in-penn-hills-spring

enn HillsSPRING 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

PROFILE ON ST. BART’S SISTER DOROTHY PAWLUSJOSEPH’S HARVEST FOOD PANTRY HELPS THE HUNGRY

PENN HILLS STUDENTS

ShowcaseTalentGOOD

FOR A

CAUSE

120 over 80. What’s it worth to U?

Reaching your goals is worth more than ever. It’s worth money. That’s because HealthyU offers fi nancial incentives for making healthy lifestyle decisions. Now when you do things like quit smoking, work with a health coach, or even get a fl u shot, we put money into your very own Health Incentive Account. Money that can be used to help pay for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and even surgery. To learn more about this new, one-of-a-kind plan, talk to your employer or visit UPMCHealthyU.com.

Introducing HealthyU from UPMC Health Plan.

upmchealthyu.com

FEATURES

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

Home Improvement SectionReduce Costswith Attic Insulation ............................. | 30

Small Updates Pay Off Big for Home Values ............................ | 31

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Fighter Pilot and St. Bart’s Alum Visits School ............ | 3

An Evening of Music, Chocolate & Roses ...................... | 4

Penn Hills Native Awarded Purple Heart .......................... | 6

Sr. Dorothy Pawlus Works to Enrich Parish Life ............ | 8

The Face of Hunger in Penn Hills ....................................... | 10

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use ................. | 13

A Lesson from the Andy Warhol Museum ...................... | 21

Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce .................................... | 22

The Bridge Celebrates 1st Anniversary in Penn Hills ... | 24

Students Showcase Talent for a Good Cause ................ | 26

Penn Hills High Honors WW II Veterans ........................... | 28

ON THE COVER | Penn Hills Students Showcase Talent For A Good Cause

S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2012 UPMC

For residents of eastern communities

What’s Insidepage 2 To Create the Ideal Hospital ...

Start with a Dream Team

page 3 Fit at Any Age

page 4 Surviving Allergies: What You Can DoPutting Ergonomics to Work for You

page 5 Brightening Lives With Light

page 6 A Walk to Remember

page 7 Partnering with the Community forExcellence in Emergency Care

Let’s GetPhysicalWhat can a daily dose of moderate physical activity do for you? Plenty! As you get older, regular exercise is a key to staying strong, energetic, and healthy. To learn more about the link between fitness and aging, turn to page 3.

Monroeville V4_Layout 1 3/7/12 12:45 PM Page 1

IN Penn Hills | SPRING 2012 |

enn HillsSPRING 2012

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

PROFILE ON ST. BART’S

SISTER DOROTHY PAWLUS

JOSEPH’S HARVEST FOOD

PANTRY HELPS THE HUNGRY

PENN HILLS STUDENTS

ShowcaseTalentGOOD

FOR A

CAUSE

PH_Spring2012.indd 1

3/6/12 1:59 PM

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

133 6

28

120 over 80. What’s it worth to U?

Reaching your goals is worth more than ever. It’s worth money. That’s because HealthyU offers fi nancial incentives for making healthy lifestyle decisions. Now when you do things like quit smoking, work with a health coach, or even get a fl u shot, we put money into your very own Health Incentive Account. Money that can be used to help pay for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and even surgery. To learn more about this new, one-of-a-kind plan, talk to your employer or visit UPMCHealthyU.com.

Introducing HealthyU from UPMC Health Plan.

upmchealthyu.com

2 724.942.0940 to advertise | Penn Hills

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

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

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

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

your story can be heard. The editor for the east region is Monica Haynes (m.haynes@ incommunitymagazines.com). Please forward your good news to Monica, and she’ll make sure it finds a place in the magazine. If you’re not sure whether you have a good story, give

Monica a call at 412-254-8704 and ask! While our editors have realigned into better-organized zones, we

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

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

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

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

to get out and meet your fellow residents and neighbors. Speaking of meeting your neighbors, in this edition of Penn Hills, we have a feature on Sister

Dorothy Pawlus, Parish Life Collaborator at St. Bartholomew Parish. We also catch up with Pastor Rick Cox to talk about the one-year

anniversary of his church, The Bridge. Penn Hills also stopped in on the Penn Hills High School talent show and its Valentine’s event. In this edition, we also have a feature on Purple Heart recipient Cap-tain Ed Dice. We also visited Joseph’s Harvest, the food pantry run by Petra International Ministries, which serves several communities

including Penn Hills. Remember, this is your magazine. It’s about what’s

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

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

P U B L I S H E RWayne Dollard

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

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

Monica L. Haynes [East][email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer content deadline: 5/11Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

S TA F F

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

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

Dorothy Pawlus, Parish Life Collaborator at St. Bartholomew Parish.

