sosinski was shocked to learn he had the hepatitis C virus, which had led to cirrhosis and the prospect of a liver transplant.

Today, Chris remains hepatitis C negative, thanks to a new direct-acting antiviral therapy he received at the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases last year. Months after ending treatment in October, his viral load remains at zero.

“That means it’s gone,” says Chris, 49, of Jeannette. “No more medicine and — if I take care of myself — no transplant.”

Baby boomers beware

Chris is one of a growing number of baby boomers diagnosed with hepatitis C, a problem so serious that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that everyone born between 1945 and 1965 be tested for the virus. The CDC estimates that more than 75 percent of the nation’s 3 million adults currently living with hepatitis C are baby boomers — and most don’t know they’re infected.

“Hepatitis C is a silent disease; most people have no symptoms,” says Kapil Chopra, MD, director, UPMC Center for Liver Diseases. “But if diagnosed early, it can be cured or managed successfully before it can develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.”

A new era of treatment

Thankfully for Chris and other hepatitis C patients, two drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 ushered in a new era of treatment, delivering improved cure rates and shorter treatment time for the most prevalent — and hardest to treat — strain of the virus. Playing a critical role was the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases, where specialists have been at the forefront in the evaluation and clinical trials of promising new therapies.

Hundreds of UPMC patients took part in groundbreaking clinical trials for those new drugs. (Turn to page 5 to learn about other clinical trials and how they are affecting patients’ lives.) Today, even more are participating in clinical trials of new therapies at UPMC with the potential for even better results in fighting chronic hepatitis C infections.

“These are exciting times. Over the next few years, we expect to have several new options that will eradicate the hepatitis C virus in most patients without side effects,” says Dr. Chopra. “It’s a new era of treatment and hope for our patients.”

A leading resource for complex care

Treating and managing hepatitis C can be complex for both patients and health care providers. In the tri-state area, UPMC is the leading provider of comprehensive and advanced specialty care for patients with the virus.

“Our multidisciplinary specialists are involved in researching and evaluating new treatments. They bring a unique perspective for managing these complex therapies,” explains Dr. Chopra.

These specialists work together to assess patients, select appropriate antiviral therapies, educate patients, monitor for adverse effects and drug interactions, and provide support for patients and family members. “They are familiar with the latest, cutting-edge therapies and developing new ones,” adds Dr. Chopra. For those patients who don’t respond to treatment and are experiencing liver failure, the program also provides seamless transition to UPMC’s internationally renowned transplant program.

To read about the risk factors for hepatitis C and what you can do, visit UPMC.com/Today. For more information about treatments for hepatitis C, contact the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases at 1-800-447-1651.

Hope and HealingUPMC is leading the way with new treatment options for hepatitis C.


4 UPMC.com/Today

A Healing Touch There are ways to relieve pain and nausea through alternative medicine.A growing number of patients are adding acupuncture and other alternative therapies to their medical care.

What is alternative medicine?

If you visit an acupuncturist or chiropractor, you’re seeking treatment in the field of complementary and alternative medicine — an increasingly mainstream tool for doctors.

“You don’t have to be a believer for it to work,” says Betty Liu, MD, a physician and acupuncture specialist at the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “I’ve seen dramatic reductions in pain and nausea — some instantaneous, some after multiple sessions.”

Who uses it?

Patients frequently turn to acupuncture and other therapies to control pain, including arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, and spasms, or to ease nausea due to pregnancy or chemotherapy.

Integrating these therapies with conventional medicine can help patients find relief more quickly, or continue making progress toward their goals.

What are some treatments?

Acupuncture, one of the most popular therapies, uses thin needles to stimulate various points around the body. “We’re not certain how it works, but we know it releases endorphins, which act like opiates to relieve pain,” Dr. Liu says.

Massage therapy uses acupressure and deep tissue massage to increase blood flow to an injured area and release endorphins.

Chiropractic medicine adjusts the spine through manipulation to put the body into better alignment.

For more information about alternative treatments, visit UPMC.com/Today.

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Food in a Glass Choosing the best milk option for you.Are you lingering longer in the dairy aisle, pondering your ever-increasing options? Should you reach for your usual skim milk — or be adventurous and try rice, almond, or soy?

Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, UPMC’s director of sports nutrition, says making the right choice is this simple: “Essentially, milk is food in a glass. Choose the drink that offers the best nutrition for your needs.”

Not all milk and dairy alternatives are equal: read labels carefully, comparing the fat and carbohydrate contents. “For example, to reduce soy milk’s ‘beanie’ taste, sugar is added,” explains Ms. Bonci. “That can jump the carbohydrate count from 12 to 24 grams.”

Look beyond just calories, too: milk is rich in protein, calcium, and minerals. “An 8-ounce serving of milk has 8 grams of protein, compared to 6 grams for soy milk and just 1 gram for almond and rice milk,” she adds.

Unless a food allergy is present, the best choice for most of us is cow’s milk. “For children under two, select whole milk,” says Ms. Bonci. “Otherwise, reach for 1 percent or skim milk — both offer a lower saturated fat content and higher calcium. Enhanced or ‘super’ skim milk features a richer texture many people prefer.”

And if you’re debating about organic versus regular milk, Ms. Bonci advises that your pocket- book be your guide. “There’s no nutritional difference between the two,” she says.


4 UPMC.com/Today

A Healing Touch There are ways to relieve pain and nausea through alternative medicine.A growing number of patients are adding acupuncture and other alternative therapies to their medical care.

What is alternative medicine?

If you visit an acupuncturist or chiropractor, you’re seeking treatment in the field of complementary and alternative medicine — an increasingly mainstream tool for doctors.

“You don’t have to be a believer for it to work,” says Betty Liu, MD, a physician and acupuncture specialist at the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “I’ve seen dramatic reductions in pain and nausea — some instantaneous, some after multiple sessions.”

Who uses it?

Patients frequently turn to acupuncture and other therapies to control pain, including arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, and spasms, or to ease nausea due to pregnancy or chemotherapy.

Integrating these therapies with conventional medicine can help patients find relief more quickly, or continue making progress toward their goals.

What are some treatments?

Acupuncture, one of the most popular therapies, uses thin needles to stimulate various points around the body. “We’re not certain how it works, but we know it releases endorphins, which act like opiates to relieve pain,” Dr. Liu says.

Massage therapy uses acupressure and deep tissue massage to increase blood flow to an injured area and release endorphins.

Chiropractic medicine adjusts the spine through manipulation to put the body into better alignment.

For more information about alternative treatments, visit UPMC.com/Today.

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Food in a Glass Choosing the best milk option for you.Are you lingering longer in the dairy aisle, pondering your ever-increasing options? Should you reach for your usual skim milk — or be adventurous and try rice, almond, or soy?

Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, UPMC’s director of sports nutrition, says making the right choice is this simple: “Essentially, milk is food in a glass. Choose the drink that offers the best nutrition for your needs.”

Not all milk and dairy alternatives are equal: read labels carefully, comparing the fat and carbohydrate contents. “For example, to reduce soy milk’s ‘beanie’ taste, sugar is added,” explains Ms. Bonci. “That can jump the carbohydrate count from 12 to 24 grams.”

Look beyond just calories, too: milk is rich in protein, calcium, and minerals. “An 8-ounce serving of milk has 8 grams of protein, compared to 6 grams for soy milk and just 1 gram for almond and rice milk,” she adds.

Unless a food allergy is present, the best choice for most of us is cow’s milk. “For children under two, select whole milk,” says Ms. Bonci. “Otherwise, reach for 1 percent or skim milk — both offer a lower saturated fat content and higher calcium. Enhanced or ‘super’ skim milk features a richer texture many people prefer.”

