IN Monroeville

WINTER 2011 SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF MONROEVILLE AND PITCAIRN

LIFE WRITERS

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IN Monroeville | WINTER 2011 |

INSIDE

ON THE COVER | Life Writers Remember Christmas • Illustration by Mark Brewer

IN Monroeville is a community publication dedicated to representing,encouraging and promoting the Monroeville area and its comprisingmunicipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who liveand work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative andprofessional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

8 4221

36

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Gateway School District Earns Prestigious Designation | 3

Borough of Pitcairn | 6

Maria Caruso Creates Choreography with Heart | 12

Monroeville Parks and Recreation Department Provides Activities Galore | 14

UPMC Today | | 21

Life Writers Remember Christmas | 30

Monroeville Public Library | 34

Student Council to Raise Funds for Orphanage | 40

Monroeville Arts Council’s “Weekend of Art” | 42

Monroeville’s Heritage Day Festival | 46

FEATURES

New Earned Income Tax Law | 10

Real Estate in Monroeville | 17

Older Adults in Monroeville | 36

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Penn State Greater AlleghenyA Senior Gift Guide, Some Suggestions | 38

All Kare Chiropractic & Laser ClinicThe Experts in Weight Loss | 45

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Energy Savers, Inc. | 20

learn more on page 4

Iagree with Andy Williams. It is the most wonderful time of the year. Welcome to the winteredition of Monroeville Magazine. This is is the season of hustle and bustle, Christmas carols, and most importantly good cheer.In this edition, you’ll find out about Maria Caruso, choreographer extraordinaire, who

combines, dance, science and medicine in her work. We also stopped bythe Life Writers Group, which meets at the Monroeville Public Library.

They’re a talented group of folks who put on paper the stories oftheir lives. Our illustrated cover by Mark Brewer is inspired by astory from one of the writers in the group.

It is also the season of giving, and in this edition, we feature thePitcairn Girl Scouts, who participate in a number of activities thatgive back to the community. Speaking of giving, student councilmembers at Gateway Middle School are planning fundraising

activities to support an orphanage in Uganda. We were at themiddle school for a presentation on Malayaka House by its founder

Robert Fleming.Do you know about all the great programs and activities

sponsored by the Monroeville Parks and RecreationDepartment? Well, we do, and we tell you about themin this edition. You’ll also find the list of winners from

the Monroeville Art Show in here. Our spring edition is next and we’d love to hear

from you regarding the people, places and eventsyou’d like to see us cover.

During this holiday season, we’d like to wish youpeace and goodwill. And as always we hope youenjoy this edition of Monroeville.

PUBLISHER

MANAGING EDITOR

REGIONAL EDITORS

OFFICE MANAGER

AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR

GRAPHIC DESIGN

WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

PROOFREADER

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS

ADVERTISING SALES

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all districthouseholds and businesses.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in partwithout written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011.

CORRESPONDENCEDirect all inquiries, comments and press releases to:

IN Community MagazinesAttn: Editorial603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray, PA 15317Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968www.incommunitymagazines.com

Spring content deadline: 2/1

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Welcome to the Winter issue of Monroeville magazine. I hope you and yours had awonderful fall, that the kids transitioned back to school well, and that you had an

opportunity to catch a few Steelers games along the way.We all view winter differently—some see it as the holiday season, some see it as the

gloomy period when we put away the swim trunks and patio furniture. Otherssee it as their opportunity to break out the skis and sleds and hit the

slopes. No matter how you view it, winter is a time when we have tobe the most diligent, despite our mood about snow, or our

preoccupation with playing in it, for those who need us themost—our seniors. While it’s hard enough for many of them toget around in good weather, the winter months can be a trial ofterror for the elderly. Who’s going to shovel the snow? How will Iget groceries? Will I be home before it’s too dark for me to seethe road well enough to drive? And for those who have

transitioned to assisted living facilities, the questions might be ofan altogether different, but equally unsettling nature. Will anyone

visit me for Christmas? Hanukkah? New Year’s? These are ourmothers, fathers, friends and neighbors, and they don’t like to ask

anything of us. But they need us just the same. I know the economy is bad,and I’m not saying go out and spend money you can’t afford, but going caroling with a churchgroup, or visiting someone who has no one is free to us all. Chances are, you’ll not only put asmile on their faces, you’ll be giving them something money can’t buy—the feeling thatsomeone cares.

Have a joyous holiday and a happy New Year!

IN Monroeville | WINTER 2011 |

Wayne DollardPublisher

Monica L. HaynesEastern Regional

Editor

2 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Monroeville

Every school district has its ups and

downs, and this fall Gateway was

recognized as a district on the rise.

The Pennsylvania Department of

Education named Gateway School

District a 2011 Standard Aligned

System Model District (SASMD).

Out of 500 districts across the

commonwealth, only nine were given

the prestigious designation including

only one other western Pennsylvania

school district.“We are thrilled to be identified as

an exceptionally stable yet dynamic

school district that is capable of

becoming an example for other

districts to examine and to follow,”

said Gateway Superintendent Joseph

Petrella and Nancy Hines, Gateway’s

curriculum and instruction director.

Gateway was selected based upon

its demographically diverse

population and recent success in

improving student achievement as

well as its abilities to serve as an

example for other challenged schools.

“SASMD means Gateway was

identified as a district that is successfully

navigating reform and has the capacity,

given additional support and resources

over the 2011-2012 school year, to serve

as a model to struggling districts in the

commonwealth, “ said Petrella and Hines.

As part of the designation,

Gateway’s 11-member team that

includes districtwide representation

at the teacher and administration

level as well as key central office staff

and an intermediate unit member will

be part of a three-year

project under the direction

of the state department of

education and Grant

Wiggins, a renowned school reform

expert.After creating an action plan this

school year, the final two years will be

focused on training future SASMD

districts and serving as a mentor and

liaison to other districts in Allegheny

Intermediate Unit through interviews,

site visits and sharing of information,

said Petrella and Hines. The efforts are

funded by a $75,000 infusion from the

state department of education.

Gateway received official word that

it had been named a model district in

early October after a very candid and

thorough application and evaluation

process.“The district deserved this honor

because our application was 100 percent

authentic,” said Petrella and Hines.

“Nothing was contrived, and we

honestly reported on former, current,

and planned activities, and we evidenced

the impact of these activities through

the full disclosure of student achievement

data such as PSSA scores, PVAAS data,

ACT score trends, graduation rates,

AP score trends [and other vital

information].”The applicat ion also demanded a

candid description of other district

aspects needing additional

improvement. Department officials

visited the district to verify the

application’s worthiness on Sept. 27,

one day being notified of final status.

“The visiting officials expressed a

great deal of interest in many of the

interventions being employed this

year at both Gateway High School and

Gateway Middle School and even

remarked that other districts could

benefit from our experiences. We also

were applauded for ‘staying the

course’ despite temptations and

pressures to remain stagnant or to

slow down reform efforts,” said

Petrella and Hines.These reform efforts included

ensuring all teachers are trained properly

to best benefit students, development of

Gateway Cyber Academy, reviews and

revisions of curriculum, development of

clearly defined goals districtwide and

eliminating resources and activities

hindering those goals as well as many

more initiatives. These efforts spread

across all staff members who came

together for a common goal, says

Petrella.“This opportunity speaks to the

hard work that has been undertaken

by the members of the entire district

and its students to reach a new level of

achievement and growth.”

Gateway School District Ea

rns

Prestigious Designation

The districtdeserved thishonor becauseour applicationwas 100 percent

authentic.

Monroeville | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

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Peoples Natural Gas is embarking on an extensive program to modernize our infrastructure. More than $100 million will be investedto replace pipelines throughout our 16 county service territory.

In 2011 and 2012, this means replacing 40 miles of old cast-ironpipes wherever they exist. This year and next, Peoples Natural Gas is hiring 60 new pipeline workers. And, we’ ll need to employ almost as many local contract workers. Last year, we brought back 200 jobs tothe region. These are not temporary jobs, but family sustaining jobs – the type of jobs that generations build on.

Through the end of 2012, you will see Peoples Natural Gas employees hard at work on this project. They will be working in the snow and sun to improve the infrastructure for our communities. Our goal is to replace all the cast iron pipe in our entire system. This is an extensive project and we will need your patience and understanding as we work to complete it.

In 2010, Peoples Natural Gas was purchased from an out-of-state company. We are now a Western Pennsylvania managed company. All our management lives in the region. Our sole priority is serving our local communities. Our new company has refocused its total efforts right here. This pipeline replacement program is the first major construction initiative of Peoples Natural Gas and it has been made for your safety, and the need to modernize our infrastructure for the future.

Safety is the number one priority of Peoples Natural Gas. Every day, westrive to keep our customers, our employees and our communitiessafe. Here are 3 Sensible Words about Natural Gas to help keep youand your family safe.

Natural gas leaks are rare. But they can happen. Your senses willalert you if a leak occurs.

SIGHTEscaping gas affects the nutrients in soil, so discolored soil or dead vegetation near a pipeline may indicate a leak. Dirt or water blowing up from the group may indicate a natural gas leak.

SOUNDNatural gas leaks may make a hissing or a high-pitchedwhistling noise. Noises will vary based on the line pressure.

SMELLA strong odor of natural gas can indicate unburned fuel in the air. Because the gas is odorless, a sulfur based odorant is added to give it a rotten-egg smell that warns of its presence. Be alert for this odorant or any petroleum smell.

If you believe a natural gas leak is occurring, leave the area immediately and notify Peoples Natural Gas by calling1.800.400.4271.

When Ark Basement Services, Inc.wanted to move its businesscloser to Monroeville, the

family-owned and operated business foundthe perfect location on BroadwayBoulevard,Pitcairn’s maindrag.

In businesssince 2003, thecompany, whichhandles basementwaterproofingand structuralrepair, has beenoperating inPitcairn for eightmonths, saidMike Perry, president of Ark BasementServices, Inc. The other company ownersare his father, James Perry Sr.; brother,Jim, who is director of sales; and brother,Evan. “The main thing is we’re a family-owned business, a father and three sons,”Mike Perry said. “We have no salesmen,no sub-contractors.”

Perry emphasized that when Ark does ajob, the company, which has 14 employees,supervises each job site. “One of the keythings is we’re the only company in theindustry that comes out for a check up year

after year,” he said.The company offers afree yearlymaintenance call forits customers.

He said after eachjob, customers canevaluate thecompany’s work tomake sure thecustomer is satisfied,and that customersdon’t pay until they

are. The company also offers, seniorcitizens discounts, customized pricing andcustomer referral programs.

Perry lauded the response the companyhas received from borough officials.“They’ve been very welcoming,” he said.“Pitcairn is striving to get some goodpeople, good businesses in there to try torevitalize [the borough].”

GOVERNMENTINFORMATIONBorough ManagerPatty LogoAvailable at the office:• Permit and inspection information• Park Building or Sugar Camp rental information

REPRESENTATIVESState SenatorJames Brewster412.380.2242

State Representative Joseph Markosek412.856.8284

ELECTED OFFICIALSMayor John McCreary412.372.6500

CouncilOrelio Vecchio, Council PresidentJohn Prucnal, Vice PresidentJohn BovaGeorge BurkhardtPat LorincPatsy PizzutoTom Wiater

BOROUGH MEETINGS7 p.m. in the Pitcairn Borough Council Chambers

Council Agenda Workshop: Second TuesdayCouncil Business Meeting:Fourth Tuesday

PITCAIRN BOROUGH COMMUNITY EVENTSAdvertised on Pitcairn Community Station–Ch. 4: Easter Egg Hunt

Harvest Festival Spring/Fall Clean-Up

Community DaySummer Lunch Program

Fireman’s Fair Summer Recreation Program

Old Fashioned Christmas

BOROUGHOF Pitcairn

“The main thing iswe’re a family-ownedbusiness, a father andthree sons. We have

no salesmen, no sub-contractors.”