Wayne DollardPublisher

Monica L. HaynesEastern Regional Editor

Each year in January, Catholic Schools across the country celebrate Catholic Schools Week. �is year’s theme was Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics

and Service. Examples of each of these aspects of our educational mission were acted out in Tableaux’s on Sunday, January 29 at St. Bartholomew School in Penn Hills.

As a special surprise on the topic of Service, Army Captain Andrew Brennan participated in the service. Current students carried and displayed a �ag that he had �own as a Black Hawk Helicopter pilot in a combat mission over Afghanistan. He stood as a living example to our students about their responsibility to serve their school, community, church, nation and world.

As a Penn Hills native, Brennan a�ended St. Bartholomew Grade School, Pi�sburgh Central Catholic, Carnegie Mellon University and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Linda Pricer, the current Principal at St. Bart’s, who taught Andrew said, “Andrew was a conscientious student. He always tried his best. His concern and compassion for others was apparent even when he was a young boy.”

Brennan is also a long-distance runner, who participates in competitions for Team Red, White and Blue, an organization that helps wounded veterans get reintigrated into society.

St. Bartholomew School is open to all children, and our goals and expectations are to prepare children to be active, faithful and contributing citizens of the future.

and St. Bart’s Alum Visits School

Army Captain Andrew Brennan stood as a living example to our students about their responsibility to serve their school, community, church, nation and world.

into society. St. Bartholomew School is open to all children, and our

goals and expectations are to prepare children to be active,

into society. St. Bartholomew School is open to all children, and our

goals and expectations are to prepare children to be active, faithful and contributing citizens of the future.

and St. Bart’s Fighter Pilot

Penn Hills | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

Savannah Wiggins and Vivian Sentmier

usic,An

Evening ofM

Chocolate & Roses

I t’s the Friday before Valentine’s Day and the Penn Hills High School choir sets the mood with various musical selections for the Cabaret, Roses and Chocolate concert.

The evening started off with performances from the freshman, sophomore and junior choir members. Penn Hills Got Talent winner, Savanna Wiggins, sang a duet alongside fellow choir member Vivian Sentmier titled, Alone in the Universe. After the intermission senior choir members brought the show home. An evening full of familiar Disney songs, and popular musical selections like, A Whole New World from Aladdin and Popular from the musical Wicked entertained all in attendance. After the concert everyone had the chance to indulge in a variety of chocolate desserts. The proceeds from the concert benefit the senior scholarship fund. The scholarship is presented by the Choral Parents Association of Penn Hills. Each year, at least two deserving seniors are awarded $500 scholarships.

Alex Newby gets an assist �om a fellow student as she performs.


Chesney Mulaski

Imani Wilkerson

Xavier Hickman and Tylynn Brown

Nicole and Alyssa Innes accompanied

by Peter Mysels

Alex Newby sings her heart out


BY DANA BLACK MCGRATHAfghanistan – 2009

Dice, who has traveled around the world during his 10-year long career in the Air Force, recently has been awarded the Purple Heart medal for injuries he sustained in the line of duty while serving overseas. Now living in Colorado Springs, he says he hopes that his path soon will lead him back to the Pi�sburgh area.

Dice was born and raised in the Pi�sburgh area and is a 1997 graduate of Penn Hills High School. At the time he was a student there, the district did not have an ROTC program.

A�er graduation, he went on to study at Penn State University. �ere he received an ROTC scholarship from the Air Force. �e conditions for the full scholarship were that he would major in engineering and, a�er graduation, become an engineer in the United States Air Force.

“I’ve always been intrigued by the military and serving my country,” he explains of his decision to join the Air Force. “It also was very �nancially lucrative when you are o�ered a four-year scholarship as long as you maintain a certain GPA and as long as you enlist.”

Dice earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Penn State in 2002 and promptly joined the Air Force. On the day he graduated, he was commissioned as a lieutenant and received his duty assignment.

He spent time in North Dakota and Las Vegas before being based out of Colorado Springs.

“As the wars were ongoing,” he explains, “I was sent overseas to help in whatever capacity was needed.”

His �rst deployment came in 2003. Since then Dice has been deployed overseas �ve times: twice to Iraq and three times to Afghanistan. Cumulatively, he has spent the equivalent of three years in the region. He returned home from his most recent deployment in July 2011.

During one of those deployments, in Iraq, on June 23, 2007, Dice was performing gunner duties during a convoy mission when a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) exploded. Dice was thrown against

the turret of the vehicle he was riding on and sustained a head injury that le� him with a concussion.

But, despite that injury, it would be �ve years before he was approved to receive his Purple Heart medal.

According to an account published by the o�cial website of the Air Force Space Command: “Deployed from the 820th Rapid Engineers Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron Engineers Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nev. at the time, Dice’s logistics convoy was a�acked by a roadside IED. �e blast from the a�ack threw Dice against the vehicle turret causing a concussion. During that deployment, Dice’s team performed 82 combat patrols covering more than 5,000 miles.”