And if you’re debating about organic versus regular milk, Ms. Bonci advises that your pocket- book be your guide. “There’s no nutritional difference between the two,” she says.


1-800-533-UPMC 5

Research opens the door for new possibilities in patient care. But long before a drug, medical device, treatment, or surgical procedure becomes widely available, it must first be proven safe and effective.

At UPMC, clinical trials are the bridge between research and the future of modern medicine. As one of the nation’s top-ranked health care systems, UPMC annually directs or participates in hundreds of groundbreaking clinical trials in virtually every medical specialty. Some are offered only at UPMC, while others are part of national and even international trials. Each is carefully monitored and measured by expert UPMC physicians who are leaders in their fields.

For patients whose illness has no cure or no longer responds to current treatment, UPMC’s clinical trials offer potentially life-saving medical breakthroughs. Other patients enroll in clinical trials with the hope of finding a better or more cost-effective treatment.

The following three UPMC trials currently are seeking qualified patient volunteers:

Healing soldiers disfigured in battle. A flash of light, the sound of an explosion … and a soldier’s life is forever changed by a traumatic facial injury. But thanks to two government-funded clinical trials, efforts are under way at UPMC to improve the lives of wounded soldiers through facial reconstruction using the person’s own tissue. The study is enrolling military and civilian patients with visible deformities of the head or face following trauma, applying minimally invasive therapy to restore a more normal appearance.

These trials are led by J. Peter Rubin, MD, director of UPMC’s Center for Innovation in Restorative Medicine and an expert in adult stem cells derived from fat. “We’re using stem cell

therapy from a patient’s own fat tissue,” explains Dr. Rubin. “By harnessing the body’s own regenerative capabilities, we’re applying new technologies and scientific advancements to restore both form and function in patients.” For more information, visit UPMC.com/restore or call 412-864-2587.

Solutions for out-of-control blood pressure. Of the 67 million Americans with high blood pressure, more than half fail to keep it under control. Many have difficulty battling the disease despite taking three or more medications, a condition known as treatment-resistant hypertension.

As part of the body’s sympathetic nervous system, our kidneys play an important role in regulating long-term blood pressure. In most patients with hypertension, the sympathetic nervous system is overactive, thereby increasing blood pressure and causing heart, kidney, and blood vessel damage.

John Schindler, MD, an interventional cardiologist with UPMC’s Heart and Vascular Institute, is participating in an industry-funded clinical trial in which a device is placed in an artery leading to the kidney. “This therapy uses a catheter to deliver low radiofrequency energy to destroy or disable the renal nerves,” says Dr. Schindler. “If effective, this device could be a valuable alternative to medications for patients with resistant hypertension.” For more information, contact Lisa Baxendell, RN, at 412-802-8672.

Eliminating blood clots. In 2013, nearly a quarter-million adults will be diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in which blood clots form mainly in a deep vein in the leg. DVT can result in persistent leg pain and swelling; if the clot breaks loose and moves to the lungs, a potentially deadly pulmonary embolism can occur. Conventional treatment involves blood thinners and wearing compression hosiery. “We want to dissolve the clot to eliminate its consequences,” says Rabih Chaer, MD, a UPMC vascular surgeon.

Dr. Chaer is participating in a national, multidisciplinary clinical trial to determine if DVT patients would benefit from a more aggressive treatment involving the use of an image-guided catheter to dissolve the clot. “In vascular surgery, our work is technology driven; medical devices are constantly changing,” says Dr. Chaer. “By testing innovative devices, we offer our patients new opportunities to alleviate or resolve their illness.” For more information, contact Susan Tamburro at 412-623-8452.

For a complete list of clinical trials now available, please visit UPMC.com/Today. To learn more about the benefits of clinical trials in patient care, please turn to page 3 and read about UPMC’s advancements in the treatment of hepatitis C.

Clinical Trials Can Change LivesBringing patients, physicians, and researchers together to change the future of medicine.


6 UPMC.com/Today

More than 6.5 million Americans over age 65 experience late-life depression that can last for months and even years. But many older adults and their caretakers don’t seek treatment because they think depression is inevitable as we age. Its symptoms — irritability, social isolation, poor sleep, loss of appetite, and memory loss — also are easily mistaken as signs of other illnesses.

“Depression erodes our quality of life, our productivity, and our ability to have fulfilling relationships,” explains Charles Reynolds III, MD, director, Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Endowed Professor of Geriatric Psychiatry at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, and director of the Center of Excellence in Late Life Depression Prevention and Treatment Research at the University of Pittsburgh. The center is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“Untreated, late-life depression puts older adults at risk for significant declines in their mental and physical health. It can be so debilitating that it threatens their ability to live independently,” he notes. “But the right professional help and medications can be life changing for these individuals.”

A wide range of support

The center offers expertise in the detection, prevention, and treatment of depression, stress, complicated bereavement, or bipolar disorders in older adults. Through its research focus, all visits and medications are provided at no cost.

Its services include: • Preventive services, evaluation, and consultation • Treatment through therapy and/or medication • Participation in innovative research studies • Educational support • Referrals for assistance

One of the nation’s leading programs of its kind

The Center of Excellence in Late Life Depression Prevention and Treatment Research is located in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh at both the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and Western Psychiatric. It is one of only three centers of excellence in geriatric psychiatry funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the John A. Hartford Foundation.

To learn more about the center’s services or to participate in one of its current research programs, call 412-246-6006 or visit latelifedepression.org.

Depression and Older AdultsWhile it may be common, it’s important to know that depression is not a normal part of aging.

Research studies benefit patients today and tomorrow Among the center’s current research studies are efforts to improve sleep patterns, lower stress levels, promote brain health, and reduce pain as a way of preventing depression among adults age 60 and older. These include:

RECALL: A study about reducing stress among seniors experiencing mild memory, language, or judgment loss

RAPID: A study for adults with osteoarthritis knee pain

Addressing Pain and Depression Together (ADAPT): A study for adults living with both depression and back pain

Healing Emotions After Loss (HEAL): A study for adults ages 18 to 95 who are experiencing prolonged or acute grief lasting six months or more over the loss of a loved one


6 UPMC.com/Today

More than 6.5 million Americans over age 65 experience late-life depression that can last for months and even years. But many older adults and their caretakers don’t seek treatment because they think depression is inevitable as we age. Its symptoms — irritability, social isolation, poor sleep, loss of appetite, and memory loss — also are easily mistaken as signs of other illnesses.

“Depression erodes our quality of life, our productivity, and our ability to have fulfilling relationships,” explains Charles Reynolds III, MD, director, Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Endowed Professor of Geriatric Psychiatry at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, and director of the Center of Excellence in Late Life Depression Prevention and Treatment Research at the University of Pittsburgh. The center is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“Untreated, late-life depression puts older adults at risk for significant declines in their mental and physical health. It can be so debilitating that it threatens their ability to live independently,” he notes. “But the right professional help and medications can be life changing for these individuals.”

A wide range of support

The center offers expertise in the detection, prevention, and treatment of depression, stress, complicated bereavement, or bipolar disorders in older adults. Through its research focus, all visits and medications are provided at no cost.

Its services include: • Preventive services, evaluation, and consultation • Treatment through therapy and/or medication • Participation in innovative research studies • Educational support • Referrals for assistance

One of the nation’s leading programs of its kind

The Center of Excellence in Late Life Depression Prevention and Treatment Research is located in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh at both the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and Western Psychiatric. It is one of only three centers of excellence in geriatric psychiatry funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the John A. Hartford Foundation.

To learn more about the center’s services or to participate in one of its current research programs, call 412-246-6006 or visit latelifedepression.org.