For more information on Ark Basement Services, Inc., visitwww.arkbasementservices.com

PITCAIRN BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Ark Basement Services, Inc.

« Evan, Mike, and James Perry, Owners of Ark Basements Services, Inc.

6 Monroeville

The story began in 1912 with one inspired woman,Juliette Gordon Low, and an idea for bringing girls of

all backgrounds together with an opportunity to becomeresourceful and self-reliant. In 2012 Girl Scouts across theUnited States prepare to celebrate Juliette Gordon Low’senduring mission and the hundredth year of GirlScouting. In Pitcairn, leaders continue to welcome girls toa wonderful sisterhood with many great experiences oflearning and leading.

Throughout the past year, the Pitcairn Girl Scouttroops (Daisy troop 54122, Brownie troop 50768, Juniortroop 50113, and Cadette, Senior, Ambassador troops50968) worked together to complete many communityservice projects. The girls decorated lunch bags to donate toMeals on Wheels, assembled four baskets with donated fooditems from their families a nd participated in a Caroling forCans activity – donating the cans and baskets to the PitcairnFood Pantry. Girl Scouts work with the Pitcairn Parks andRecreation board for the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Christmasin the Park, and run a game and information table at theHarvest Festival. The troops also donated their time to cleanup Sugar Camp Park in the spring.

Girl Scouts is a girl-led organization, allowing the girls achance to learn about and develop leadership skills. Introop meetings, girls choose which badges they would like to work toward, earning the badges asthey complete requirements. Girl Scouts is open to girls ranging in grades from Kindergartenthrough their senior year of high school. Girl Scouts is open to girls in grades K-12. As a progressiveexperience, older girls have an opportunity to achieve three different leadership awards; the GirlScout Bronze, Silver Award and Gold Awards. Over the years the Pitcairn troops have been proudto have girls honored with each of these prestigious awards.

In addition to badge work and working towards earning the awards, the girls in the Pitcairn-areaGirl Scouts have had the opportunity to attend many field trips over the years. In the past year, girlshave gone on trips to Schramm’s Pumpkin Farm and Orchard, the Pittsburgh Zoo, the GatorGreenhouse at Gateway Senior High School, father-daughter cosmic bowling at Lokay Lanes, andmother-daughter camping ay Camp Yough. On November 12, 2011, during the mother-daughtercamping weekend, the girls, leaders, and mothers all participated in a formal flag retirement

ceremony. We would like to take thisopportunity to thank all of those in thecommunity who donated torn flags so that theymay be respectfully and formally retired. Withour year of Girl Scouting well underway, wehave had some great experiences already andlook forward to so many more.

For more information on how to join this amazing girl-driven organization,

call 1-800-248-3355 or visit gswpa.org.


PITCAIRN DIRECTORYPolice/Fire Emergency 911

Police Non-Emergency412.856.1111

Pitcairn Police Department 412.372.6505Chief: Dennis Hockenberry 412.372.6505

Fire Non-Emergency Pitcairn Hose No. 1: 412.372.7040Chief – Duane Dick

Pitcairn Hose No. 2: 412.856.5630 Chief – Brian Spudy

Ambulance Pitcairn Ambulance 412.856.6432

Gateway School District 412.372.5300

Tax Collector Sally DiRobbio 412.372.3009

Wage Tax Collector EIT Collector412.856.1045

Borough EngineerEADS 412.754.0801

Borough SolicitorBruce Dice and Associates 412.733.3080

MagistrateJeffery Herbst 412.372.1125

Animal Control Triangle Pet 412.771.7387

Trash Nickolich Sanitation 412.233.8666

UtilitiesWilkinsburg Penn Joint Water

412.243.6200Equitable Gas Company 412.395.3050ALCOSAN Sewage 412.766.6696Verizon Telephone 800.660.2215

Pitcairn Borough Electric/Cable Department Pitcairn Power 582 Sixth Street, Pitcairn, PA 15140412.372.6500 Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday

Monthly bills include electric usage, cable, and garbage. Bills are sent outapproximately the 15th of each month, andare due the fifth of each month. There is adrop off box on the front door of theBorough building for payments after office hours.

Trash Days: Trash may be put out after 6 p.m.on the day before collection.

GIRL SCOUTSACTIONPITCAIRN

IN

THROUGH SERVICEAND LEARNING:

By Cheryl and Stephanie Kline

BOROUGHOFPitcairn

It’s been 117 years since the borough of Pitcairn was born, andthough ever changing one thing remains the same - it’s still asmall town with a huge heart for the people that call it home.

When people say they’re from Pitcairn, the most commonresponse is “Where’s that?” The simple answer, it’s a small townnear Pittsburgh community pride is still very much alive. This wasvery evident on September 18th 2011, the Annual CommunityDay Celebration.

This day is planned and run by the Pitcairn Council and Parks& Recreation board. It’s a great opportunity for the people toPitcairn to come together as families and neighbors to learn aboutone another and what the town has to offer to the people that call ithome. This year 4,000 people attended the festivities.

The day’s festivities were opened by the heartfelt singing of theNational Anthem by officer Jim Markel of the Monroeville PoliceDepartment. Throughout the day many groups came to providelive entertainment; including the Tim Scott Band, 8th Street Rox,and Wee Jams. Also offered were face painting, pony rides, spin art,crafts, balloon walks, and KDKA Prize Wheel. Some favoriteMascots attended as well, including McDonald’s Hamburglar, thePittsburgh Zoo Polar Bear, and King’s Frownie Brownie.

Among other activities, there were many groups andorganizations from Pitcairn that came to offer information andtheir support of the town. We had a host of organizations that cameand set up a table so that the citizens of Pitcairn could learn aboutwhat organizations did around town and how to get involved. Italso allowed for everyone to meet some of the members of theorganizations. Also present were some of our neighboringcommunity’s doctors.

As a community we would like to thank all of the clubs andorganizations that pulled together to make Community Day such a

success. A special shout out of thanks to Camp B who kept thekitchen running all day, and all of the people and businesses thatdonated money, time, andsupplies. Although we maybe a small town we have somany great things to offereveryone. What a wonderfulday and a fantastic way toshow pride in your town!

A smallTown Shows in a

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For as long as some Pennsylvania residents can rememberthey have sat down four times a year and filled out a smallpostcard.

This small postcard asked you to list your wages, calculateapproximately 1 percent of your earnings and mail a check toyour local earned income tax collector in your communitymunicipal building.

But in 2012, every Monroeville and Pitcairn taxpayer cancross one more chore off their to-do list thanks to a new statemandate.

Beginning Jan. 1, all employers who have work sites in thecommonwealth are required by Act 32 of 2008 to withhold allearned income taxes from every employee. And all employeeshave to do is make sure they have filled out a residencycertification form.

“The legislation affects every single municipality and schooldistrict in Pennsylvania,” says Mitch Hoffman, local governmentpolicy manager at the state Department of Community andEconomic Development.

“That in itself is huge. In addition, it also affects every singletaxpayer and every single business that operates in Pennsylvania.”

Earned income taxes have been a fixture in Pennsylvania

since 1965.At the time, state lawmakers imposed the levy to allow local

entities such as school districts and municipalities to raise more funds.“It provided an avenue for local taxing bodies to impose a tax

to help fund their operating costs, and it was only imposed onpeople who actually had earned income, not those who wereretired or were not working,” says Hoffman.

Earned income tax is unique to Pennsylvania. Neighboringstates have similar structures in place, but they are not identical.

In theory, the tax is simple.Anyone who works in the state pays on average a 1 percent

tax four times a year. Some townships, boroughs and schooldistricts tax a bit higher and some a bit lower.

And to pay their bill, an employer could withhold the tax froman employee’s pay or the employees themselves could calculatetheir tax and send it to their local earned income tax collector.

But from the start, issues arose.Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of local

municipalities in the country, and at one point, there were up to560 different earned income tax offices in the state, says Hoffman.

“It was very fractured and very convoluted. There was noconsistency in collections, no consistency in annual returns and noconsistency in transfer of records from one tax collector to another.”

Confusion about where to send taxes also abounded for companiesthat are headquartered out of state but have a plethora of work sitesand thousands of employees in Pennsylvania.

“Many of these companies did withhold the tax, but with so manydifferent collectors it was difficult for them to comply with all theexpectations,” says Hoffman. The cumbersome structure also was notattractive to new business endeavors as it created one more regulationinterested companies had to comply with when they opened a site inPennsylvania.

Within decades, people started to question the structure used tocollect earned income tax.

By 2002, various organizations sought change and restructuring.

Their pleas were supported by a study commissioned by thePennsylvania Economy League among other entities.

The study found that millions of dollars across the state were notbeing accounted for correctly and millions of potential tax dollars werenot being collected at all. The actual amount always remaineduncertain, says Hoffman.

“I talk to employers every day who have had work sites inPennsylvania for years and have never collected the tax. We are notjust dealing with Pennsylvania businesses though, this hits businessesacross North America.”

Change was slow to come, but in 2008, state lawmakers passed Act32 and its effects were so far reaching it gave local municipalities andschool districts three years to implement its regulations.

Under the new law, the burden related to the tax has shifted fromemployees to their employers.

Every employer in Pennsylvania is required to have each employeefill out a one-page local earned income tax residency certification formby year’s end.

On the form, employees list their address, municipality and countyof residence. This information matches to a municipality specific codeensuring the tax dollars are automatically withheld and end up at thecorrect tax collector.

ThroughoutPennsylvania, except inAllegheny County, earnedincome tax collectorpositions were eliminated oraltered as taxes will go to acounty level tax collectorchosen by a tax collectiondistrict made up ofrepresentatives from everymunicipality and school

district in the specificcounty.

In AlleghenyCounty, fourcollection districtswere chosen to betterserve the area’s uniquedemographics, saysHoffman.

“The four collection districts areseparated by the rivers. AlleghenyCounty is different than anywhere else in the state due to its diversepopulations and number of corporations.”

In addition to the more centralized structure, the law has otheroversight and accountability features.

There are explicit time frames set out for the distribution of dollarsas well as training and certification for all tax officers. There also arepenalties for late payments and annual auditing, says Hoffman.

“All of these are built in to guarantee the amount of monies beingcollected are collected properly, remitted properly and distributedproperly.”

Filing returns also will be more uniform throughout the state.“Some local returns were several pages, some half a page and some

had none at all. Now there is a standard form for all of Pennsylvania and

Monroeville and Pitcairn boroughs each have a specific code

to ensure all earned income taxes go to the right municipality.

720301

720302


Explained

hile hearttransplants andhigh bloodpressure may

not seem tohave a logical connection

to dance, they areamong the subjects

that inspireMonroeville

choreographerMaria Caruso.

Caruso,founder and

director ofBodiography Contemporary Ballet, has

been able to successfully combine herpassion for dance with her interest in science and

medicine to create choreography that is bold yetaccessible. “Our primary focus is to utilize dance asa way to identify with the human condition,” saidCaruso, who did that with her first ballet, “Heart(Function vs. Emotion),” which premiered in 2010with an original score by Cello Fury. The balletwas a reflection of her experience working withheart transplant patients and patients withpulmonary arterial hypertension. Caruso actuallyobserved open heart surgeries and shadoweddoctors at the UPMC Advanced Heart Failure

Program. She worked with Dr. Dennis McNamara,a cardiologist, and Dr. Robert Kormos, a cardiacsurgeon.