In the same story, Dice said his award recommendation was previously denied because diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury can sometimes be di�cult, it was overlooked.”

For Capt. Edward F. Dice, Jr., home is where his heart is.

“As good as it has been to me, it is

also tough. After 10 years of war, you

start to wear out. Life is short, and I

certainly am weighing my options.”

–CAPT. EDWARD F. DICE

BY DANA BLACK MCGRATH

Penn Hills Native Awarded Native Awarded Native Awarded

PURPLE HEART


A subsequent change in standards provided the opportunity t for his recommendation to be resubmi�ed and reconsidered. It was approved in December last year.

Dice received his Purple Heart medal on Jan. 13 from Air Force Space Command Commander General William Shelton at Peterson Air Force Base. Dice also has been presented three Bronze Star medals, a decoration awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service.

During his service, as an engineer, he does a lot of work with airport runways and access roads, Dice explains.

“Overseas, and with the military in general, inevitably, in one form or another, you are supporting the war e�ort,” he explains of his work. “�at includes training, of yourself and as a team, for combat-related or technically-related, to become a be�er, more e�cient war �ghter.”

While, as an engineer, there are times when he works on a variety of construction projects, his responsibilities also include parachute training, convoy patrol, and weapons training.

“Not only do you have to do your job,” he says. “You have to do your job in a combat environment. It is different than what you do stateside.”

Experience, he says, is the best training. “By the time you are on your fourth and fifth deployment, you

know the threats and how to combat them while getting your mission done.

When he is stateside, Dice is headquarters-based, and takes on managerial-related tasks to support training and base operations. Soon, he will be promoted again. He is scheduled to be promoted to the rank of Major on June 1.

“I am really glad I did it,” Dice says of his decision to join the Air Force. “It has made me what I am today.” What he is today, he says, is still a “Pi�sburgh boy at heart.” He loves the Pi�sburgh sports teams, the city itself, and all of his family and friends who are here.

“I really hope to get back there one day,” he says. But, for now, Dice heads home for vacations whenever he can between deployments and work. When he does make it home, he gives back to those who may be considering a similar career path.

Now, Penn Hills School District does o�er an ROTC program. About once a year, whenever he happens to be in town between deployments and work, Dice heads back to his alma mater to talk with the cadets at Penn Hills High School.

“I try to give a military perspective to the cadets,” he says of his visits. “Actually, I really enjoy doing that.”

Dice says he has been thinking a lot lately about returning to the area and what his future will be with the military.

“As good as it has been to me, it is also tough. A�er 10 years of war, you start to wear out. Life is short, and I certainly am weighing my options.”

Capt. Edward F. Dice, Jr. received his Purple Heart by the Commander of Air Force Space Command General Shelton.

t for his recommendation to be resubmi�ed and reconsidered. It was approved in December last year.

Iraq – 2009


As Parish Life Collaborator at St. Bartholomew Parish, Sr. Dorothy Pawlus, Csfn wears many hats

while she works on behalf of the church and its parishioners.

Interestingly, she is the only Parish Life Collaborator in the Diocese of Pi�sburgh. She was appointed to the position four and a half years ago, but actually began her time at St. Bartholomew Parish nearly seven and a half years ago. “I think it works because people already knew me,” she says of her post.

Not only was she the �rst to be appointed Parish Life Collaborator, today she still remains the only one in the diocese. In the position, she is responsible for overseeing the pastoral and �scal operations of the parish. �at includes making certain sacramental needs and requirements are met so that parishioners may receive their sacraments, including preparing classes for Holy Communion and Con�rmation. Also, she meets with couples who are planning to marry to prepare them or their big day.

“I do everything except what an ordained minister must do,” she explains.

Her responsibilities also extend to the St. Bartholomew Elementary School, where she oversees operations. Although there still is

a principal at the school, the principal is a teaching principal, explains Sr. Dorothy. “It’s fun, most days,” she laughs.

Before coming to St. Bart’s, Sr. Dorothy, a member of the congregation of Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, served as the manager of an assisted living facility and went on to earn her masters in theology from Duquesne University. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she also holds degrees in business and theology and pastoral ministry. She says she feels as though her position at St. Bartholomew is a good �t for her. “I need to not have to do the same thing all the time,” she says. “For me, it’s not all paperwork. Most of the time the work is an even mix of being with people and managing �nances.”