Depression and Older AdultsWhile it may be common, it’s important to know that depression is not a normal part of aging.

Research studies benefit patients today and tomorrow Among the center’s current research studies are efforts to improve sleep patterns, lower stress levels, promote brain health, and reduce pain as a way of preventing depression among adults age 60 and older. These include:

RECALL: A study about reducing stress among seniors experiencing mild memory, language, or judgment loss

RAPID: A study for adults with osteoarthritis knee pain

Addressing Pain and Depression Together (ADAPT): A study for adults living with both depression and back pain

Healing Emotions After Loss (HEAL): A study for adults ages 18 to 95 who are experiencing prolonged or acute grief lasting six months or more over the loss of a loved one


1-800-533-UPMC 7

When Marcia Grimes was suddenly stricken with overwhelming stomach pain and nausea last July, she immediately told her husband to drive her to nearby UPMC East, which had opened days earlier.

p UPMC East has seven spacious operating rooms that feature the latest in surgical technologies and instrumentation.

Diagnosed with diverticulitis and a perforated intestine, she underwent emergency surgery at UPMC East to remove the damaged portion of her colon and create a temporary colostomy. Last October, Marcia, 60, a Wilkins Township resident, returned for a scheduled surgery to reverse the procedure.

“Both times were fantastic — and not just because the hospital was brand new. I’ve been to other hospitals over the years and never have been treated so well,” says Marcia, a Pittsburgh commercial real estate attorney.

A community treasure

Her surgeon, Athan Georgiades, MD, chairman, Department of Surgery at UPMC East, says Marcia’s experience echoes that of the hundreds of other patients who have undergone surgery there since July.

“Patients love UPMC East. It’s a modern, state-of-the-art hospital, providing quality care that’s second to none,” says Dr. Georgiades. “We’ve assembled a terrific staff of nurses, doctors, surgeons, and specialists.”

UPMC East also offers residents in Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs access to many of the same surgeons who practice at UPMC’s Oakland and Shadyside facilities, “without having to fight traffic and pay for parking,” he adds.

Designed for excellence

UPMC East’s “all new” design incorporates the latest best practices in advanced technology, patient comfort and safety, and infection control. The surgical suite includes seven spacious, open operating rooms featuring the newest surgical technologies and instrumentation, including:

• Computerized surgical camera navigation systems giving surgeons an inside view of the area of the body undergoing surgery • Video capabilities enabling physicians to confer with specialists worldwide • Computer systems offering instant access to medical databases

In each operating room, cables, electrical wires, and tubing for medical devices are hidden from view, providing greater mobility and freedom of movement for the surgical team. And a sterile elevator, same-floor surgical prep, and other modern decontamination and sterilization procedures dramatically reduce risk of infection.

For Marcia, however, the features she’ll remember most are the “wonderful, attentive staff” and her private “room with a view.”

“The facility is important, but the people are even more critical,” says Marcia, who was so impressed by her first hospital stay that she asked to return to the same floor following her second surgery. “It meant the world to me to have that care and attention from top-notch nurses and doctors.”

UPMC East’s comprehensive array of surgical services include general surgery; neurosurgery; orthopaedic surgery; plastic surgery; ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery; endocrine surgery; vascular surgery; thoracic surgery; and urologic surgery.

To schedule an appointment with any of our UPMC East physicians, visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor, or call toll-free 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

A Difference You Can Count OnUPMC East offers expert surgical care close to home.


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care system known around the world with experts renowned in

Care. Convenience. Community. Connected.

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and EmergencyMedical Care.

UPMC East2775 Mosside Blvd.Monroeville, PA 15146

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

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

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All Saints Episcopal Church 412.793.0270

Apostles Lutheran Church 412.793.4899

Beulah Presbyterian Church 412.242.4570

the BridgeA Wesleyan Church412.729.6115

Christadelphian Ecclesia of Pittsburgh 412.828.6157

Christian Science Church 412.731.1204

Church of Latter Day Saints 412.798.3011

Covenant Church of Pittsburgh 412.731.6221

Emmanuel Lutheran Church 412.824.4525

Faith Community Church 412.242.0210

First Baptist Church 412.371.5335

First Reformed Presbyterian Church 412.793.7117

Grace Ev angelical Lutheran 412.793.1394

Hebron united Presbyterian Church 412.371.2307

In Him ministries 412.795.4272

Jehovah’s Witnesses Pittsburgh 412.241.8188

Jubilee International ministries412.795.2116

Kerr Presbyterian Church 412.793.5508

Koinonia Church of Pittsburgh412.241.7640

Laketon Heights methodist 412.241.9170

mt. Hope Community Church 412.793.0227

mt. olive Church of God in Christ 412.361.0503

New Vision Community Church 412.241.6160

Parkway Jewish Center 412.823.4338

Penn Hills Alliance Church412.795.1818

Penn Hills Baptist Church 412.793.6640

Penn Hills Free methodist Church 412.793.7263

Praise Center Full Gospel Church 412.244.3343

Redeemer orthodox Presbyterian Church 412.795.2956

Queen of the Rosary Church 412.672.6390

Rolling Hills Baptist Church 412.795.1133

Rosedale united methodist 412.793.2019

Sri Venkateswara temple 412.373.3380

Second Baptist Church 412.371.6445

St. Bartholomew’s Church 412.242.3374

Saint Gerard majella 412.793.3333

St. James Anglican Church 412.242.2300

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church412.793.4511

Saint Joseph 412.795.5114

St. Susanna 412.798.3591

three Rivers Assembly of God 412.372.3453

trinity Lutheran Church 412.828.7799

trinity tower united methodist 412.793.9000

universal united Presbyterian Church 412.793.1355

Verona united methodist Church 412.828.8844

Verona united Presbyterian Church 412.828.4494

Victory temple orig. Church of God 412.243.5308

Zion Lutheran Church 412.242.2626

Churches Serving Penn Hills

Worship News

If your church is missing from this list, please e-mail Pamela

Palongue at [email protected].


If you have a home, you know how challenging it is to maintain it. Roofs leak, landscapes need weeding, and kitchens and baths need facelifts. If you’re handy, you can get by with your own sweat equity. However, most people don’t have the skills, let alone the time, to tackle major household projects. Here, we try to cover it all for you – from financing your project to enjoying it when it’s complete.

Building a home addition can be a good alternative to buying a new home or building a house from scratch. Besides saving money, it can be a means of investing in your home and customizing your home to serve your family’s specific needs and desires.

An addition can drastically change the way a house looks from the road or yard. An addition that isn’t well planned can look like it doesn’t belong or doesn’t match the rest of the house in terms of style or overall shape. Planning an addition carefully with a skilled architect is the best way to ensure that the house looks as good, or even better, than it did before the addition. To minimize the appearance of an addition, homeowners can usually choose to build onto the back of the existing house, thereby hiding the new construction from the road.

Depending on the size of an addition and the construction schedule, it may take weeks or months before an addition is completed. If a homeowner can’t afford to be patient during the planning and construction process, moving into a new, larger home may be a better option.

An addition can be a good investment, helping to increase the value of a home. Using a home equity line of credit or getting a new mortgage that includes money to pay for the addition can be a wise financial decision, especially when interest rates are low. However, if the expected value of an

addition – which a homeowner can estimate by studying the sale prices of nearby homes with similar characteristics – is less than its cost, it may be a poor investment.

An addition is likely to raise the value of a home. After the addition is completed, a new assessment will raise property taxes. Prior to adding on, homeowners should estimate the value of their home with the addition and compute a new annual tax liability based on current tax rates.

Building an addition is an ideal time to invest in energy-efficient fixtures and construction. Windows that prevent hot or cool air from escaping and low-energy-consuming appliances can minimize the cost of an addition by reducing energy bills and its environmental impact.