“Had they not supported my very first ballet,“Heart,” I really wouldn’t be where I am rightnow,” Caruso said. “It wasn’t until Dr. McNamaraapproached me in 2009 that I realized I had anamazing opportunity to do something on abroader scale. She even incorporated Dr. Kormosinto the ballet. “I wanted a surgeon to be onstage…to emulate the hands of a surgeon duringsurgery. I thought they were extremely beautiful.”

“I have always been interested in medicine since Iwas a young girl,” Caruso said. “Dance was always apassion of mine, an art form in which I was offereda tremendous amount of opportunity.”

Earlier this year, Caruso’s company debuted “108Minutes,” an ode to regenerative medicine. Dr.Kormos had encouraged her to meet with Dr. AlanRussell at the McGowan Institute of RegenerativeMedicine to conduct research for the new ballet shewanted to produce. “I worked with five of thescientists at the institute and had the opportunity tointerview them and learn about the science, and Icreated a full-length ballet about regenerativemedicine and how we’re utilizing it right now to healour wounded soldiers,” Caruso said.

While still in high school, Caruso began takingclasses for college credit at La Roche College. By


Maria Caruso Creates

“A lot of people want to do things but I will do them.”

–MARIA CARUSO


her senior year of high school, she was alsoworking to complete her first year of college.She graduated from high school at 16,attended La Roche full time and thentransferred to Florida State University as asophomore.

She graduated with a BFA in dance at theage of 19, moved to New York City andfounded Bodiography in 2000. A year later,she had moved back to Pittsburgh andstarted a local version of her New Yorkcompany, operating both before letting theNew York branch go. In 2001, she went tograduate school at Carlow University, whereshe earned a Master of Science degree inprofessional leadership and management fornonprofit organizations. Caruso hasconducted master classes at Point ParkUniversity, West Virginia University, SlipperyRock University and DeSales University, andhas also designed movement programs forThe Yeshiva Girls School of Pittsburgh,Shaler Area School District and CarnegieMellon University’s Cyert Center.

“My parents had encouraged me to comeback to Pittsburgh in hopes that I wouldassist in bringing youth back to Pittsburgh,”Caruso said. She fell in love with Pittsburghagain and wanted to make it her home. She

then opened up a dance conservatoryin Squirrel Hill (located in GeneKelly’s first dance studio) –Bodiography Center for Movement.“It was a name I thought wouldcelebrate the geography of the body.”The center celebrates health andwellness as part of the arts, while theconcept of the dance company is toencourage numerous body types, notjust the typical ballet body.“Artistically, I have an amazingcompany of artists who really doexemplify the beauty of diversity indance, physically, emotionally andtechnically,” Caruso said.

The choreographer recently returnedfrom a trip to Haiti during which she had theopportunity to visit the Albert Schweitzerhospital. “I could see such a great sense ofspirit in each patient I visited. I didn’t passone child who didn’t smile back at me,despite their circumstances.”

During her visit, Caruso was hosted by IanRawson, the hospital’s managing director andhis wife, Lucy. “In Haiti I had a strong desire totry to think about how to use my art form tocreate a ballet that would assist in raisingresources and increase visibility for the [Albert

Schweitzer] hospital. I have great admirationfor those doctors and nurses, the volunteers,the people that I met at the hospital. I hadgreat admiration for their commitment andstren gth in actively making a difference in thelives of those less fortunate.”

In February, Caruso and Bodiography willmark its 10th anniversary with the “RedCarpet Roll Out Celebration” at the ByhamTheater, an event that will showcase a decadeof Caruso’s choreography.

“A lot of people want to do things but I willdo them,” Caruso said.

ennis anyone? Or maybe golf is your sport of choice.Perhaps you’ve always wanted to weave a basket, paint aportrait, shed a few pounds or learn to swim.

Whatever your interest, the Monroeville Parks andRecreation Department has probably got you covered. Co-directorsJoAnne Morris and Paul Estok pride themselves on developing adiverse and well-rounded slate of programs for every age and everyinterest . Programs are open to Monroeville residents and non-residents. “Basically, we put out a recreational brochure four times ayear,” said Morris. The brochure is sent to 30,000 Monroevilleresidents. “There’s also a couple hundred other people [outsideMonroeville] that we send it to, people who’ve participated in ourprograms in the past and are interested in what’s going on.” Non-Monroeville residents pay an extra $10 per course.

Morris and Estok, whose department is also in charge of themunicipality’s 24 parks, said they try to introduce new programs eachsession. For example, courses such as hair braiding and hip-hopdance for children were added to the fall session. “Part of my goal isto offer a wide range of programs for all ages, all interests. It’s a prettytough bill to fill. I try to off er new programs because things get old,”Morris said. It can be challenging, she added. Some programs shethinks will do well don’t, while others may start slow but thenbecome a big success.

A few of the things Morris is considering offering in theupcoming winter session is rug making class and musical theater. Sheis working with the police department and the Red Cross to developa Home Alone Program aimed at teaching 7- to 11-year-olds abouthow to handle things if they have to be home alone for a bit afterschool. Participants in the program would learn computer safety,what to do in case of an emergency, when and if it’s okay to answerthe phone or the door.

There are programs that are consistently offered like swimming,which is the most popular course. In the fall, swimming lessons areheld at the indoor pool at the Gateway High School sports center; inthe summer, they are held at the community pool, which is outdoors.Swimming is offered to everyone from toddlers to adults. Severalyears ago, Morrison added an adaptive swim program for specialneeds students. “We get a handful, and the people that do participateare very appreciative,” Morris said. “I always try to have some healthand fit ness and some instructional programs.”

One of the health and fitness classes that’s become popular isZumba, the Latin music inspired dance workout. For this fall session


Gateway Community Chorus Seeks Members

Looking for something to do during those long,cold, winter months? Why not join the GatewayCommunity Chorus?

The chorus will rehearse on seven Tuesdayevenings in the Gateway High School Choir roomfrom 7:30 - 9:00pm. The rehearsals start onJanuary 17 and run each successive Tuesdaythrough January and February.

The Community Chorus will perform as part of theGateway High School Choir Concert on Tuesdayevening, March 6. Ability to read music is notrequired.

For further information please contact Erich Lascek, Gateway High School ChoralDirector, at [email protected] or at 412-373-5751.

T

there is Zumba Toning, which addsweighted toning sticks to the workout toamp it up. Also among the health andfitness programs are cardio kickboxing,Pilates, Tai Chi, and Mountain Climbing.But it’s not all exercise programming. Thedepartment has other categories ofactivities including afterschool programsthat include SAT prep, French and Spanishclasses, science, a monster cartoonworkshop and Christ mas art workshop.There’s also driver’s ed, a one-day pianocourse, ballroom dancing for youngstersand adults, sports leagues and clinics(including basketball, golf, tennis andvolleyball), arts and craft courses, basketweaving, cake decorating…the list goes onand on.

The budget for the parks and recreationdepartment is $300,000-$500,000 a year.“We’re a revenue generated department,”Estok said. “It’s important for us to breakeven. We offer a valued program, a goodprogram at a good cost.”

In addition to all the courses, thedepartment also holds special events eachsession. In the fall session, there’s FamilyFun Night. Centered on Halloween, it’sheld at the Monroeville Community Parkwith arts and crafts, costume contests,carved pumpkin contests, hayrides andrefreshments. In the winter session, thedepartment collects letters to Santa and hasa Snacks with Santa event. The springEaster Egg Hunt attracts a couple thousandpeople, Morrison said. The department alsosponsors the Jack Sedlak Clean-Up Day inthe spring. The Mayor’s Clean-Up Day isheld in the fall. During the Christmasholidays, there’s a light-up contest, in whichjudges travel through the municipality oneevening to select, from each ward, the homewith the best holiday lights. The followingnight, the overall winner is selected.

In addition to Gateway School Districtfacilities, courses are held at a number ofvenues including municipal parks, IntegralBallroom Dance Studio in Murrysville,Maple Crest Golf Course, MonroevillePublic Library, and Panera Bread at theMiracle Mile Shopping Center.

“We work in conjunction with a numberof outside sources,” Estok said. “One of thethings we’re dependent on is the schooldistrict. We really rely on them and theyreally work with us. We appreciateeverything they do.” “We always say ourstudents are their students,” Morrisonadded. The directors also laud the supportof the community and the MonroevilleCouncil, which has a representative on theparks and recreation department board.Also on t he board is a representative fromeach of the municipality’s seven wards, ateen representative, a senior representativeand a representative from the GatewaySchool Board.

Monroeville has 24 parks, including askate park, a dog park and the newest park –the three-year-old Monroeville CommunityPark, which has four pavilions and a gazebo.The gazebo is a popular spot for weddingphotos. There are 10 pav ilions totalthroughout the park system and they canaccommodate 10 to 250 people. “We arecompletely booked most of the time,”Estok said. The parks also include enoughplaygrounds so that no child has to go veryfar to have a place to play, he added. Estokand Morris praised the park crews whichhave the responsibility of maintaining theparks. “All our parks have real bathroombuildings,” Estok said. “We really, really relyheavily on our public works guys. They cutthe grass. Our guys are out there at 7 a.m.cleaning the bathrooms, making suregarbage cans have all their liners in them.They really are a big part of what we do.”


Monroeville Parks andRecreation Department Galore.


Gateway High

Taylor Alexander was crowned the 2011 Gateway High School

Homecoming Queen by her peers during Homecoming Week. Ms.Alexander is a senior and was joined on the field at Antimarino Stadiumduring halftime by her parents, Paul and Susan Alexander.

This year’s 2011 Gateway High School Homecoming Courtincluded (Senior Court) Nina Quinn, Christina O’Malley, KaylaHenderson, Alexadria Allen, and Taylor Alexander.

The underclassmen court consisted of freshman Marissa Hvizdos,sophomore Dante Josey and junior Samantha Bertoline. This year’sHomecoming activities including the parade of floats and Spirit Weekwere coordinated by Gateway High School teachers Dawn Caruso andBrittany Maggiore. Also assisting with programs and coordination wereGateway High School teacher Shawn Whelan and library secretaryCathy Laird.

Attend an Open House:

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Saturday, Jan. 14 at 10amThursday, Jan. 19 at 6pm

Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10amWednesday, Jan. 25 at 6pm

200 Penn School DriveVerona, PA 15147

ImaginePennHills.com • 412-793-6471

Imagine SchoolsEqual opportunity for all students.

inding ways to go green in the home does morethan help the planet. It helps your home’s environment, as well.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, levels ofindoor air pollution can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels.These pollutants — as well as chemicals found in many products today— can irritate allergy and asthma sufferers.

“More people than ever are looking to mak e natural changes in theirhome to help improve their family’s environmental health,” said Dr.Shannon Thyne, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UCSF andMedical Director of the Pediatric Asthma and Allergy Clinic at SanFrancisco General Hospital. “It only takes a few extra steps to make ahome healthier, cleaner and greener.”

To that end, the maker of Green Works ® products, HGTV personalityand green living expert Carter Oosterhouse, and Lowe’s have teamedup to showcase ways to give your family a cleaner, greener home.