It is a post in which she hopes to continue for some time. �e Parish Life Collaborator is a position that is provided for in Canaan law, she explains. �ere are about 600 who serve in such positions nation-wide. St. Bartholomew parish does not have a pastor. Instead, Sr. Dorothy handles most of those

Life


BY DANA BLACK MCGRATH

“Priests in the area are very supportive and willing to help, without them, I don’t think the

program would work as well.”-Sr. Dorothy Pawlus

Sr. Dorothy PawlusWorks to

ParishEnrich

“Catholic schools have a reputation of taking children

to the best of their ability, but, it is

expensive and often hard for families.”

Sr. Dorothy PawlusWorks to

responsibilities and lives in the church rectory. �ere is a priest director at St. Bartholomew, the Rev.

Frank Kurimsky, who also is pastor at St. Irenaeus in Oakmont. But, he is not involved with the day-to-day operations of the St. Bartholomew parish. �ere also is a sacramental minister assigned to the parish, the Rev. �omas E. Dansak, to perform rites of Baptism, marriages, reconciliation, anointing of the sick and others, to make certain all the needs of the parish are met. Other area priests also help out when needed. “Priests in the area are very supportive and willing to help,” says Sr. Dorothy. “Without them, I don’t think the program would work as well.”

�e St. Bartholomew parish serves 1,100 families. Sr. Dorothy says one of her priorities for the parish is an evangelization program that she and others are working on internally at the parish. �at includes making a series of calls to parishioners. Some of those calls are to parishioners who may not have been to Mass in a long time, inviting them back to services. Callers also ask parishioners if they may have any needs, or if they would like to receive a visit from someone from the church. �e program is going very well, Sr. Dorothy reports. “Some had just fallen through the cracks,” she says. �ere have been a number of shut-ins who were happy to receive visits and have Communion brought to them.

Another goal of Dr. Dorothy’s is to see continued growth at St. Bartholomew Elementary School, which o�ers classes for children in preschool through eighth grade. �e school has experienced much growth over the past several years. Enrollment has jumped from 117 to 176 students over the past six years. Sr. Dorothy believes that growth is because people value the quality of education provided by a Catholic school. �at is re�ected in the high marks students receive on standardized tests. For instance, the school’s eighth graders are testing at a 12th grade level on Terra Nova tests, and recently the seventh graders took �rst place at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science in chemistry and physics. “Catholic schools have a reputation of taking children to the best of their ability,” she says. “But, it is expensive and o�en hard for families. We remind students of the sacri�ces their parents are making.”


BY PAMELA PALONGUE

ACCORDING TO A 2004 STUDY

BY WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

OF ST. LOUIS, AT LEAST 42%

OF AMERICANS WILL DEAL

WITH FOOD INSECURITY AT

SOME TIME DURING THEIR LIVES.

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

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

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

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

HungerHungerThe Face ofHungerPenn Hills

Hunger


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

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

Petra International Ministry’s food Pantry, Joseph’s Harvest, not only distributes food to people who are in need, but also shows them how to prepare that food and more during its summer food demonstrations. “We offer food demonstrations that encompass the idea of food nutrition, showing participants different variations for preparing their meals,” said Denice Matthews, church elder and director of the food pantry. “For example, if someone’s child likes Oodles of Noodles, for instance, we can show them various nutritional ways to make meals that include that ingredient.”

The food pantry, which serves residents in Penn Hills, Wilkinsburg, Verona and East Hills, operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the last Friday of each month. It serves, on average, more than 460 individuals a month and takes the effort of several volunteers to make it successful. “We need about 10 to 15 volunteers to help with the food pantry,” Matthews explained. “They fulfill responsibilities such as unloading the food truck when it arrives in the morning, stocking the shelves, distributing the food, and helping the people carry their food to their cars.”

In addition to the food pantry, there also is a clothing bank, which accepts donated clothing items in gently used condition, and although there are state requirements to be met before someone can use the food pantry services, there are no such requirements for the clothing bank.

“While we do not have the storage space for larger furniture items, we will accept them if we know someone is in need of that particular item,” Matthews said. “We

maintain a list of the needs of our members and if someone has a piece of furniture to donate, we can reference the list to assess the needs. We do, however, accept and store smaller household items.” The food pantry also distributes information and helps people who need assistance with issues of daily living, such as housing or utilities.

The bulk of the food that is donated to Joseph’s Harvest comes from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, however, donations also come from sister churches as well as individuals. And although members must register with the pantry to ensure they are residents of the serviced communities, and that they meet the income guidelines set by the state, the food pantry offers emergency services to individuals who require it. It also accepts referrals from other organizations such as Just Harvest.

“We also collaborate on outreach programs with other churches, such as the House of Bread, which is the food pantry at Covenant Church in Wilkinsburg,” said Matthews, who also volunteers at House of Bread. “And, we distribute a monthly newsletter that comes from the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. This newsletter, which is given to our food pantry members, is filled with information on nutrition and food and tips for healthy eating.”