Remodeling your bathroom is another popular way to jazz up your home as well as build equity. Giving your bathroom a boost doesn’t always have to require a boatload of cash or space – just a little planning and creativity before you get started. Refresh your bath’s look with a wow-worthy makeover that improves its style and function.

One popular and inexpensive option is to have a theme for your bathroom. Examples could be a Disney theme for a child’s bathroom, or perhaps a beach theme. This can be accomplished by painting the walls, adding a wall border and by well-placed décor. Some larger and more costly

bathroom updates include new flooring, new sink and vanity and a new bathtub or shower. These improvements will get even costlier if you paid someone to do it for you.

Decks on the rear or side of homes have become extremely popular in the United States. Used for entertaining or just relaxing, decks come in all shapes, sizes, designs and material.

Home Improvements In Penn Hills


The most popular, and least expensive, deck material is treated wood. It is durable, however it will need to be painted or stained yearly or every other year depending on your climate. Composite decking products are building materials manufactured using a mixture of plastic and wood fiber. Composite decking materials are very popular because they require less maintenance than wood and often use recycled materials.

Composite decking is easy to install and is guaranteed with a 20-year warranty against rotting, splitting, splintering or termite damage. However, composite decking can be very costly.

Vinyl decking made from Cellular PVC is a great choice for decking because it is essentially resistant to stains, mold, insects and fading. PVC material is low maintenance and is a sustainable building material. But like composite, it can get costly.

Powder coated aluminum decking can be used to create a watertight floor for your deck. This unique material will never splinter, rot or rust. LockDry Aluminum decking is cool to the touch and is available in five colors. Aluminum decking is strong and lightweight. The LockDry system can be used to create a dry space to use under your deck on rainy days.

Decks can be built right on the ground, or be elevated high in the air, depending on the design of your home. If you are building a deck yourself it is very important to check all local building codes and follow all of the guidelines very closely to ensure the safety and long-term durability of your deck.

Bringing your family together is often difficult. A family game room is a fantastic way to upgrade your home and bring the family together. Whether you have an unfinished basement, an unused attic room or an empty garage, you can transform it into a fantastic oasis where your family can spend countless enjoyable hours. There are many aspects to making your game room remodel a success. First you should talk to a Design/Build contractor about water access, waste lines and additional electricity needs. The contractor can also offer advice on any changes that might be necessary to update the space, whether it be additional insulation for a garage or attic room or waterproofing for a basement room.

Water access could also be an important aspect if you plan to have a bar or sink area. A Design /Build contractor can offer advice on what needs to be done to make the area completely usable. You might also want to speak with the contractor about creating an additional half bathroom for guests and family members to use when you’re entertaining.

Electricity for lighting and appliances is also incredibly important. If you are updating an unused area of your home, the current electric wiring may not be able to handle the additional demands of a game room. The Design/ Build contractor can guide you through what will need to be updated and how much it will cost.

Our Home Improvement Partners

Valley Pool & Spa is your community family owned Pool & Spa superstore since 1967. We pride ourselves on creating a unique shopping atmosphere with a huge product selection in our stores. With free computerized water testing and pool experts on staff, we can help

with your every need. Visit one of our stores in Monroeville, North Versailles, or Greensburg and experience the Valley difference.

Valley Pools & Spas412-349-8190 • www.valleypoolspa.com

For over 25 years, the Mazon’s of Family Floors have maintained a tradition of excellence in installation and service, that can’t be matched by the big box stores and national chains. Whether you’re looking for carpet, ceramic tile, luxury vinyl tile, laminate or wood flooring,

with our shop at home service or full service showroom, Family Floors has a floor to match your lifestyle.

Family Floors LLC412.856.1987 • www.familyfloorsllc.com

Do you plan to renovate your kitchen, finish your basement, or add on a new deck? These are just a few home improvements that may change your insurance needs. For most people, the home is their single largest investment. Take some time to assess your

insurance needs. Call one of our Monroeville Agents and ask for a Homeowners Insurance Makeover.

State Farm855.733.7333 • www.statefarm.com

Think EZ Storage for your Spring Cleaning and Renovation Needs! We offer month-to-month leasing, security, convenience, great rates, and a FREE Move-In Truck. We know you’ll be pleased with how “EZ” storage with us can be.Stop in or call today to reserve your space;

your friendly Resident Managers will be happy to explain this month’s great specials and help you pick your perfect unit.

EZ Storage Monroeville412.856.6080 • www.ezmini.com

A good neighbor is a green neighbor.TM

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Agent Name555-555-5555

Agent email address or website


If finances are an issue there are definitely still projects you can complete yourself including painting, laying carpet, adding shelves or simply updating the décor.

Gone are the days when it was frowned upon to bring work home. Today a home is not a home unless it has a home office. Whether you are turning an extra bedroom into a workspace with store-bought furniture or constructing a full-

scale two-level library and office, home offices are a regular part of what makes a house a home in 2013.

Making the space your own is essential to effective use of a home office. Create a space that makes you more productive and relaxed at the same time and that is a winning combination. A desk is an essential part of most offices. Choose one that meets your needs. If all you need is a work top to use your laptop from, consider a computer cart and save the space for a comfortable chair or small sofa. If you are in the market for a larger desk, consider office furniture resellers. They sell executive-grade used furniture for a fraction of the cost.

Bookcases or other storage can be a nice addition. Not only can they store books, but they are also great places to display awards or showcase your favorite collection of nicknacks or memorabilia. Decide whether you prefer furniture pieces or built-ins. Antique shops have great deals on beautiful bookcases, and most local cabinet shops can design and install custom built-ins. If you have a closet in your office, visit your local home center for a plethora of storage and organizing options.

A comfortable chair or two is a necessity. Choose long-lasting fabrics and sturdy frames. Go with classic styles that won’t end up as next year’s garage sale item. Test out the chair before you buy it. Desk chairs especially need to provide good support and be comfortable.

We live in a society of over-indulgence. Nothing shows this like the home theater. So many popular home magazines have a page dedicated to converting your basement into a home theater, or something similar. The HGTV website has 16 home theater features alone. But how doable is the home theater in reality? First, you need a fairly large space, either a big family room or a basement. Second, you need to budget for all the furnishings including, of course, the stars of the show: home theater equipment – a big-screen TV, DVD player and speakers – and comfy seating. Also very popular for home theaters is floor and aisle lighting similar to real movie theaters, and perhaps even an old-fashioned popcorn maker.

Frankly, home theaters are generally for those with deep pockets because there really is no way to make a home theater cheaply. Still thinking of taking the plunge? The home improvement website Home Time has a really useful feature on home theater planning. It covers everything you’ll need to consider, like the space you’ll need and even suggested room layouts, to maximize your viewing pleasure.

Kitchens are the most popular room in the house to remodel. Many people consider the kitchen to be the center of the home and its most important component. Another reason it is so popular to remodel is there are so many things in the kitchen that can be remodeled….cabinets, cabinet hardware, countertops, floor, appliances, lighting, walls and sinks.

There is very little right or wrong when it comes to remodeling your kitchen; it comes down to personal taste. There are so many choices when it comes to style, design and type of material for every component of your kitchen. When remodeling there is much to consider: cost, what is your goal, what is your situation (pets or small children could help decide what type of flooring to use, for example) and what is the cost vs. equity value of the remodel.

If finances are an issue and you are not the handiest individual, there are still many simple and easy things you can do to add pizzazz and value to your kitchen. For example, you can paint your cabinets and add new handles rather than buying new cabinets. Adding a stylish splashguard behind your stove and sink is easy to do and adds great appeal. Painting the walls can also make a huge difference in your kitchen, as can changing the light fixture.