“Whether you could use help enhancing the look of your child’splayroom, or you’re looking for ways to reduce chemicals and theirfumes and residues in your kitchen, there are simple steps you can taketo make your home environ ment healthier, while still keeping it stylishand beaut iful,” said Oosterhouse.

While every home is different, here are some ways to make any homenaturally beautiful and healthier.

PAINTA fresh coat of paint is a great, low-cost way to bring new life to a room.But that new paint smell comes from Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs), which derive from vapors released from toxic compounds.Use non-VOC paint to create an inviting, comfortable and beautifulroom. Check the back of the paint can for VOC levels — those with

fewer than 150 grams per liter are often labeled “low-VOC” or “no-VOC.” Buy only the amount of paint you’ll need for the project. If you wind

up with leftover paint, store it safely or dispose of it according to localmunicipal regulations.

Open windows while painting and use fans to vent fumes. When sanding or removing old paint, wear a dust mask or respirator

to prevent particle inhalation. Keep the area well ventilated.

Clear the airHere are a few tips for clearing the air in your home. Open the window. Clean with windows and doors open so you don’t

trap air pollution inside. Go barefoot. Take off your shoes when you come inside. That way

you’ll bring less dust, dirt, mold and pollens inside, and you won’ttrack them all over the house.

Buy a plant. Plants serve as natural air purifiers. African violets andferns are beautiful ways to help clear the air.

REAL ESTATE Monroeville

F

Make Your HomeCleaner&Greener


CLEANING PRODUCTSIt used to be that buying a natural cleaning product meant paying more

money for worse performance. Nolonger. Natural cleaning productscan provide great performancewithout leaving behind harshchemical fumes or residues. Plus,they are increasingly cost effective.Green Works naturally derivedcleaners offer a variety of productsfor the whole house, includingnaturally derived laundry de tergentand bathroom cleaners that arepriced very competitively.

FLOORINGCarpets trap dirt, dust and other

allergens. If possible, remove wall-to-wallcarpeting and replace it with natural wood

flooring, such as sustainable bamboo or cork flooring. Sweep and vacuum floors regularly to control dust. Wet mop with a microfiber mop to remove dust and dirt more

efficiently. Clean up spills right away.

If the carpets and rugs must stay, vacuum frequently, using a vacuumcleaner with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter. Change the filterregularly to keep it working efficiently.

FURNITUREANDWINDOWCOVERINGSCurtains and upholstery can trap dust, dust mites and pollen. Blinds are a good, contemporary-looking alternative to drapes, but

must be dusted occasionally. Vacuum upholstered furniture — under the cushions, too.

APPLIANCESUpgrading to a more efficient washer and dryer can provide lifetimewater and energy savings. Run only full

loads. Full loadsuse energy and water moreefficiently thansmaller loads.Adjust the waterlevels according tothe load.

Wash in coldwater. Most of theenergy used towash clothescomes fromheating the water.Only the moststubborn stainsreally need hot or warm water.

For more tips on getting a cleaner, greener home, visitwww.greenworks.com, and watch Oosterhouse’s “Green It Yourself” web series at the Green Works Facebook page,www.facebook.com/greenworks.

What does it mean to be natural?The Natural Products Association (NPA) recently developed theNatural Standard for Home Care Products, making it easier thanever to tell what makes a product natural.

Here are the NPA’s core criteria: Natural: Ingredients that are at least 95 percent natural

(excluding water) in addition to appropriate manufacturingprocesses.

Responsible: No animal testing during the development process. Safer chemistry: Avoid ingredients from the NPA’s list

of prohibited ingredients. Sustainable: Use biodegradable ingredients with environmentally

sustainable packaging whenever possible.For more about which Green Works® products

are NPA certified natural products, visit www.greenworkscleaners.com.



old winter weather is inevitable in Pennsylvania, but you canmake sure your home is warm and toasty by getting your home

ready now for the snowy season.One important thing to do is to purchase some non-perishable food

items that can be eaten without heating in case of a winter poweroutage. Also, make sure those flashlights have fresh batteries and are ina handy place.

Make sure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO)detectors have fresh batteries. CO detectors become especiallyimportant in the winter months because of increased use of keroseneand gas space heaters, leaking chimneys and furnaces, wood stoves andgas stoves – all sources of carbon monoxide. CO detectors areinexpensive and install easily.

Next, insulate all exposed water pipes to prevent freezing pipes inthe coldest part of winter. Be sure to leave your heat set to at least 55degrees if you are going to be away from home for a few days. Consideradding extra insulation to the attic. The U.S. Dept. of Energyrecommends approximately 12 inches of insulation in attics in Zone 5.One important thing to remember when adding insulation is to avoidinsulation with paper backing which will act as a vapor barrier and maycause moisture problems.

Seal up foundation cracks and any entry points into your homesuch as crawl spaces. This will deter mice and insects from coming intoyour house and also help with heating bills. Use weather resistantcaulking for exteriors and masonry sealer for brick areas. Weatherstripping around doors and caulking around windows will help preventcold air from pouring into your home. Plastic may be used in basementwindows for added protection.

If your home has a fireplace, yearly cleaning by a chimney sweep isessential; twice a year if the fireplace is used frequently. The buildup ofwood resins forms creosote and can create a combustible fire in thechimney that can destroy an entire home. Make sure that the chimneytop has a grate to prevent small animals such as squirrels from enteringyour home through the chimney.

A furnace inspection will not only ensure safety, but help lowerheating bills by more efficient use of your furnace. Cleaning the ductsand replacing filters monthly helps your home to have cleaner, healthierair. Dirty filters restrict air flow and can potentially cause fires.

One area of your home that may go unnoticed is the gutter spouts.These should be cleaned thoroughly a nd hosed down beforetemperatures drop. Leaving gutter spouts clogged with leaves will leadto snow and ice building up in the gutters with no way for meltingsnow to drain, causing possible water damage to your home.

A really easy tip is to reverse your ceiling fan so that the blades turnin a clockwise direction. This will help force warm air down into livingspace, rather than collecting near the ceiling.

With a little planning, your home can be safe and warm all winterlong, no matter what the temperature outside.

By Pamela Palongue




W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

For residents of eastern communities

What’s Insidepage 2 When Your Body Talks ...

Be Sure to Listen

page 3 Make a Date With Your DoctorThree Cheers for Your Ears, Nose, and Throat

page 4 A Snapshot of UPMC EastOpening Summer 2012

page 6 Technology for 21st Century Hospitals

page 7 Taking on TouretteControlling a life in motion at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

BundleUp,BabyRemember how Mom made you bundle up before going outdoors in the winter so you wouldn’t get sick? She was right. So be sure you dress for the weather — and that means covering your head, ears, mouth, and hands.

Turn to page 3 to learn why your ears, nose, and throat need extra care in winter.

22 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Monroeville2 UPMC.com/Today

Being attuned to changes in your body can help in the early detection andtreatment of cancer and other serious medical problems

Is your body trying to tell you something important? It can bean excellent communicator — if you pay careful attention to its symptoms.

There are numerous warning symptoms for cancer, many of which also can point to other serious medical conditions.

That’s why you should call yourprimary care physician (PCP) if you have any unusual or persistent symptoms lastinglonger than two or three weeks,says Edward Chu, MD, chief ofthe Division of Hematology/Oncology at UPMC and deputy director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

“The vast majority of patientswill get a clean bill of health from their doctor,” says Dr. Chu.“But when it comes to cancer, time is often of the essence. Early detection can help keep cancer from spreading, allow for faster treatment, and improve your chances for recovery.”

Symptoms that revealMost of us know to be on the lookout for such important cancer warning signs as a sore that does not heal; a thickening or lump in the breast, or other parts of the body; blood in the stool or urine; or changes in the size or color of a mole.

Dr. Chu says it’s also important to be aware of more generalizedbody changes (also known as constitutional symptoms) that cancompromise your physical performance and overall well-being.By getting to know what’s typical for your own body, you’ll bebetter able to recognize unfamiliar changes when they occur.They can include:• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)• Unexplained weight loss (typically 10 pounds or more)

or loss of appetite• Changes in how food tastes• Fever and chills• Night sweats• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

“These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer,” he emphasizes. “But if they linger or worsen, it’s important for your doctor to rule out — or treat — possible problems.”

If you are interested in locating a PCP or specialist in your area,visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

When Your BodyTalks…BeSure toListen

Did You Know?The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute(UPCI), based at the Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside, is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in western Pennsylvania. Learn more about UPCI and its partnership with UPMC Cancer Centers at UPCI.UPMC.edu.

Cancer Screenings: Are they right for you?Another important tool in the early detection of cancer is screenings. Cancer specialists at UPMC East say that when combined with regular checkups with your family doctor or a specialist, screenings like mammograms, PAP smears, and colorectal exams haveproven to be invaluable in the fight against cancer. Your personal and family medical history, risk factors, age and other considerations will help your physician recommend the right tests — and frequency — for you.

To learn more about the programs and services at UPMC Cancer Center at Oxford Drive in Monroeville, visit UPMCEast.com.

Monroeville | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 231-800-533-UPMC 3

Make a Date With Your DoctorYou take your car to the mechanic for an annual inspection to be sure it’s running properly. So why aren’t you giving yourbody the same kind of attention?

When you’re in good health, it’s easy to put off going to thedoctor. But regular checkups can help you stay healthy, andavoid disease and disability. That’s why scheduling a physical is the one New Year’s resolution you should keep.

According to primary care physicians(PCPs) with UPMC East, an annualexam is the perfect time to talk aboutillness prevention, healthy lifestylechoices, and any screenings. That information helps you and your doctor create a plan to maintain your health, or get you started on

making changes to improve your health.

Building an ongoing relationship with a PCP also means peace of mind. PCPs with UPMC East say there’s real value to being seen by someone who knows you and your health history — someone you trust to guide you through an illness or emergency.

Your exam checklistHow can you make the most of your annual exam? Here arefour things to do before you see the doctor:

1. Make a list of all medications you are takingInclude all prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins,and supplements that you currently take, how often you takethem, and why.

2. Update your family historyYour family history can provide important clues about your riskfor certain diseases, including diabetes, some cancers, andheart disease.

3. Ask about health screeningsScreenings can be important tools in preventing some illnesses and diseases. Get a list of recommended screeningsand talk about them with your doctor.

4. Make a list of questions or health concernsAsking questions and sharing your concerns about health issues helps your doctor improve your care.

One final piece of advice: Be honest. Never be afraid or embarrassed to tell your doctor something. What you don’t disclose could be important for your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis or prescribe the best treatment plan.

Winter is the season for sniffles, scratchy throats, and earaches — often all at once!And with good reason: our ears, nose, and throat all are connected and affect each other greatly. Otolaryngologists(also known as ear, nose, and throat doctors or ENTs) are physicians who specialize in caring for this complex, interrelated system. Test your ENT knowledge with this quick quiz:

Who gets earaches more often — children or adults?Nearly every child experiences at leastone ear infection between infancy and the age of five — something weary parents know firsthand. Becausechildren have shorter, straighter Eustachian tubes (which connect the nose to the ears), it’s easier for bacteria to migrate into their ears.

Why are you more likely to get a nosebleed in winter?The same heated indoor air that makesyour home cozy in winter also can dehydrate the inside of your nose. It can become crusted or cracked, or can even bleed. A dry nose makesyou more susceptible to germs, so exercise good nose care. Lightly coatthe inside with petroleum jelly. Over-the-counter saline mists and sprays (not decongestants) also are helpful.