Though her hard work at Joseph’s Harvest is one the reasons for its success, Matthews attributes the enjoyment of her work to the people she gets to meet. “We minster to people who ask for it and pray for people who need it. That’s just our heart.”

For more information on Joseph’s Harvest, call 412.243.7225 or visit www.petra.org.

If a family is fortunate enough to have plenty to eat, there are important things that anyone can do to help those who are hungry.

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

For some families, a donation of $25 or $50 may pose a hardship on their budget. But even with limited income, there are things that almost anyone can do to help. Most grocery stores offer shoppers the opportunity to make a contribution to the local food pantry at the checkout line. If every family who is

continued on next page


able makes a donation of $1 each week when they shop for groceries, think of the money that could be generated to help feed the hungry! By donating a smaller amount more frequently, it is less painful than writing a check for $20 or more. A small donation of one dollar will most likely not be missed in the family budget, but will help make a big impact when combined with the dollars from other area households.

Although monetary donations allow the food pantry the ability to buy food supplies to fill particular needs, food donations are also helpful. Many times we buy things at the store with good intentions, but those items at the back of the cupboard are just not being eaten. Chances are if you take a quick inventory of your pantry, there are a few items that could be donated to your local food bank. In particular need are high fiber cereals, rice, pasta, and canned beans such as kidney, black and navy which are an important source of protein. Peanut butter, canned tuna and salmon also supply much needed protein. Canned vegetables and fruits are always welcomed as well as fruit and vegetable juices,

although they should be 100% juice so be sure to check the ingredients label before donating. Chili, stews and soups are also valuable items because they offer a quick and easy way to get several daily nutrients in one convenient source. Glass containers cannot be accepted at local food banks because of possible breakage. Although many foods remain nutritious and palatable after they expire, some do not. Therefore donated food items should not be expired.

Another practically painless way to donate food is to take advantage of store specials. When your local grocery runs a special where two items may be purchased and the third one is free or there’s a “two for the price of one” special, consider donating that extra can of carrots to the food pantry. If this is done weekly, the items will add up quickly and the surplus will help feed hungry families.

Last of all, but in no way least, if individuals cannot afford even small sacrifices of money or groceries, time is another valuable commodity. Most food banks are operated entirely by volunteers. There are many different jobs to

do which allow a person to be matched with a task that fits his/her own unique personality. Groceries must be organized and stocked on the shelves and later packed into boxes for food pantry clients. Individuals are also needed to work directly with clients to determine eligibility and the distribution of food. Still other people are needed for fundraising activities, food drive events and marketing duties.

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

ONE OF THE

BEST THINGS

ABOUT HELPING

YOUR LOCAL

FOOD PANTRY IS

THAT YOU ARE

HELPING YOUR

NEIGHBORS.

continued from previous page

at some time in their lives, the


S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2012 UPMC

For residents of eastern communities

What’s Insidepage 2 To Create the Ideal Hospital ...

Start with a Dream Team

page 3 Fit at Any Age

page 4 Surviving Allergies: What You Can DoPutting Ergonomics to Work for You

page 5 Brightening Lives With Light

page 6 A Walk to Remember

page 7 Partnering with the Community forExcellence in Emergency Care

Let’s GetPhysicalWhat can a daily dose of moderate physical activity do for you? Plenty! As you get older, regular exercise is a key to staying strong, energetic, and healthy. To learn more about the link between fitness and aging, turn to page 3.


2 UPMC.com/Today

To Create the Ideal Hospital ...

Ultimately, the people who work there will be the defining dierence at UPMC East — the first new hospital in Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs in more than three decades.

Startwitha DreamTeamIf you’ve ever been hospitalized, youprobably have more than a few ideas on how your stay could have been made more comfortable or the quality of your care improved.

For the last few years, planning the ideal patient experience has been the full-time job of Mark Sevco, president of UPMC East, UPMC’snewest facility opening July 2012. “Our goal is to bring a world-class community hospital to the eastern region with the kind of medical excellence, technology, and care that will make us the destination of choice for patients,” he says.

Building a dream teamThe first step in creating the ideal hospital? Recruit a dream team staff. “At UPMC East, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create our own work culture from the ground up,” says Mr. Sevco.

“We want a team of associates with more than just outstanding skills. We’re looking for staff who will embrace UPMC’s core values and are committed to providing the best in patient care at every level.”

Selecting associates who will thriveMichael Anderson, vice president forHuman Resources at UPMC East, is spearheading efforts to hire more than 400 new staff before UPMC East opens its doors. An experienced management team is now in place at UPMC East, and more than 500 high quality UPMC and private practice physicians from throughout the area have already requested medical staff privileges. “The community shares our excitement about the opportunitieshere,” notes Mr. Anderson. “More than 3,000 people attended our job fair in February. We’ve also receivedtremendous interest on Facebook, and through e-mails, letters, and phone calls.”