If done well, landscaping can completely change the character and perception of a home. Landscaping encompasses anything on the outside of the home including grass cutting, plants, flowers, rock, mulch, borders, vegetable gardens and more.

Beyond the aesthetics, landscaping can be beneficial to a property if designed properly. Solar heat absorbed through windows and roofs can increase cooling costs, and incorporating shade from landscaping elements can help reduce this solar heat gain. Shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 9° F (5°C). Because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25°F (14°C) cooler than air temperatures above nearby blacktop.

Using shade effectively requires you to know the size, shape, and location of the moving shadow that your shading device casts. Also, homes in cool regions may never overheat and may not require shading. Therefore, you need to know what landscape shade strategies will work best in your regional climate and your microclimate.


Contiuned on page 30


Valley Pool & Spa is your community, family owned Pool & Spa superstore that prides itself on creating a unique shopping atmosphere with a huge product selection and expert help.

Valley Pool & Spa opened their first store in 1967 and there is a reason that they have been around for so long. Original owners Jim and Dolly Harding made their customers’ satisfaction a priority and that same philosophy continues today with the current owner Corie Kraft, the Harding’s granddaughter. Corie and her husband Jeff go the extra mile to ensure that their employees are well-trained and knowledgeable, in addition to a store that offers every product imaginable for the care of your pool or spa.

“We have 20 times more products for the care of pools and spas than any other store around,” explains Eric Cassidy, Vice President. “We also offer a free loyalty program called PoolPerks, which provides a 3% discount on everything, everyday! It also allows us to keep track of a customer’s pool & spa so they know we are always providing them with the right items and that no receipts ever need saved. Additional discounts are also made available based on what the customer needs & buys through the PoolPerks program.”

In addition to an extensive product line, Valley Pool & Spa offers complimentary computerized high-tech water quality

testing which checks for over 28 vital water levels. “We have people drive from as far away as Ohio to have their water tested with us,” says Eric, but fortunately residents of the eastern Pittsburgh areas will not have far to drive with the new Monroeville store location.

There are three different testing systems available, including the AccuDemand test which is administered by the only trained and certified chlorine demand treatment staff in Pittsburgh. Water quality is such an important factor in ensuring that your experience is safe and beneficial and can also extend the life of your pool or spa; there’s really no reason not to have it professionally tested.

“We also have a store within a store,” adds Eric. There is an entire section deemed “Pool Toy Wonderland” devoted to water toys and water sports equipment, including water polo, basketball, volleyball, kids’ games, mask, goggles, rafts, tubes, noodles, and other fun stuff for

babies, children, teens, and adults. Their staff completes over 100 hours of training in March

and April each year which includes industry updates and information. This extra attention to training is probably one reason that Valley Pool & Spa was designated as one of the top 100 employers by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2012.

They were also rated as one of the top 100 companies in Western PA out of over 3,000

Pittsburgh businesses in 2008. Besides being a great

company to work for, Valley Pool & Spa actively gives back to the surrounding community, sponsoring area Little League Baseball teams and supporting the arts, particularly the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra. In fact, if you are lucky enough to catch one of their concerts, you will hear owner Corie in the violin section.

Former Pittsburgh Penguin Max Talbot, past spokesperson, and loyal customer probably said it best, “Ditch your pool boy! Valley Pool & Spa’s experts will teach you how to care for your pool or spa yourself.”

Visit Valley Pool & Spa’s NEW Monroeville location in the Holiday Center located on Route 22 next to PetSmart & Michaels. Their other locations include Route 30 in Greensburg and also Route 30 in North Versailles. Visit them online at www.ValleyPoolSpa.com and “like” them at www.facebook.com/ValleyPoolSpa.

Valley Pool & SPaValley Pool & SPaOpens New Store in Monroeville

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


be noticed – visible from a window, off a patio, or along a walkway – but away from the play areas of small children or pets. Keep clear of major root systems or mature trees, which can block too much of the sunlight plants and fish need. You’ll also need to be within reach of a grounded exterior outlet so you can plug in a pump, an essential tool for keeping the water aerated; most pumps come with a maximum cord length of 25 feet, and extension cords are not recommended. You may need to bury the power cord a few inches down in PVC pipe to hide it.

Space permitting, you need at least 40 cubic feet for your pond – about 7 feet by 4 feet – to keep the water clean. An initial shallow terrace just inside the perimeter of the pond holds rocks that conceal the liner edge and keep it in place. A second, deeper terrace supports plants that live in the water and help balance the pond’s ecosystem. As you dig, you must slope the sides of the pond so that if the water freezes, the ice will push up instead of against the liner. Even in warmer climates, small ponds can change temperature rapidly, so if you’re adding fish you’ll want a deeper pond that will maintain a more consistent temperature and accommodate the fish – 18 to 24 inches for goldfish and at least 3 feet for koi.

To maintain the consistent depth of the water, you need to line the pond. A thin layer of sand and old newspapers or burlap bags softens the jagged edges of rocks and roots. But over that you will need to put a waterproof skin. There are several types of flexible liners meant for small ponds – made from polypropylene and EPDM, among other materials. Look for one that’s weather-resistant, so it will stand up to UV rays and freezing temperatures. It should also be rated “fish-safe” if you plan to stock your pond and come with a warranty of 10 to 20 years so your pond will be watertight for many years to come.

Remodeling your home can generate tremendous equity for the future, as well as personal enjoyment in the present. Remodeling projects come in all shapes, sizes and costs. Projects can range from replacing flooring or a faucet, to installing new trim work or tile and replacing windows and doors. Remodeling can also take on the form of revamping or adding a bathroom, redoing a kitchen, overhauling your home’s exterior for improved curb appeal, or completing an addition to increase your home’s square footage and add valuable space. Big and small changes can both have an impact and will improve the way your home looks and functions, increasing its value and making it more enjoyable for you and your family.

The key to any remodeling job is to make sure it makes sense financially. Not all remodeling jobs are cost-effective. For example, it is possible to pay $75,000 for a new addition, but an appraiser may be of the opinion that it only raised the value of your house by $50,000. It is very important that you do as much research as possible and talk to as many experienced professionals as possible so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.

Also, if you can determine how much water your plants actually need, then you won’t overwater them and waste water. It is important to not only understand a plant’s particular watering requirements, but also evapotranspiration.

Evapotranspiration (Et) is the amount of water that is evaporated from the soil and transpired through the plant’s leaves. This amount of water needs to be replaced through watering. If you know your area’s Et rate, you can plan the amount of water to be replaced through irrigation. It’s best to water or irrigate your plants in the early morning when evaporation rates are low. This also provides plants with water before midday when the evaporation rate is the highest.

Lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cast an enchanting spell on any outdoor space. It is also very effective for safety and security purposes.

Examples of exterior lighting include: torches, candles, lanterns, solar ground lighting, flood lights, lamp posts, landscape lighting and general light fixtures. For setting a mood the most popular lighting is candles or small lanterns. For security and safety purposes, it is critical to have flood light or lamp posts or ground solar lighting or all. A burglar is much more likely to enter a home without a lot of light on the outside illuminating the property.

With countless styles and options available, there are no right or wrong choices. The outdoor lighting a homeowner will choose will come down to budget and personal preference.

Many of us take pride in our homes, investing countless hours rearranging and remodeling the interior. But it can also be refreshing to step out of the confines of the inside and spend some time outside. It’s especially enjoyable during the spring, summer and fall months. When the weather is favorable, it’s difficult to miss out on a nice day outside.