Will antibiotics cure laryngitis? Most cases of laryngitis are caused by viral infections that make the vocal cords swell — so antibiotics are ineffective. Your best course of action? Drink plenty of fluids, rest, and cut back on talking. Straining yourvoice when you have acute laryngitiscan damage your vocal cords.

Source: American Society of Otolaryngology

Three Cheers for Your Ears, Nose, and Throat

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Monroeville4 UPMC.com/Today


If you ever have to be hospitalized, you’ll certainly want to be cared for at a place that delivers quality health care using the latest technology available. That’s precisely what patients find when they are admitted to a UPMC hospital.

“UPMC’s vision of quality is for every patient to receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way — every time,” says Tami Minnier, RN, and chief quality officer forUPMC. “Technology lets us serve patients more efficiently and accurately. Most of all, we’re able to give patients greater control of their health care.”

Here are just two of the ways UPMC hospitals are delivering on that goal.

SmartRoom® technology brings it all to youLaunched three years ago by UPMC in partnership with IBM, SmartRoom is an impressive technology. First used at UPMC Shadyside and UPMC Montefiore, it is gradually being introduced in other UPMC hospitals. All patient rooms at the new UPMC East will be equipped with SmartRoom technology.

SmartRoom brings all essential data related to your care to your bedside. Its computerizedsoftware programsgive caregivers fingertip access toall the informationessential to yourcare — from yourelectronic medicalrecords to the tests you’ll need that day.

The SmartRoom concept simplifies workflow and makes documentation of your care faster and easier. Each room hastwo screens: one for your caregivers, and another for you to access email, entertainment, and a vast library of patient education videosand information.

The right medsat the right time“It is our goal to make the hospitalizationand discharge experience asstress-free as possible for ourpatients and theirfamilies,” saysJacqueline Dailey,UPMC’s vicepresident for Solutions forMedical Science, Research, and Patient Centered AccountableCare. “Not surprisingly, by the time patients leave the hospital,they’re often confused and overwhelmed by changes in theirmedications and how to take them.”

“We begin when you’re admitted with an electronic assessmentof your current medications and how they’re being taken,” explains Ms. Dailey. “As medications are adjusted or eliminatedduring your stay, this information is instantly available to allyour physicians — from your family doctor to the specialistscaring for you. That’s especially important if you transition from one level of care to another, such as intensive to acutecare.” An added layer of safety: both a pharmacist and the nurse administering the medications verify any new medicationorders from your doctors.

Throughout your stay, you’ll receive comprehensive instructions on your medications. “We know that people learn in different ways, so this information will be shared multiple times and in multiple ways,” notes Ms. Dailey. “We also urge patients to contact their doctors for help with any questions they may have on their return home.”

How technology is working to transform the quality of your care during hospitalization

Technology for 21st Century Hospitals

6 UPMC.com/Today


Seven Barnishin was just 11, playing withaction figures alone in his Pitcairn home,when the tics began — involuntary armflicks, head jerks, and sounds. “I freaked. It seemed like something else was controlling me,” he says.

Tom and Amy Barnishin first thoughttheir son’s behavior was linked to the startof the school year and peer pressure.When symptoms grew worse, and othertics emerged, their doctor sent Seven to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC where he was officially diagnosedwith Tourette syndrome (TS) in January2009. “We were blindsided,” says Amy.

Diagnosing Tourette syndromeTS is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 100 people, says Keith Coffman, MD, a pediatric neurologist and co-director of the Tourette SyndromeClinic, part of the Brain Care Institute at Children’s Hospital. Most cases are diagnosed between ages 3 and 12; the majority are boys.

The main symptoms are sudden, repetitive, uncontrollable movements and sounds called tics, including throat-clearing, sniffing, blinking, gestures, and head jerking. For a true TS diagnosis, tics must start before age 18, include twoor more motor tics and at least one vocaltic, and last at least one year. Tics peak at the onset of puberty. Approximately 60 percent of children outgrow the tics, or the tics become so subtle only that person knows when they occur.

Coping with Tourette “People with TS cannot control their tics.They experience a sensation that makesthem feel like they have to move — like having to sneeze,” Dr. Coffman says.

The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner children can benefit. Movements can interfere with school work. Children with TS often are bullied, teased, or viewed as being disruptive.

That’s especially difficult for adolescentswho want to fit in. Tics, such as throatclearing, turning, or shaking, also can cause pain.

At the Tourette Syndrome Clinic, patients have access to a trio of experts:two pediatric neurologists with training in neurodevelopmental disorders, and an adult neurologist trained in movement disorders who provides transitional care for older teens.

Be in the know about TS Treatment varies.While there’s no cure,medication sometimes helps control tics.Psychologists can teach habit reversal and relaxation techniques to help patientscope with stress and reduce symptoms. But the most important treatment is education, says Dr. Coffman. “That includes educating families, educators, and the general public about TS.”

“Knowledge is power. I’d be unnerved if I didn’t know what it was,” adds Seven,now age 14. Although he cycled through almost every tic, the movements and sounds have subsided with treatment.

The Barnishins credit the team at Children’s for helping them understand TS, guiding them through treatment options, and providing support.

“Children’s gave us answers and helped us gain control over an uncontrollable situation. Instead of being spectators, wewere part of the process. That helped lower Seven’s anxiety, which helped ease the tics,” says Tom.

To learn more about the Tourette Syndrome Clinic and the Movement Disorders Clinic at Children’s Hospital, visit chp.edu, choose Neurology as theservice, then click the Clinics and Services button on the left.

Controlling a life in motion at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

Other TS facts include:• TS patients have the same IQ range as the general population.

• People in every walk of life, includingprofessional musicians, athletes, authors, and scientists, have TS.

• Less than 15 percent of TS patientsswear or use inappropriate expressions.

Did You Know?

Taking on Tourette

An estimated 200,000 Americans haveTS, but misconceptions still surround the disorder.

For example, TS is not an emotional or behavioral condition. It is an inheritedneurodevelopmental disorder that causes abnormalities in the brain.


OPENING SUMMER 2012For more information, visit UPMCEast.com

YOUR WORLD-CLASS HOSPITAL.RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER.

UPMC 600 Oxford DriveMonroeville, 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 informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.

Follow UPMC East on Facebook.

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

Barry Layton from Penn Center East andMonroeville Mayor Greg Erosenko joinMonroeville Chamber members as theycongratulate Bob Stape and Mike Smithfrom Goodwill of Southwestern PA at theofficial grand opening of its newest store onMonroeville Blvd.

Suzy Whelan from Point PleasantRetirement Community helps CEO MichaelGlass from Dress For Success, Pittsburghgather up business attire donated by theChamber’s Women in Leadership groupduring a recent luncheon at the Holiday Inn.

Monroeville Area Chamber members met atSam’s Club for an early morning networkingevent in October.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Tyler Mountain Water & Beverage

We are more than just water.

There is nothing simple about water. Did you know that the

total amount of water on earth covers 326 million cubic miles?

That less than 1% of the total amount of available water is clean

enough to drink? That an adult human body is made up of

roughly 70% water? Ask Kathy Bell from Tyler Mountain Water & Coffee to tell you about

water and you will quickly learn that all water is not the same. She will also proudly tell you

about how she and husband Bill started their company in 1981 as Aqua Fresh Filter. As a

water filtration purveyor, they originally sold under sink filtration systems to residential,

commercial and industrial customers.

In 1982 they diversified into the bottled water business and became a distributor and

eventually a bottler of the Tyler Mountain Water brand. “In fact” says Kathy “we were the

first company in the Pittsburgh region to offer spring water.” In 2003 Kathy and Bill

decided to add office and restaurant coffee service into their delivery mix. “After all the best

water makes the best coffee taste even better.” We not only deliver the best quality water,

but we consider ourselves to be Water Specialists.”

“When we first started the business I never saw myself being where I am today. To me

this was a temporary position to help out my husband Bill. I never have been big on

positions or titles over the years, but have worn every hat not only to ensure the growth of

Tyler, but because it owns my heart.” There probably is not one job or part of this business

that Kathy hasn’t done over the years. In fact, on one very hot summer day, Kathy left her

desk to work side-by-side with the employees to make sure the bottled water delivery

schedule could be met. “I might not be delivering 5-gallon bottles of water anymore, but

coffee deliveries are not out of my reach.”

Over the last 20 plus years, the teamwork between Kathy and Bill, their family and loyal

employees has led to Tyler Mountain Water becoming a market leader in the bottled water

industry. Today their state of the art production facility consistently meets the highest

industry standards and is annually awarded excellence in manufacturing status.

Kathy and the entire Tyler Mountain team have been active and supportive members of

MACC since 1999. Kathy has been exceptionally involved with the Celebrate Monroeville

planning committee over the past five years. “What better way to show off this community.”

According to Kathy, “Don’t just be a member of this Chamber…get involved.” Her advice

follows the mission of Tyler Mountain Water & Beverage, “We believe in giving back and

supporting our employees and neighbors. We are happy to offer educational plant tours,

support our local law enforcement agencies and local charities. It is our belief that active

participation at multiple levels will continue to make us a valuable part of the community.”

A great lead for Kathy is any home or office or business...it doesn’t matter if someone

wants to buy 80 bottles of water a month or just one. Every customer is important to us.

Kathy encourages everyone to call her at 412-795-3100 or to visit www.aquafilterfresh.com

to learn about new products in bottled water, office coffee and filtration systems.


�

—E.L. Doctorow

riter Maya Angelou once said, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,but by the moments that take our breath away.” To that we might add that life can alsobe measured by the moments that bring us joy or make us cry or the moments that

thrill us, or the moments that gently pull us back to our childhood.Those are the kind of moments captured by the Life Writers Group, which meets twice a

month at the Monroeville Public Library. The group was established by Sharon Lippincott, whohas been teaching life writing since she retired about 12 years ago. “I did a lot of trainingworkshops and I did a lot of writing in my career, but I never taught writing,” Lippincott said.

She began writing her own story just for fun. “I knew if I didn’t have a group to beaccountable to, I’d stop writing sooner or later,” she said. Lippincott calls the writing group“more fun than anything I ever do.”

“The group started after I taught a class at the library several years ago,” Lippincott said.“Everybody’s working on writing stories about their life to hand down to their families. Nobody’sa professional writer except me.”

There are about 12 people in the group, which consists of residents from throughout theeastern suburbs including Plum, Penn Hills, Monroeville, Charleroi, Plum, Pittsburgh, andGreensburg among other places.

Stories by writers in the group have included “Home Made Ice Cream” by Keith Neill, a tale oflazy summer evenings during his childhood in which the family would get out the old wooden icecream freezer to make a delicious frozen treat, and “Hope” by Ellen J. Dehouske about a younggirl in crisis who found hope through the nurturing spirit of her literature teacher. Life Writersmember Dr. Chuck Thomas deviated from the typical format and wrote a play about Denny,Stew, Cinco de Mayo and Bernice’s cat. Other group members include Margaret Soboslay, Win

Kanop, Nancy Santangelo, Elizabeth Kim, Lois Dabney-Smith and Nancy Stevens.Each participant reads his or her story and gets feedback from fellow group members.

“Some people go ahead and collect these [stories] and put them into a volume, like anautobiography,” Lippincott said.

In Community Magazines asked members of the Life Writers Group to share aholiday memory. The stories on the following page are a result of that request.