The recruiting process strives to identify individuals who will thrive inUPMC East’s patient-focused cultureand contribute to its growth.“Any hospital can add state-of-the-art technology or create beautiful patientrooms. While those are important, we know we’ll ultimately be judged on the quality of our people and how we treat and care for our patients,” says Mr. Anderson.

That’s why, in addition to interviews and careful reviews of their backgroundand experience, all new staff — fromclinical to clerical — will complete an online assessment designed to determine their competencies in five key areas:• Focus on patients and customers• Dignity and respect• Integrity• Teamwork• Continuous improvement

“Depending on the job, there are other competencies we’ll be measuringas well,” says Mr. Anderson. They include adaptability, dependability, professionalism, leadership, and critical thinking.

Working toward opening day“Our plan is to be fully operationalwhen we open our doors in July,” notesMr. Sevco. Staff will begin working atthe hospital in early May. “During the60 days before opening, we’ll literallytest drive every part of the hospital, from making sure our equipment andlabs are running smoothly to simulatingthe actual patient experience. Theminute people come through our doors, we want them to know we areprepared and ready. Our goal is to make them feel welcomed and at home!”

For more information about UPMC East, visit UPMCEast.com.


1-800-533-UPMC 3

Comedian George Burns — who lived to be 100 — often advised his audience to “Look to the future, because that’s where you’ll spend the rest of your life.”Vonda Wright, MD — a practicing orthopaedic surgeon at the UPMC Center forSports Medicine and a nationally recognized author of several books on active aging and fitness — thinks that’s sound advice. “Nothing is more natural than aging,” she says. “Adults over 40 today are redefining what it means to age. They’re lookingahead — and doing what it takes to stay fit and vital.

“With just 30 minutes of daily exercise, you can minimize your risk for 35 common illnesses — including high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes,” says Dr.Wright, who also directs the center’s Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes (PRIMA®), which focuses onmaximizing the performance of both elite and recreational athletes over age 40.

Staying fit as you age“As we enter our 40s and 50s, we’re just starting to hit our stride, with the potential for many years of wonderful living ahead of us. A well-balanced exercise plan is a key to maintaining that quality of life as we grow older,” she maintains.“There’s no age or activity level to prevent any older adult from being active,” explains Dr. Wright. In fact, studies of 90-year-old men doing resistance training on a daily basis showed improvements in their strength and functioning.

Getting started Starting — and sticking with — a fitness plan initially can be hard, says Dr. Wright. “The first

step is to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Schedule it on your calendar, like an appointment,” she advises. “Don’t be a weekend warrior. Instead, try to maintain a moderate activity level throughout the week, and increase your exercise level gradually to reduce your chance of overuse or injury.”

She tells her patients to FACE the future with a balanced, total body workout designed to achieve maximum benefits while avoiding injury:

F — Flexibility with daily stretching exercises

A — Aerobic cardiovascular exercises every other day, using interval-style training

C — Carry a load (or strength train) to build and maintain muscles in your arms, legs, and core (stomach, back, and abdomen)

E — Equilibrium and balance through simple exercises like standing on one foot

“Whenever possible, mix up activities like running, swimming, cycling, or rowing,” encourages Dr. Wright. “Cross training helps promote total fitness while reducing the chance for injury. Most of all, take that first step!”

To learn more about UPMC’s PRIMA program for mature athletes, call 412-432-3651 or visit UPMC.com/SportsMedicine. You’ll find PRIMA listed under Performance in the Our Services section.

Fit atAnyAge

Should you see a doctor first?

Many say that 50 is the new 30 as today’s mature adults enjoy more active,fitter, and healthier lives

than any other generation.

You’re 50 years old and a pack-a-day smoker. You also have high blood pressure, andyou haven’t exercised sinceRonald Reagan was president.Should you see your doctor before hitting the local gym?“Regular exercise is the best giftyou can give yourself. But it’s important to use common sensewhen getting started,” saysRobert Kaufmann, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at UPMC,600 Oxford Drive in Monroeville.

If you’re in generally good healthand starting off with light to moderate physical activity, an extensive medical workup probably isn’t necessary. “But ifyou’ve been diagnosed with anymedical condition, have beensedentary for some time, or are atrisk for potential heart problems,it’s essential to talk to your doctor,” advises Dr. Kaufmann.

“Working together, you and your doctor can create the rightexercise plan based on your age,physical condition, family history,and other key factors.”

If you’re over the age of 40, visit UPMC.com/Today to take the American College of SportsMedicine’s Physical Activity Readiness Self-Exam.


4 UPMC.com/Today

The goal of ergonomics is to make our places of work as safe,comfortable, and efficient as possible. But let’s not limit itsuses to our day jobs!