But spending time outside doesn’t mean you have to forfeit your creature comforts. With a few small adjustments you can make your outdoor space comfortable and inviting. Turning a yard, patio, porch or other outdoor area into a functional living space can be a rewarding task, and will expand your living space to the outdoors. With the right setup, you can spend more time in the sunshine and fresh air, and host events al fresco for friends, family and neighbors.

Options for outdoor living include outdoor kitchens, dramatic lighting, fireplaces or fire pits, a water feature (like a fountain), outdoor living rooms, gazebos and pavilions. With so many options to choose from, for most people it will come down to price, climate where they live and available space in which to be creative.

Before you start, call 811 or your local one-call center to have electric and gas lines marked so you know where to dig to steer clear of them. Then, when you map out the location of your pond, put it where it will


It was March 1954. I was a senior student, eagerly awaiting graduation that August. My family was living in the North Hills and I was spending the weekend there, along with my childhood friend, Joanne. It was a Friday night and we were going dancing.

A lot has changed in dance customs since then. Dances were commonly held at churches almost weekly. It was a great place to socialize, practice the latest dance craze and perhaps even meet someone who would change the rest of your life.

For the most part, people would arrive date-

less, usually with one or more friends of the same sex. Women and men would stand on opposite sides of the room from each other. Soft drinks were the refreshments of choice (“drugs” were something grandma took for arthritis!). Someone asking, “Can I take you home after the dance?” often measured the success of the evening.

That night we decided to go to Danceland in West View Park. This was several steps up from the local church affair, with a large metallic ball that magically caressed the room

FEAtuRE

in floating silver spheres, il-luminating the dance floor. An eight-piece orchestra provided the music instead of the usual 78 records played by a DJ.

When we attempted to purchase the tickets, we were asked if we were “members.” I stammered that I knew nothing of membership rules. Then a handsome young man with dark hair, standing in line be-hind me, remarked, “Let them

in; I know them. In fact, I’m going steady with the one in pink.”

There were no more questions about mem-bership and the evening began. Joanne and I would meet up between the dances to discuss and giggle about the pros and cons of our dance partners and assess the “going home situation.” My dad had driven us to the dance with the strict warning that if we did not meet someone willing to take both of us home to-gether, we were to call him for transportation.

Eventually it was time for the next-to-the-

How I Met My SpouSe

last dance. Both of us had several offers of a ride home. But they were all quickly with-drawn when it became apparent that it was a two-for-one deal. The music stopped and I found myself standing next to the guy who had been our savior at the admission counter. I smiled coyly, fluttered my eyelashes and innocently asked, “You said we were going steady and you haven’t even danced with me.”

What could the poor guy do? The melan-choly strains of “Goodnight Sweetheart” kept rhythm with the floating silver spheres and Dom innocently asked, “Need a ride home tonight?” These five words changed both of our lives forever.

November 24 was our 57th wedding anni-versary. Over the years, Dom has often had to take my girlfriends home, just like that night at Danceland. Whenever he starts to com-plain, I just have to remind him that he chose “the one in pink.”

-Submitted by Pat Trapani of Verona.

DoM & pat trapanI

The Story of

“Need a ride home tonight?” These five words changed both of our lives forever.


By Chelsie Kozera

Eleven years ago, Americans were gravely affected by terrorist attacks on our nation. On the anniversary of this day most of us reflect on where we were when we first heard the news of a passenger plane hitting the World Trade Center. Were you at work? At home? At school? Perhaps you were close to one of the attacks, or know someone who was injured or lost his/her life on that tragic day. We’ll never forget that time in American history, and it’s our respon-sibility to ensure that younger generations are educated on the meaning of 9/11.

In 2002, Forbes Elementary School principal Kristin Brown decided that her students would not forget the events of September 11, 2001. Since then, the students of this local elementary school have been commemorating the acts of bravery that occurred on 9/11 by gathering to-gether to give cookies to the local first respond-ers of the Penn Hills community in appreciation of the work they do every day.

Megan Brennan, president of the PTA for the past eight years, took the time to speak with IN Penn Hills about the wonderful 10-year tradition involving both children and parents at Forbes Elementary.

A week before the anniversary of 9/11, a note goes home with the students (grades kinder-garten through third) asking parents for cookie donations. Meanwhile, the students are encour-aged to write a few words of thanks on paper stars, which are then used to decorate the white boxes that will hold the donated cookies.

On the morning of September 11 the chil-dren come to school bearing delicious treats.

Remembering Those Who Serve

CommuNIty INterests

Cookies

There are 12 classrooms at Forbes, and approxi-mately two to four students per classroom are se-lected to place cookies in boxes for postal work-ers, firefighters, police officers and paramedics around the community. Brennan explains that selecting only a few students to assist in packaging helps to control the mayhem that would surely ensue if every student in the school participated. (It also means fewer culprits partaking in under-the-table cookie consumption!) Once the cookies are boxed, a few students drive around with parent and teacher volun-teers to hand-deliver the goodies.

But not all first responders await the arrival of the students at their place of work; members of the Rosedale Fire Department make a special visit to the school to pick up their annual appreciation cookies. The school has a connection to this particular department since the fire chief ’s children are students there.

Brennan conveys that the parents and teachers at Forbes Elementary try to “teach the students to be community-oriented” with this event and other activities throughout the year. She says that Cookies for the Community Day is also a way to educate students who were born after 2001 about the acts of bravery conducted by this country’s first responders.

None of us will ever forget the events of 9/11, and neither will the students of Forbes Elemen-tary School thanks to the staff, PTA and parents who honor the courageous men and women year after year.

Community for the


W hen it comes to caring for your pets, you do everything you can to ensure they stay happy and healthy. And while there are a variety of pet foods on the market boasting recipes made using wholesome

ingredients, if pets aren’t digesting that food correctly, they may as well be eating the inexpensive fillers you’ve been trying to avoid.

In fact, many pet owners don’t know their dogs and cats have sensitive stomachs, which may make it hard for pets to properly digest their current food, and could lead to a host of problems. Pets need consistency; they need to eat the same food every day to avoid digestive upset. If pets can’t absorb the nutrients in the food they eat, it can lead to malnutrition, lethargy, frequent vomiting and worse.

The good news is there are pet foods on the market that offer well-balanced, easily digestible nutrients. With this in mind, here are some tips for choosing the right food for your pet:

Check the LabelLook for natural, wholesome ingredients and avoid fillers.

Remember, while proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals all play an important role in the health benefits of your pet’s diet, there are other ingredients to consider to help ensure your pet is properly absorbing these key nutrients.

ProbioticsYour pet’s digestive tract requires a careful balancing act of bacteria.

Probiotics – or good bacteria – help keep your pet’s immune system healthy. There are cat and dog foods that contain live probiotics added to the food after it has been cooked and cooled. This process assures maximum survival of the probiotics, so that your pets reaps the full benefits of their food.

PrebioticsPrebiotics stimulate the growth and maintenance of good bacteria,

like probiotics, in your pet’s digestive tract. Examples of prebiotics include beet pulp and inulin, which is a fructose found in plant roots and is believed to aid in the absorption of calcium and magnesium, according to a 2005 study published by the National Institutes of Health.

Natural FibersJust as fiber plays an important role in human digestive health, it also

plays an integral role in your pet’s digestive health. Fiber-rich foods such as oatmeal and flaxseed promote digestive regularity. Flaxseed, for example, helps with the movement of food through your pet’s digestive tract, is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, and offers benefits for your pet’s cardiovascular, endocrine and immune systems.

Easily Digestible EnzymesSeveral organs such as the pancreas help break down food within the

digestive process by producing enzymes. Adding enzymes to pet food actually helps with this process by ensuring your pets are getting the nutrients from their food, while reducing stress on their organs. This is especially crucial for aging pets.