Christmas that year was very special to me for two reasons.Mom and Dad were going to a party at the home of my mother’scousin Ruby. Mom surprised me by telling me that I was going tothe party with them, but I was not to tell my brothers. I had anew-to-me dress (a hand-me-down from my cousin, Dotty Jean)that was perfect for a Christmas party. It was a dark red floral withwhite lace collar and a wine-colored velvet sash. With my MaryJanes and my winter coat and hat trimmed in velvet, it was aperfect Christmas outfit for a six-year-old girl. I remember little ofthe party other than the grand piano in cousin Ruby’s living roomand the pile of fur coats on the bed where I fell asleep quite earlyduring the festivities. Daddy had to pick me up and carry me tothe car.

That was also the Christmas I received a doll house. It was oneof the most special gifts I ever received. Daddy had made it for me,and to this day I remember almost everything about it. It was madeof wood, painted white with a red roof. It had four walls; access tothe inside was by way of the roof being hinged. He had also made alot of the furniture: Mom made the curtains, the bedding,tablecloths, napkins and all the other soft goods. There was realtile on the bathroom floor, carpets in the living room, dining roomand bedrooms. The doll house was also electrified. Sadly, I don’tknow whatever happned to it. My mother probably got rid of itduring one of our many moves. In spite of that, the memory ofDad making it for me is one of my favorite childhood memories.

Nancy StevensPlum

Through the windowpane, I saw you.Your dimpled smile welcomed my view. Only sixteen; too young they say.Puppy love, it will fade someday.

Korea beckoned, they called you away.To finish school, alone I stay.Mortgage, children and white picket fence,No greater reward, before or since.

Fifty-eight years of married life;We experienced joy and little strife.Stop and listen, give and take,A stronger bond it did make.

You at eighty, me at seventy-five,In God’s hands, we gracefully strive.To love each other, another day;On our knees we humbly pray.

We danced beyond the youthful stage.Now, wrinkled hands, gray and aged,Supporting each other, we strut along.Too young they say?Proven wrong!

Merry Christmas, SweetheartWith Everlasting Love, Lois12/25/10

Lois Dabney-Smith (to her husband James)Churchill

It was the night before Thanksgiving. Mike and Marie weresound asleep in their bed. A burglar quietly crept in and wentthrough the rooms. He noticed the people in the bed and bent overthem to make sure they were sleeping soundly.

He tip-toed back through the house, stopped in the dining room to getsomething he wanted, and quietly crept back to where he came from.

In the morning, Marie awakened and stretched, got out of bed anddressed. She walked to the kitchen, made coffee, walked into thedining room, and shrieked, waking up her husband.

“Mike, look! Did you do this?” she asked. Mike looked at the three pies Marie had baked the day before

and placed on the dining room table to cool. Someone had eatenout the center of one pumpkin pie. The crust was there but therewas no middle.

“Not me,” said Mike. “Ask your Mom.”The thief had eaten the middle of the pumpkin pie, and left the crust.Their dog, a golden retriever named Emma, came sauntering into the

dining room. Mike and Marie both looked down at Emma. Emmalooked back up at them. The evidence was on the top of Emma’s nose—pumpkin pie!

The thief was caught—it was Emma the dog.

Margaret Frances Soboslay Monroeville


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The Allegheny County Department of Human ServicesHoliday Project is accepting gift donations for children and

youth receiving services from the Office of Children, Youth andFamilies, the county agency charged with protecting childrenfrom abuse and neglect.

Through the generosity of community groups andindividual donations, the DHS Holiday Project’s goal is toprovide each child in need at least one meaningful gift during theholidays. New unwrapped gifts are needed for children andyouth, ranging from toddlers to those 18 years old.

To meet this goal, DHS has partnered with businesses acrossthe county to set up conveniently located donation drop-off sites

this holiday season. For a list of drop-off locations, collectiondates and gift ideas, visit: .

The Power (+ and -) of Peer Influence

Fair and Appropriate DisciplineStrategies

How to Handle Jealousy Among Siblings

As a Parent, How do I Manage it All?

Winter StorytimeFor children age 3 - 5Wednesdays, February 22 - April 4: 10:15-11 a.m. and 1:15-2 p.m.Registration begins February 10

Spring StorytimeFor children age 3 - 5—Wednesdays, April 25 - May 16Morning session: 10:15 - 11 a.m.; Afternoon session: 1:15 - 2 p.m.Registration begins April 13

In this series of stories and crafts, parents do notstay during the story portion, but return to help withcrafts during the last 10 minutes.

Family Craft NightsOur very popular Family Craft Nights are held

in the Program Room on the lower level of thelibrary. Family Craft Nights are fun for the entirefamily! Space is limited, so register early!

Valentine Family Craft NightTuesday, January 31—7 - 8:30 p.m.Registration begins January 17

Easter Family Craft NightMonday, April 16—7 - 8:30 p.m.

Tot TimeSecond and fourth Tuesdays of each month 10–10:30 a.m.

These story times for one- to three-year-oldswith an adult are held in the Gallery Space.Registration begins one week before each program.

Teen Book Club

The Teen Book Club meets the secondTuesday of each month from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. inthe Conference Room. Check the Teen Page forbook titles.

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

and for students in grades 5 – 8. Daughters andmothers (or grandmothers, aunts, or specialfriends) will read one book each month, thencome to the library to discuss what they lovedabout the book – and what they didn’t. Call 412.372.0500, ext. 18 for more information orto sign up for the club.

MONTHLY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPSThursday Book Discussion Group

The Thursday Book Discussion Group meets the third Thursday of every month(except December) at 1:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. We read and discuss a widerange of books that are chosen by the whole group.

Wednesday Book Discussion GroupThe Wednesday Evening Book Discussion Group meets on the fourth Wednesday

of every month (except December) at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. Themembers of this group choose fiction, with an occasional work of light non-fiction.This is a lively group with many frank and open discussions. Please join us! Nocommitment is necessary.

All Monroeville Public Library patrons are invited to join Monroeville Public Library

News, an electronic mail group designed to keep you informed about upcomingprograms at the Monroeville Public Library. Members will receive occasional e-mailswith information about local history programs, Armchair Adventures travel slide shows,readings by local writers, science programs, health lectures and more.

To join, send a blank e-mail to [email protected]. If you haveany questions, contact Mark Hudson, adult services librarian, at 412.372.0500, ext. 13.

Not sure where to start? Our friendly staff will be happy to help you find what you’re

looking for. Professional reference librarians are available to answer all types of questionsand to assist with research. Reference assistance is available at the Library, by phone at412.372.0500 ext. 4 or by clicking “Ask a Reference Librarian” from our web page.

Through the generosity of a good library friend, the Library purchased an upright

display case to showcase special collections. Exhibits are usually changed monthly. Ifanyone in the community has a special collection or hobby and would like to share it bysetting up a display, please contact Evan Karelitz at 412.372.0500, x26.

Gallery Space is operated by the Friends of the Monroeville Public Library. Most

exhibits have an opening reception. Check the Library’s web site for dates and times. Artmakes a great, unique gift!


Monroeville Public Library 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd. • 412.372.0500 • Christy Fusco, DirectorChildren’s Room: ext. 3, Teen Librarian: ext. 18, Adult Reference: ext. 4

HOURS OF OPERATION:Monroeville Public Library is now open Sundays from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.Additionally, the library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00

a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

he Social Security office located in Monroeville Mallhas relocated to 400 Oxford Drive, Suite 210, inMonroeville.

The new location, in the building directly above theMonroeville Kmart garden center, began operating Monday,October 17. Office hours at the new location will be 9:00 a.m.to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The new Monroeville office offers several serviceenhancements including a location that is easily accessible to the

public and provides abundant free parking for visitors. In addition, the office now hasinterview areas that are said to be brighter, quieter and provide greater privacy.

Residents with access to an Internet connection may conduct business online atwww.socialsecurity.gov. Visitors can apply for benefits, request a new Medicarecard, get a Proof of Income letter, change their address or phone number, getdirections to Social Security offices, download publications or arrange for otherservices at an easy-to-use, secure and convenient Internet website.

Social Security business can also be conducted at the public’s convenience, 24hours a day, including weekends and holidays, by calling, toll-free, 800.772.1213.Representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on business days. Some of theservices available include scheduling an appointment, requesting a change of address,and signing up for direct deposit. Automated services are available 24 hours a day torequest a replacement Medicare card or a variety of other forms and publications.

t’s been a quite a while since folks have had an opportunityto sit in the darkened movie theater in Monroeville,

munc hing popcorn while watching Hollywood’s latestcinematic offering. But by the fall of 2013, people in theregion may yet again enjoy that simple pleasure.

That’s because Monroeville Mall has announced plans forthe construction of a 12-screen, state-of-the art Cinemarkmovie theater. The theater will be built in JC Penney’s currentlocation. JC Penney, an anchor tenant in the mall since 1969,

will get a new 100,000-square-foot store on the upper level in the former Boscov’s.The new JC Penney location is expected to be completed by fall 2012.

“Our new location offers us the best of both worlds – a brand-new store in ashopping center where we’ve had success for many years,” said Mike Theilmann,group executive vice president, JC Penney. “We look forward to being part of thenext evolution of Monroeville Mall, and we’re confident our customers will bedelighted with the convenience and modern features of our new store, which willbe a showcase for JC Penney’s great brands and industry-leading customer service.”

The theater will be 48,000 square feet with stadium seating and digital surroundsound. There will also be a Cinemark XD: Extreme Digital cinema auditorium,which will feature wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screens, plush seating andcustom JBL surround. Cinemark XD auditoriums are able to exhibit the newestmovies every week, including 2D and RealD 3D pictures.

“We’re looking forward to this new entertainment component for the mall,” saidMonroeville Mall General Manager Tom Gerber.

He said the mall approached Cinemark about bringing a movie theater to themall because that was identified as a need in this market. “Monroeville has hadtheaters in the past. We actually had a theater in the mall many years ago where theBest Buy is sitting,” Gerber said.


– M O N R O E V I L L EN E W S –

Monroeville Social Security Office Moves to a New Location

T

I

Over 800 prizes were given tochildren at Grace Life Church’sHarvest Fest, which took place atTall Trees Amphitheater inMonroeville. The G Factor talentshow was another highlight of theafternoon. The winner received a$1,000 professional music video.The Harvest Fest was an outreachevent for the whole family thatalso included a bake off contest,pumpkin painting, contemporaryChristian bands, food, games anda bounce house for children tojump around in.

HAR

VESTFEST

Pastor Bruce"Buck" SchaferJr. and his wifeAmy Schafer

G Factor TalentShow participants

G Factor Judges: (l to r) Kyle Lawson(EntertainmentReporter); MaryBeth Kratsas(Photographer);Frank Bursic(Global EnergyConsultant)

n the popular 1990s TV series “The Golden Girls,” Dorothy always had a secret weapon she used to coerce her mother into cooperating with her.

Dorothy would periodically threaten her with the ominous warning, “Shady Pines is getting your room

ready as we speak…” But nowadays, only around 7% of peopleover age 75 live in nursing homes, according to census figures, and thereare more choices than ever for different lifestyles and levels of care.

There are as many as 20 different types of senior care facilities, andbefore looking at any new living arrangement, it’s important to have a basicidea of what the different levels are to avoid feeling overwhelmed withchoices. The following are some of the most popular living arrangementsfor seniors of today.