“Many of the aches and pains people experience can be attributed to ergonomic issues like poor posture, excessiverepetitive movement, or improper lifting techniques,” saysKenneth C. Plowey, MD, a specialist in internal medicinewith UPMC Primary Care Partners of Monroeville.“Whether you’re at work, home, or play, applying basic ergonomic principles can help you avoid injury and perform at your best,” adds Dr. Plowey. Here area few tips to get you started:

• Use the right equipment. Makesure the tool fits the job and yourbody, whether you’re sitting at adesk, vacuuming, riding a bike, orswinging a golf club.

• Work at the right height for you.A too-low computer chair or a too-high kitchen counter can wreak havoc on your neck, back, and shoulders.

• Avoid contact stress. Wear glovesor use tools designed to reduce pressure on soft tissue to avoid blisters and other skin damage.

• Keep items within easy reach.Extend your arms out on each side.Picture an imaginary arc in front of you from left to right. Place the tools or supplies you use mostoften within that area.

• Avoid repetitive movements and working long periods in oneposition. Alternate tasks and change your body position regularly.Stretch every 20 to 30 minutes.

Visit UPMC.com/Today where you canfind more ergonomic tips you can use atwork and at home.

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

If you dread the approach of spring and the arrival of allergy season, here are a few ways to reduce your sniing, sneezing, and itchy eyes

What to doIf you take medication to control your symptoms, start treatmentearly — before your seasonal allergies flare up, says BJ Ferguson,MD, director of the Division of Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergyat UPMC, and a professor of otolaryngology at the University ofPittsburgh School of Medicine. In western Pennsylvania, tree

pollen starts flying around bythe end of February or in earlyMarch, when it warms upenough for trees to beginbudding.

Medications to takeDr. Ferguson recommendsstarting with an over-the-counter (OTC) medication,preferably a non-sedating

antihistamine. She cautions that some products can be sedatingor even result in extreme drowsiness that can impair driving. Be sure to read the accompanying instructions or ask your pharmacist about side effects.

OTC decongestants can relieve nasal congestion but should onlybe used on a short-term basis, Dr. Ferguson says. Decongestantscan cause significant side effects, such as insomnia, agitation,heart palpitations, and a rise in blood pressure. A saline nasalwash also can help relieve congestion.

When to see a doctor“If you are getting no relief and it is impairing your quality of life, you should see a doctor about more effective alternativesand testing,” says Dr. Ferguson.

• A doctor can prescribe medications that can provide effective relief from chronic congestion.

• Allergy testing can determine precisely what you are or aren’t allergic to. A new sublingual immunotherapy administered under the tongue is just as effective as allergy shots, and with fewer side effects, says Dr. Ferguson.

• Your doctor also can determine if your nasal blockage is caused by inflammation or nasal polyps, a deviated septum, enlarged adenoids, or an infection.

Surviving Allergies:What You Can Do

Putting Ergonomics toWork for YouAt home and on the job, ergonomics can help you avoid injuryand discomfort — and even increase your productivity


1-800-533-UPMC 5

Light therapy is proving to be an effective treatment for bipolar depression and other mood disorders

Brightening Lives withLight

Michele Twyman of Penn Hills always dreaded the approach of winter and the holidays. As the days shortened, she grew increasingly tired, sleepy, and depressed. All she wanted to dowas crawl into bed — and stay there.

“I didn’t enjoy anything — from decorating to shopping. I neverfelt like celebrating,” says Ms. Twyman, who has a bipolar disorder and has battled depression for more than 30 years.

But last Christmas was different. For the first time in years, she decorated, shopped, and madewreaths and centerpieces. “I enjoythe holidays again. I realize now how much I missed being happyabout life’s little things,” she says.

New treatment shows bright promiseMs. Twyman credits her new outlook to an artificial light boxprovided by Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) of UPMC. Every afternoon, she sits in bright light for about a half hour while reading or planning appointments and activities. It took just a few weeks to feel the effects. She now wakes up feeling more rested and relaxed. She’s also better able to care for her 95-year-old father.

“There are few effective treatments for bipolar depression. That’s why we’re exploring novel approaches such as light therapy,” says Dorothy Sit, MD, assistant professor of psychiatryat the University of Pittsburgh, and a researcher at WPIC who is leading an ongoing study in the use of light therapy for treatment of bipolar depression.

“Most patients feel better within two weeks of starting it, and continue to improve for up to eight weeks.”

According to Dr. Sit, treatment is inexpensive and effective. Patients with seasonal depression require 30 to 60 minutes of daily light therapy while patients with non-seasonal depression need 45 to 60 minutes.

People with bipolar depression are especially sensitive to changes in outdoor ambient light and the seasons, she explains.The onset of fall and winter can trigger symptoms similar to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), including fatigue, sluggishness, daytime sleepiness, carb cravings, loss of interest,and inability to experience pleasure. Individuals with bipolar depression also may have suicidal thoughts.