When it comes to choosing a pet food for your dog or cat, keep in mind that more than just the main ingredients matter. Ensure your pet is getting the maximum amount of nutrition from every bite by purchasing quality food that supports the digestive system.

Right FoodYouR PEt

Choosing thefo

r



By Chelsie Kozera

Fantasy novelists take us away from the mun-dane world and into a fictional place where

we can believe the unbelievable. J.K. Rowling introduced us to Hogwarts where we learned about the world of wizards in the Harry Potter series, while Suzanne Collins gave us a page-turning twisted love story in a post-apocalyptic world with The Hunger Games. Local author Justin Calderone captivates readers with the story of a few ordinary characters who accept an extraordinary challenge in live action role play (LARP). LARP is a somewhat more grown-up version of make-believe, where individuals assume the roles of characters, and events are acted out in the real world. In the book, entitled LARP: The Battle for Verona, Calderone brings readers into a world where the art of sorcery protects gallant knights who fight for their kingdoms, a world where battles between good and evil occur frequently; a world that many Penn Hills residents may have had a glimpse into if they’ve ever driven past Washington Boulevard during a LARP event. It was at this very corner that a novel was born.

Calderone, 36, is a long-time resident of Penn Hills who currently resides in the area with his wife Emily and their two-year-old son. He began his education at St. Joseph School in Verona, continued his studies at Penn Hills High School, and went on to achieve a B.A. in writing from La Roche College. After completing his undergraduate studies, Calderone worked as a professional writer in marketing and advertising; however, after a few years in this industry he decided it was time for a change. Seek-ing a more fulfilling job, he pursued a master’s degree in education from Gannon University. Upon completion of his degree, he returned to his alma mater – Penn Hills High School – to work as an English teacher.

Calderone laughs a little about his career choice as he recalls his past academic life. Never partaking in school clubs or making the honor roll

RESIDENt ProfIle

NeighboRhood NoveliST

made him an unlikely candidate for a teaching position. But his love for English and ability to excel when he puts words to paper has made him an inspiring educator within the Penn Hills School District. Currently, he is working on his second master’s degree in educational leadership from Edinboro University.

But Calderone does more than study books and teach from books, he writes them too! Continued on next page

Justin Calderone

Justin Calderone

You

R


Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. It is expected to cause over 50,000 fatalities in 2013. Many do not fully understand the prevalence of this disease and the benefits of timely screening. While the statistics seem daunting, there is reason for hope.

Colon cancer almost always develops from pre-cancerous polyps (abnormal growths). Since it takes between 5-10 years for some polyps to develop into colon cancer, early detection and removal of these growths can mean the difference between life and death.

1. Speak to your doctor about when you should begin screening

“One of the most difficult tasks I face is convincing reluctant patients to be screened for colon cancer. Many do not fully understand the prevalence of this disease and the benefits of timely screening.”, Dr. Frank Colangelo explains.

If you are between the ages of 50-75, you should be screened regularly. There is more than one way to be tested.

You are at a “high-risk” for colon cancer if you or a close relative has had either colon cancer or polyps, or if you have inflammatory bowel disease. “High-risk” people need to be checked more frequently than most with colonoscopies, sometimes even before the age of 50.

2. Decide how you prefer to be screened

The leading medical authorities recommend either a colonoscopy every 10 years, a shorter flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or a high sensitive stool test (FIT-fecal immunochemical test) once every year. The FIT test is simple to use and can be done discreetly at home.

With early diagnosis, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is close to 90%. Once a cancer has metastasized the rate of survival is much lower. Early screening can save your life.

Dr. Frank Colangelo, M.D., is an internal medicine physician with Premier Medical Associates, the largest multi-physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Premier has kicked off an initiative to reduce colon cancer rates among its more than 100,000 patients, with a goal of increasing the number of patients who are screened from 63% to 80% by the end of 2014.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month:Top 3 Ways to Reduce Your Risk

www.PremierMedicalAssociates.com

RESIDENt ProfIle

When asked when his writing career actually began he responded, “Writing is something I’ve done forever… As long as I’ve been able to hold a pencil.” He has since progressed from a boy scribbling down a story to a two-time published author.

His first book, Revolutions, is a poetry novel that was published in 2004 by Lachesis Publish-ing. The novel is organized by season and can be described as a diary of Calderone’s life, in poetry form. Years later, the idea for a second novel struck him while waiting at a red light.

Ideas can strike a writer at any time. For this author, it happened while making his usual trip to Trader Joe’s grocery store in East Liberty. Calderone caught sight of a LARP event on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Allegh-eny River Boulevard and was overcome by the absurdity of people dressed in medieval garb, swinging swords, amongst the fast-moving cars and traffic lights of the 21st century. He turned to his wife and asked, “I wonder how they’d do against a real army? If a boat pulled up, and troops charged down the boulevard, could they defend us?” It was a bizarre scene, but it was the catalyst that drove him into completing a novel about a group of LARPers who put their skills to use when their hometown is threatened.

To ensure that his book would be as authentic as possible, Calderone interviewed real “LARP-ers.” In speaking with true participants of live-action role play events, he grew knowledgeable about this unique hobby.

He wasn’t alone in the process of writing his fantasy action story; his wife, Emily, was quite in-strumental in the development of the novel. “She was my sounding board throughout the whole process… She was there every step of the way.”

When asked about the steps he took to develop the storyline that produced the novel, he candidly revealed that a lot of ideas for the progression of his story came to him in dreams, or at some moment in the middle of the night. He kept a pen and notebook at his bedside to jot down concepts as they came to him. Calderone says of his writing, “I can’t turn it off.”

Most writers will carry notebooks with them so they never miss a good idea, an inspiring sen-tence, or an outlandish concept for a character. Writers also conjure their creative spirits by read-ing the works of others. For Calderone it was the well-known American novelist and poet Jack Kerouac who influenced him to pursue writing novels. After reading Kerouac’s works he said to

himself, “This is what I have to do.” Kerouac often takes people and experiences

from his own life and portrays them in his novels; Calderone, like his mentor, wanted to pay homage to the people and places that have affected him. “It’s so much of my personal life,” he says about LARP: The Battle for Verona.

The title alone reveals the setting which shares its name with Pittsburgh’s small eastern suburb. But in the novel, Verona is an island off the coast of Washington. The population, like our beloved suburb, is a little under 3,000 and is described as a blue-collar island. The main characters – Den-nis, Mark, and Freddy – hang out at the River-towne Inn, leave the island by way of the Hulton Bridge, venture to Uniontown for a LARP event, and stay at Eiler’s Hotel while they prepare for a match against their long-time rivals who fight for the kingdom of Oakmont. The local references alone make this novel an enjoyable read for resi-dents of Verona, Penn Hills, Oakmont, and Plum alike. We are introduced to the book’s protago-nist and told, “Dennis met Mark and Freddy at Verona High School although their families had known each other and gone to school together forever. Generations of families had lived and died together in Verona.” Sound familiar?

Calderone pays tribute to the place where he grew up and the people who have made an impact on his life. Characters are derived from his father, his cousins, and even his eighth grade teacher from St. Joseph School – Mary Chirdon. The main characters are unlikely heroes who are part of a classic geek society. Calderone describes them as, “the last people in the world you’d expect to save the town.” But in LARP: The Battle for Verona the protagonists attempt to do just that.

Calderone confesses that having your work published is not an easy task; in fact, his novel was rejected about 70 times. But he advises future novelists to “believe in what you’ve done.” After patience and perseverance, his manuscript became a published piece of work, conveying the legacy of Verona, its businesses and people for years to come. Today, Calderone’s book can be purchased on Amazon.com, as well as at the Verona Giant Eagle, Mystery Lovers Books in Oakmont, Phantom of the Attic in Monroeville, House of the Dead in Lawrenceville and Co-pasetic Comics on Polish Hill. Allow this local author to entertain you with his action-fantasy novel about a small town that we all know and love.