One favorite for mature adults is the active adult community,sometimes referred to as a retirement community or independent living.These dwellings are usually homes or condos with individuals livingindependently and owning their own home, but in a grouping or housingplan with other seniors. Many times these communities will offer a

clubhouse and have planned social and cultural activities and limitedtransportation. They may also provide housekeeping and communal mealsfor a monthly fee. They are probably best suited to individuals who areactive and able to assume total care for themselves, but desire socialinteraction with others in their own age group.

Assisted living facilities usually allow individuals to have the privacy oftheir own apartment or home, while offering daily assistance with bathingand dressing. Some communities may also help with administeringmedications. This is an attractive option for many seniors becauseresidents may be able to bathe and dress themselves initially, but as healthand mobility decline the help becomes readily available without having tomake a change in living arrangements. Communal dining may also be anoption for an added fee. Residents rent their apartment or home and maypay one ‘all inclusive’ fee for services or may be charged ‘a la carte’ for eachadditional service needed. This is a good choice for any mature adult whois currently ambulatory, but who may have concerns about future mobilityproblems or perhaps has the beginning of mobility issues.

Another increasingly popular option for mature adults is home health

By Pamela Palongue

O L D E R A D U L T S I N M O N R O E V I L L E

Whether you are a mature adult facing changes in your livingarrangements or the child of an aging parent, the prospect of discussing

this major life change can be a formidable one. Most experts agree that itis best to broach the subject earlier rather than later.


care which allows individuals to remain in their homes while receiving professionalassistance with bathing, dressing and meal preparation. The care may also extend to medicalneeds such as the administration of medications and the ongoing management of bloodpressure or diabetes. Medicare and Medicaid may provide financial assistance in some cases,but there are several eligibility requirements which must be met. This is a particularly goodoption for individuals who are emotionally attached to their residence and do not have astrong need for social interaction with other seniors.

Rehabilitation facilities are primarily a temporary option for those recuperating frominjury or illness. Rehab helps the individual recover and provides adaptive techniques forpreparing the patient to return to independent living. While the person may not function atthe previous level, the goal of rehab is to enhance the patient’s quality of life by improvingmobility, speech and self-care.

Though people seldom look forward to going to a nursing facility, skilled nursing homesprovide 24-hour care for individuals with serious illness, injury or mental decline. The goodnews is that there have been several improvements in the quality of care received in nursingfacilities since the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987. Nurse aides now have moretraining, and each resident must be fully evaluated upon admission so that an individual careplan can be established. Meals are planned by a dietician to ensure proper nutrition, andmany nursing facilities now include regular exercise as a part of their managed care forresidents.

Whether you are a mature adult facing changes in your living arrangements or the childof an aging parent, the prospect of discussing this major life change can be a formidable one.Most experts agree that it is best to broach the subject earlier rather than later. Try to discussthe different options with aging parents and find out which ones appeal to them. Certainconditions such as serious dementia may prevent a meaningful discussion of these topicslater. By talking about the choices now, your loved one can weigh in on the decision and helpyou decide based on personal preferences. The topic is also easier to discuss when it seems along way off, rather than inevitable in the near future. The olderperson will also have more time to make decisions, rather thanhastily settling on a new home.

When beginning the discussion, always reassure your loved onethat you want him/her to remain as independent as possible for aslong as possible. Ask questions rather than offering advice. This willhelp your parent to feel more in control of the conversation.

Try not to force any decisions with only one discussion. Giveyour loved one a chance to digest the idea and to form somethoughts on the subject. Suggest the possibility of a visit to anindependent or assisted living community. Many parents who areinitially reluctant to even discuss moving become excited about theprospect of making a change when they are able to see firsthand thepositive social aspects and activities offered at assisted livingfacilities.

Finally, enlist the help of one of your parent’s friends already inindependent or assisted living as an advocate. Oftentimes parentsmay feel that their children are “ganging up” on them if they areconfronted by several siblings telling them what they should do.However, an individual in their own age group who has made theadjustment and is happy is the best advocate.

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on finding a home for your loved one, you may want to consultwww.aplaceformom.com, a free elder care referral service. For moretips about speaking with your parents or services available for your

loved one, visit the Area Agency on Aging website atwww.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/aaa.aspx.



irthdays, anniversaries, Christmas—all suggest presents,and with the media constantly bombarding us with newsof the latest and greatest electronic gadgets it’s natural toconsider whether an iPhone or a Kindle might make a

good gift. If your gift recipient is a senior, there are however a fewfactors you should consider before making your purchase.

As we get older our sight and hearing begin to diminish along withour manual dexterity. The loss or reduction of any or all of these threesenses can adversely affect the enjoyment of many of these latest andgreatest electronic gadgets.

All tablet computers, all e-readers, most music players, and a verylarge percentage of the newest cell phones now all come equippedwith touchscreen displays. These devices are all small (and gettingsmaller it seems with every new model) and designed to be used withour fingers, not with a mouse or stylus.

While the texts in some of these devices, like tablet computers ande-readers, can easily be enlarged to a more comfortable and easier-to-read size, most smart cell phones and music players lack this visualaccommodation.

E-readers and tablet computers also lack any mechanism oradjustment feature to control touch or dexterity sensitivity. Since themajority of users for these devices tend to be younger and moredexterous, manufacturers have little financial incentive to produce a“senior” version. Take Apple for example, currently the un-challengedleader in the table computer market. Since it was released more than a

year ago, the Apple iPad has sold more than 25 million units, the bulkof which are in the han ds of the 18-35 demographic. Every other tabletmanufacturer—HP, Samsung, Sony, Dell—are all targeting this sameyouthful market segment, seemingly oblivious to the senior market.

So, does this mean that geriatric equals Luddite? Absolutely not!What this means is that you have to give a little bit more thought to yourelectronic gift giving. First and foremost, know your recipient. Noteveryone wants an e-reader. Some people still prefer the feel of booksand manually turning pages. It may take some convincing to persuadethe dedicated bibliophile of the advantage of being able to carry arounda dozen or more books in a package typically smaller than a single volume.

Some people still prefer turntables and vinyl to MP3 players—infact the turntable and vinyl markets are still prospering. However, ifyou have a senior music lover on your gift list it’s usually an easy sellonce you demonstrate how they can potentially carry around theirentire music collection in a package the size of a deck of cards. Andmusic players, especially the popular Apple iPod, come with andwithout a touchscreen display. Just remember that someone will haveto copy those CDs to a computer and then to the music player. Ifyou’ve never done it, it’s not as daunting a task as it might seem.

If you’re looking for a cell phone you might have slightly betterluck. Because of the lower cost of these devices and the fact that mostmanufacturers usually produce several models concurrently, youmight have a better chance at finding one with a larger display andreal (larger) buttons.

The bottom line is that some seniors may not know they want anelectronic device until you actually take them into a store and letthem try it on for size. This is my next recommendation—try beforeyou buy. For example, some of the e-reader manufacturers makemore than one size, such as Kindle. The larger sizes may mean thedifference between a device that’s uncomfortable to use and onethat’s the perfect birthday present.

Galen Grimes, associate professor of information sciences andtechnology has worked at Penn State Greater Allegheny for 12years. Prior to that, Grimes worked at Mellon Bank (now BNYMellon) as an IT project manager.

B

REAAREW !EEATTSN NNN PEE

The bottom line is that someseniors may not know they wantan electronic device until youactually take them into a storeand let them try it on for size.

A Senior Gift Guide, Some Suggestions

One day Robert Fleming was just an Americanworking in Entebbe, Uganda.

But soon he was caring for a newborn baby, whose mentallyill mother had thrown her in the trash.

He gained custody of the baby girl and named her Malayaka.Subsequently, more orphaned children were brought toFleming, who is now the head of an orphanage called MalayakaHouse, named for the first child he began caring for six yearsago. Malayaka means “angel” in Swahili.

“I started it. I took it on. It’s my passion, my life. I love it,”Fleming said.

In September, Fleming, a native of Vermont, took hispassion for Malayaka House to Gateway Middle Schoolcourtesy of the student council, which is planning a number ofevents throughout the school year to raise money for theorphanage. He made two presentations, one to about 600students during the day and another to students and theirparents in the evening. Both presentations included theshowing of a portion of the award-winning documentary“Malayaka House.” The film was also shown that month at theOaks Theatre in Oakmont.

During the evening presentation at the middle school,student council members stood on the stage prior to theshowing of the film to introduce Fleming to the audience whichincluded Reed Hankinson and his wife Mandy, who metFleming last year and screened the film at their home. Duringthat screening, 75 DVDs of the film and a letter were passed outto those who attended. The spreading of that informationresulted in $6,000 in donations for Malayaka House – all fromthe Pittsburgh area. “You can’t help but say ‘What more can Ido?’” Hankinson said.

Today, the orphanage has 36 children, most of whom arenow in school. Malayaka House pays for the children to attendone of the best schools in Uganda, paying roughly $550 perchild per year. Other expenses include wages of $200 eachmonth for the seven caregivers, who are called “aunties”: $2,000per month.

Malayaka House has some sources of income from its bakingbusiness, which needs a proper oven. Rent and utilities are paidthrough income raised from the Malayaka Guest House.

One of the fundraisers Gateway Middle School StudentCouncil has planned is a hand mural. Students will pay $1 todip a hand in paint and leave their mark on a ceiling tile. “Thekids are ready to do that and they’re really excited,” said middle

school teacherand student counciladvisor Jennifer Antonucci.“Hopefully, we’re going to do itbefore the holiday break…Wehope to get enough participation thatwe can put [hand tiles] in the 7th and 8thgrade hallways.”

Antonucci said that middle school studentcouncil members had gained some ideas fromattending the Pennsylvania Student Council StateConference in Altoona in November. “It’s kind ofnice we get to go there and we get to swap ideas,” shesaid. Gateway High School’s student council alsoattended the conference. “We’re going to try to get the highschool on board and see what kind of ideas they have, too,”Antonucci said.

For more information on Malayaka House,visit www.m alayakahouse.org.

1. Gateway Middle School Student Council members Taylor Jeter and Tiana Fleming-Hogan.2. Gateway Middle School Student Council advisor Jennifer Antonucci3. Gateway Middle School Student Council advisor Jackie Beresford4. Audience members listen to Malayaka House Founder Robert Fleming at Gateway Middle School.5. Gateway Middle School principal Anthony Aquilio6. Robert Fleming, founder of Malayaka House, an orphanage in Uganda, answers questions.7. Mayalaka House founder Robert Fleming amidst members of the Gateway Middle School Student

Council (l-r) Sarah Fry, Aiyanna Crawford, Chelynn Dunson, Tiana Fleming-Hogan, McKenna Then, Lauren Bolen.


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Student Council To Raise Funds for Orphanage

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23rd ANNUAL ART SHOW AT ITS


CAC Boyce gymnasium was awash with beautiful colorsand unique shapes in July when 80 artists’ paintings,sculptures, fibre arts, and photographs were on display at

Monroeville Arts Council’s 23rd Annual Art Show. Cash andprizes were awarded to the winners in each category from fundsraised by the Arts Council.

Walking through the beautifully arranged show, visitorscouldn’t help but notice the large white ribbon on Kait Schoeb’scolorful painting entitled “Flo.” The ribbon was a signal thejudges had deemed her oil painting the “Best of Show.”

On a table nearby, visitors might see the beautiful necklaceJudith Gentile made when she intricately twisted wires to linkblue stones and green beads. Her skill earned a first place ribbon.To experience an entirely different media, guests could touchBabs Blaine’s fibre arts entry entitled “Faerie Warren” that won aJudges’ Award ribbon. In the show’s photography section, NinaSowiski’s “Seed Pod” entry caught their attention and won a bluefirst place ribbon.