PremierMedicalAssociates.com

Premier will now offer our patients rheumatological care at One Monroeville Center. We welcome Dr. Tang to our team of doctors committed to advancing and elevating the level of preventative, acute and chronic care in our region.

A higher standard.A better patient experience. A different model of care.

Allergy & Immunology

Behavioral Health

Cardiology

Family Medicine

Gastroenterology

General & Breast Surgery

Hospitalist Medicine

Infectious Disease

Internal Medicine

Neurology

Opthalmology

Orthopedics

Pediatrics

Podiatry

Outpatient Radiology

Rheumatology

Sleep Medicine

Rheumatology

Baowei Tang, M.D. FACRRheumatology

P A t i e n t c e n t e r e d

“Rheumatology is much needed specialty in the Pittsburgh region. Patients will benefit greatly as Premier continues to expand our continuum of care.” Mark DeRubeis, CEO


By Matthew J. FasCetti

The Citizens Police Academy was back by popular demand! After tremendous feedback from the last attendees, the Penn Hills and Monroeville police departments teamed up to host the academy once again.

The academy was set up to be a hands-on experience with very little classroom time. This was a change from the previous class. Time was also added to a few classes to enable every student to participate fully in different activities.

The idea for the academy was for students to get a real-world understanding of what goes on in day-to-day police operations. Courses included simulated traffic stops, crime scene investigations (where participants processed a simulated crime scene), use of force, emergency response, drug identification, working with canines and firearm safety. Participants fired police firearms at a shooting range. There were also Taser demonstrations and a simulated DUI traffic stop in which students got to experience

the dangers and difficulties of dealing with impaired motorists.

“The academy allows citizens to see what law enforcement goes through on a daily basis,” said Monroeville Assistant Chief Steve Pascarella. “It is a great lesson in the difference between TV and reality.” Bill Trogler, a Penn Hills police de-tective, adds, “We call this the CSI effect. Shows like CSI make it seem like our work is easier and much quicker than it really is. Much of what we do is good old - fashioned police work. Inter-views, processing of evidence, following leads…these things take time and diligence.” Trogler added that the most popular classes in the previ-ous academy were the use-of-force class, the Taser demonstration and the interaction with the K-9 unit.

The reason for the success of the academy is quite simple…it is both educational and informative. As evidenced by the number of police dramas on TV, people are fascinated by law enforcement. They want to learn more, they want to experience it firsthand…and it doesn’t

hurt that they learn potentially useful skills along the way. “In the fall academy, many of the participants had never shot a firearm before. We provided one-on-one instruction at the range. They all had fun, but more importantly, it taught them how to safely use a firearm,” said Pas-carella. The police use three different types of firearms: a 12-gauge shotgun, a semi-automatic 45 pistol and a patrol rifle.

The academy is also a unique opportunity to bring the community together. People from all races, ages, genders, religions and economic backgrounds attend.

Both Penn Hills and Monroeville have conducted a Citizens Police Academy in the past. A few years ago Chief Burton of the Penn Hills Police Department was approached by a neighbor who expressed interest in having the police academy again. Penn Hills didn’t have a sufficient facility to hold the class so the chief reached out to the Monroeville Police Depart-ment and a partnership was formed.

“There are so many benefits to having the

CommuNIty INterests

Team up for Citizens Police Academy

Penn Hills and Monroeville Police Departments

Police Academy


Institute.The Institute.get my life back

Driving back from school, Brittany was just a minute from home when her car hit a patch of ice and spun into a pole. The accident left her in a coma for six days and caused traumatic brain injury. Surrounded by world-class care while in inpatient therapy at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, Brittany relearned the basics—like standing, speaking, and maintaining balance. Making great progress, she chose outpatient rehabilitation at a UPMC Centers for Rehab Services location close to home. Nearly fully recovered, Brittany is not just walking, but driving, and has returned to work. She also is back in school studying early childhood development.

To learn more about the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit UPMC.com/MyRehab.

Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is rankedamong the nation’s top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

1138-5_UPMC-Brittany_4.875x10.indd 1 10/12/12 12:06 PM

academy,” Pascarella stated. “It is vital to us that the public gets to see things from our point of view. That will generate a better relationship be-tween the general public and the police. These participants become unofficial liaisons between the community and the police department. It also generates a better image for the police de-partment. Seeing what we do and what we deal with, these participants have a better apprecia-tion for what we do. They see that we are skilled professionals who take our jobs seriously.”

Trogler agrees, “There are definitely many mu-tual benefits to the Citizens Police Academy.”

This year’s academy had 22 participants. There is no charge for the classes, but all par-ticipants must fill out an application, available at their local police station, and clear a Penn-sylvania State Police check prior to the start of classes.

For more information on the Citizens Police Academy, contact the Penn Hills Police Department at 412.798.2014.


A busy family schedule means there’s less time to gather around the dinner table each night, let alone ensure everyone in the family is getting the nutrients they need to live healthy. And what convenience foods offer in terms of portability, they often lack in vitamins and nutrients. But with a little preparation, you can ensure that convenient, wholesome, on-the-go snacks are at the ready when it’s time to head to play practice or ballet lessons. Here are a few snack ideas to keep your family happy and healthy.

Keep snacks readily available in your kitchen, such as in a basket on the counter or portioned out on a shelf within the refrigerator to ensure your family will choose wholesome foods over convenient, less-healthy snacks. With a little planning and preparation, you can save time on busy days, while ensuring everyone gets the nutrients they need.

SmooThieS While smoothies may not be the first thing that pops in your mind in terms of portability and convenience, with the right to-go cup, straw and lid, smoothies can be a great way to get some key nutrients en route. Pre-packaged smoothies, however, often contain a great deal of sugar. Ensure your family reaps the benefits of a fruit smoothie by whipping up a batch using all-natural ingredients and freezing it for later. Be sure to store blended smoothies in freezer-safe or airtight containers in the freezer, and allow for one to two hours of defrost time before grabbing them and heading for the door.

Whole Food baRS Just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t work wholesome foods in convenient pocket- or purse-sized portions into your diet. But make sure to check the labels when you grab a quick snack. While many snack bars contain few nutrients and may be high in sugar, there are many made using wholesome ingredients such as rolled oats, organic soynuts and almond butter that are not only tasty, but dairy- and gluten-free, as well as vegan. These bars are great go-to options you can feel good about giving your family. Learn more about these wholesome snacks online.

edamame While soybeans might not be something you regularly prepare, they’re actually simple to cook, can be modified using different seasonings and are easily eaten on the go. The night before a busy day, simply add 1 teaspoon of salt to a large pot of water, bring to a boil and add the edamame. Cook between 4 to 5 minutes for frozen edamame, 5 to 6 minutes for fresh. Drain, and then add your favorite seasoning and store in a zip-top bag or storage container in the refrigerator until you head out the door.

homemade TRail mix For a shelf-stable snack that’s perfect for storing in the car, at the office, or in your purse, consider mixing up your favorite dry food snack items such as popcorn, almonds, peanuts, dried cranberries, raisins, banana chips and more.

apple ChipS If you’re a fan of apples, consider making apple chips. Simply cut apples into about 1/8-inch thick slices, add a pinch of cinnamon, and place them in the oven at 200°F for roughly two hours. You’ll end up with tasty, wholesome apple chips you can store in sealed sandwich bags for up to three days. Toss them in a backpack, your purse, or leave them in the car for snacking on the go.

Wholesome Snacksfor Families on the Go5


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