During the Friday evening awards ceremony that precededthe opening of the show, MAC president Marilyn Wempacongratulated the show’s coordinator Babs Blaine and the artshow committee for their work organizing the show. In additionto viewing the variety of artwork at one of the largest shows in theeastern suburbs, MAC members, guests, and artists were treatedto pastries and beverages following the ceremony.

MAC’s Weekend of Art activities continued on Saturday andSunday with free entertainment provided at the art show. Theaudience enjoyed the singing and dancing talents of the East EndKids from the Larry Cervi School of Performing Arts; ErnieCarns, a multi-talented clown; caricature artist Kim Sauers; thedemonstration by Paws With A Cause, a dog assistance group;and the outstanding music played by the East Winds SymphonicBand in Boyce’s air-conditioned auditorium at MAC’s finalprogram of its 2011 Summer Concert Series.

Although MAC members continue to enjoy the success oftheir summer concert series, art show, and Kids’ & Teens’Korner art show, they haven’t forgotten the many patrons whosegenerosity provided the funds and gifts so events could be offeredwithout charge. Babs Blaine expressed a big “thank you” to allthe MAC volunteers, merchants, professionals, and individualsfor their support.

Caricaturist and MACboard member KimSauers donated her skillsto entertain guests atMAC Art Show.

Clown Ernie Carnsenjoyed entertainingvisitors to MAC Art Show.

Larry Cervi’stalented East EndKids performedbeside the paintingsof the MAC ArtShow’s Weekend of Art in July.

East WindsSymphonic Bandperformed onSunday afternoon in the CCAC BoyceCampus auditorium.

C“WEEKEND OF ART”

BEST IN SHOW“Flo” – Oil by Kait Schoeb

FIRST PLACEOIL/ACRYLIC - “At One” – Oil - Violet ScarponeWATERCOLOR - “Sumac Spectacular” – Barbara JewellMIXED - “Champoo - the Elephant” – Beth JohnsonPHOTOGRAPHY – “Seed Pods” – Nina Sowiski3-D – ”Fantasy Guitar” – Mitzi HallFIBRIC/FIBRE ARTS – “Reflections of Fire” – Marty ResslerOTHER – “Dream” - Judith Gentile

JUDGES’ AWARDSOIL/ACRYLIC – “Red Ridges” – Oil – Marvin FieldsWATERCOLOR – “Jazzman” – Marci Mason; “Pampas” – Stephany MyersMIXED – “Birds & Butterflies” – Collage – Rita Lee Spalding; “The Wind Cries” – Todd Murray3-D – “Vanity” – Chris Mozley; “Caterpilla” – Bill BerkeyFABRIC/FIBRE ARTS – “Raindrops” – Fibre Arts – Dorothy de Groat; “Apples & Orchids” – Fabric – Jerry ScorpionOTHER – “Fallen Leaves” – Fibre Arts – Dorothy de Groat; “FaerieWarren” – Fibre Arts – Babs Blaine, MSPHOTOGRAPHY – Untitled – Billie Thompson; “Red Leaves” Digital Print – John Jenko

HONORABLE MENTIONOIL/ACRYLIC – “Forest” – Oil – Thomas J. Leddy, Jr.WATERCOLOR – “Saw It on the Grapevine” – Marjorie TaylorMIXED – “Sand Pipers” – Pastel – Sheryl Yeager3-D – “Bowser” – Gloria Goldsmith HerschFABRIC/FIBRE ARTS – “Falling into Winter” – Fibre Arts – Babs Blaine, MSPHOTOGRAPHY – “Surf’s Up!” – Angela Rocco OTHER – “Disrobed” – Marty Ressler


BEST INSHOW“Flo” by KaitSchoeh

FIRST PLACEAWARD IN

PHOTOGRAPHY“Seed Pods”

by NinaSowiski

FIRST PLACEAWARD IN OTHER

“Dream” by JudithGentile

FIRST PLACEAWARD IN

3-D““FantasyGuitar”

by Mitzi Hall

JUDGES’ AWARD FOR FIBRE ARTS

“Faerie Warren”by Babs Blaine, MS

To prepare for this issue of iN Monroeville, I had been reading a lot ofresearch papers that are being put out there about the American diet.There is not much good news coming from it, unless we start changingour lifestyle.

Let’s start with a study that was just released from the PenningtonBiomedical Research Center in Louisiana that analyzed the lifestyles ofmore than 17,000 men and women over the course of 13 years and foundout that people who sit for most of their day are 54% more likely to diefrom heart attacks. In America today, between sitting at a job, watchingTV, driving, and computer time, the average American is sitting 6-8 hoursper day. TOO MUCH!

You may say, “That’s not me!” If you start adding it up however, youdrive to work, many of us sit in a chair while at work, then back to sittingin the car, and finally back home to relax while watching TV or playing onthe computer—MORE CHAIR TIME.

Another looked at people that sat for up to 4 hours per day watchingTV or on the computer. They found that for each hour on average ofsitting, you increased your chances of death by heart disease by 18percent, of cancer by 8 percent and all other causes by 11 percent even ifthey are not obese and regularly exercise.

A study that was funded by the American Cancer Society should get youthinking about changing your eating habits, your exercise habits, and youreveryday lifestyle activity. If your pants are feeling a bit tight around thewaistline, take note: Belly bulge can be deadly for adults, even those whoaren’t overweight or obese. In one of the largest studies to examine thed angers of abdominal fat, it was suggested that men and women with thebiggest waistlines have twice the risk of dying in the next decade comparedto those that have flat tummies. What was surprising to researchers was thatpeople with larger waists but had a normal BMI (Body Mass Index) stillhad the increased risk of death. The Lead Author of the study, Eric Jacobs,of The American Cancer Society sai d, “ITS TIME TO START EATINGBETTER AND START EXERCISING MORE.”

So what can we do? The professional researchers are starting to askhealth care professionals, such as myself, to become more involved onthe front lines of people’s everyday lives and to start counseling theirpatients to make better lifestyle choices. In an article from the Archivesof Internal Medicine 2004, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle wasaddressed to health care professionals and was a “Call to Action” forthose professionals to start doing a better job to coach, train andadvocate better lifestyle choices to their patients. This is to combat adangerous epidemic in America—Obesity and a Sedentary Lifestyle, asthey are both directly linked to an enormous burden of chronic disease,impaired function and decrease in quality of life. It is also liked to anestimated 300,000 premature deaths and $90 Billion in annual healthcare costs in the United States. LET’S DO A BETTER JOB!

At ALL KARE, we aremeeting the challengesbrought on by the researchershead on. I have personally beenon a wellness journey for the last 12 yearsof my career. During that time, I have lost over 100 pounds. I keep thewellness concepts such as diet, exercise, stretching, and being more activein our daily lives at the forefront of my patient’s care. For those patientswho chose not to become chiropractic patients, we offer a Coaching andWellness/Weight Loss Program that has been extremely effective. Alsobecause the growing epidemic of obesity, I have available, “The ZeronaLipo Laser” to provide a jumpstart for people who need faster results inorder to give them motivation to make longer lasting lifestyle changes.With, or without the laser, I WILL HELP!

In finishing, I know that every person’s situation is unique andpersonal. I have been there. I am available to just talk on a one on onebasis and get to the root of the issues. As an expert, I also speak to civicorganizations and businesses to help promote a healthier lifestyle tomembers and employees. The evidence is mounting and this epidemic issomething that I am taking personally…MY PROFESSION ALLOWSME THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP MANY!

For The Pittsburgh Area

For more information, call ALL KARE Chiropractic & LaserClinic at 724-864-3310. You can either come in for a freeconsultation or come to one of our free monthly seminars.William H. Roscoe, D.C.


Smart PhonesClick Here

either gusting winds nor cloudy skies discouraged visitors from traveling to the McGinley and McCully loghouses and enjoying the Monroeville Historical Society’s 2011 HeritageDay Festival on October 15. Hardy youngsters and adults

alike ignored the weather and surprised the MHS volunteers with theirnumbers so much that another supply of pumpkins had to be purchasedjust an hour into the event!

Visit ors were determined to enjoy the variety of outdoor activitiesoffered. It was fun seeing how differently each visitor changed thepumpkins, stones, and scarecrows into works of art with the assistanceof MHS members.

On the McGinley House’s front porch, the puppet making involvedguests choosing the clothes, accessories, and hair styles for historical-

themed puppets that were assembledby members of Bethel UnitedPresbyterian Church. By the end ofthe day, it was delightful to see 52children proudly carrying a variety ofpuppets ranging from pioneer orfancy-dressed women, to Indians,trappers, and even an Abe Lincoln.

On the grass beside the herb garden fence, visitors were fascinated to learn howthe Indians and local pioneers used the special artifacts displayed by costumedreenactors Lora Hearn and Henry Bowden. Guests also learned that makingcornhusk or yarn dolls was a unique and fun activity. Others enjoyed churningbutter or watching loaves of delicious smelling bread, corn bread, a cake in theshape of a lamb, and spice cake made with black walnuts from the trees in the yardbeing taken out of the outdoor oven. Everyone said taste testing the butter and

bread was their favorite experience. While inside the McGinley House, others were captivated to see how Jennifer Lis

made yarn on her spinning wheel and how delicate lace was made by two members ofthe Pittsburgh Lace Group in the Joel Monroe Room. They were amazed to learn oneof the ladies was blind. While surveying the kitchen utensils used by pioneers, guestswere treated to hot mulled cider and popcorn popped over the glowing logs in thenearly 200-year-old McGinley House kitchen’s big stone fireplace.

Those that climbed the stairs to the second floor of the McGinley House wererewarded when they saw the many antiques in the bedroom. The skill and patiencerequired to make the tiny furniture in the dollhouse collections, depicting varioushistorical eras, interested both children and adults in the second room. MHS memberLibby Eons, sitting in a rocker in her long dress while crocheting an afghan, looked likeshe could be someone who lived in the 200-year-old house long ago.

In the nearby McCully Log House, visitors learned the importance of the artifacts likethe wringer washer, suspended candleholder, and chicken crate, while in the upstairsbedroom, they found out the whole family slept in one bedroom and used a chamber potwhen it was too cold or rainy to walk to the outhouse. One MHS member pointed out

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the great view of the herb garden from the second floor of the double-decker porch.In the backyard, guests decided to try their skills at washing laundry in a tub andhanging it on a clothesline with clothespins to dry and were surprised to find a nearbyauthentic (not functioning) outhouse.

MHS Event Chair Mary Lou Span said, “It is such a pleasure to help childrenconnect the past with the present. This event is made possible because of the work ofour wonderful volunteers who come from Monroeville and surroundingcommunities to share their knowledge and talents. They are Lynn Chandler, BobElms, Peg Gomrick, Connie McClain, Dan McClain, Dick McClain, MicheleMcClain, Patricia Mokel, Rick Mokel, Joe Ventresca, Jill Watson, and MarilynWempa, and junior members Julie Cassidy, Kensie Gerhart, and Laney Gerhart.Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 205 from Murrysville and their family members were abig help. They chopped wood, put up tents, carried supplies, and helped withoutdoor baking. All these volunteers are the historical society’s real treasures. Theyare really special people.”

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Over the past 54 years, Brother�s Brother Foundation has connected over $4 billion in people�s resources with people�s needs across 141 countries. BBF supplies hospitals with vital medication and equipment, supports hand-carried medical mission groups, funds the rebuilding of schools and fi lls them with donated books across the world.

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