How and why it worksLight therapy replaces lost sunlight exposure and resets the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythms — important for everyone’s general health,mood, and thinking. That’s why light therapy also can help patients with jet lag, shift workers, and people with sleep disorders.

While light therapy is generally safe, patients with bipolar depression also must be on a mood

stabilizer or they’ll be at risk for manic episodes, says Dr. Sit. Other possible side effects include headaches, eyestrain, irritation, agitation, and insomnia. These symptomsnormally disappear following adjustments in the time and length of treatment.

Light therapy tips• Check with your doctor or mental health professional

to see if light therapy is a good option for you.

• Follow your doctor’s advice concerning any special precautions you need to take.

• Use light therapy only with guidance from your doctor or mental health provider to minimize possible side effects and maximize benefits.

Visit UPMC.com/Today for more information on bipolar depression and the light therapy study. To participate in the study, call 1-800-436-2461. For information on light boxes, visit the Center for Environmental Therapeutics website at cet.org.

“There are few e�ective treatments for bipolar

depression. That’s why we’reexploring novel approaches

such as light therapy.” — Dorothy Sit, MD


Megan Dow was an athletic, carefree 27-year-old with so much to look forward to — from her upcoming wedding to a new house and barn. But a freak ATV accident on MemorialDay 2010 changed her life in an instant, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down.

It took a week for Megan to realize her broken neck and back wouldn’t be a quick fix and another six months to acknowledge that her paralysis might have permanent effects. Despite the diagnosis, the Negley, Ohio, resident was determined to walk down the aisle on her wedding day 16 months later.

“What means more to a girl than walking down the aisle at her wedding?”asks Megan, who became engaged justweeks before the accident.

Regaining the life she lostInitially, she couldn’t sit up without help and wore braces to support herback, neck, and legs. “I went from doing everything to not being able to brush my teeth; from being able to throw a bale of hay to not being able to pick up a gallon of milk,” Megan says.

An avid outdoorswoman, Megan longed to return to her activities, including horseback riding, camping,volunteering as a 4H Club adviser, and working as an interior designer. “I absolutely loved the life I had before the accident. I had to work to bring these things back into my life,” she says.

At the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute’s spinal cord injury unit at UPMC Mercy,Megan’s team of specialists puther to work four hours a day,six days a week in an intensive rehabilitation program.

Luckily, she had use of her quadriceps, which allowed herto walk with the help of bracesand a walker. Slowly, she relearned everyday skills likedressing herself and walking. She also learned new skills, such as transferring to a shower chair from her wheelchair, and did exercises to build her strength.

Megan vowed she’d walk without thewalker by that Christmas (a goal she met by Thanksgiving) and down the aisle without a cane. A few weeks beforeher wedding, Megan donned her gownand practiced walking in the gym withher physical therapist.

Walking happily into the futureOn her wedding day — Oct. 1, 2011 —Megan did walk down the aisle. Amongthe guests were her UPMC doctor, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. “They’re a huge part of my life and the reason I’m where I am today. They had to be there!” exclaims Megan.

“I’m so grateful to everyone at the Rehabilitation Institute. They gave me the tools I needed, and they encouraged and steered me in the right direction.”

Megan and her husband Eric honeymooned in Cancún, Mexico, where they snorkeled, swam, kayaked, and even explored some ancient ruins.

Today, while she still uses a wheelchairand cane, Megan is thankful she can walk up to two hours with just leg braces. She’s also driving again, riding horses, camping, and doing other activities.

“It was a miracle. I’m so grateful I can still do what I used to do — I just do them differently,” Megan says.

To learn more about UPMC RehabilitationInstitute and its services, visitUPMC.com/RehabInstitute. You’ll also find a link to Megan’s story and those of other patients who’ve benefited from the institute’s specialized care.

UPMC Rehabilitation Institute helps make a seemingly impossible wedding dream come true

AWalk to Remember

Megan and Eric Dow walked down the aisle after exchanging marriage vows on Oct. 1, 2011.

6 UPMC.com/Today


1-800-533-UPMC 7

Long before the opening of UPMC East this summer, Emergency Department sta� began developing relationships with area emergency medical services (EMS) providers.Their mutual goal: to ensure prompt, quality care for area patients when time is of the essence.

When the Emergency Department (ED) atUPMC East opens in July, EMS providers from throughout the region will be familiarwith its layout, procedures, and people. That’sbecause the ED team at UPMC East has joinedemergency workers on emergency runs, andEMS workers have visited the new facility.

“When it comes to providing emergency care,mutual understanding is key,” says TamraMinton, chief nursing officer and vice presidentof Patient Care Services at UPMC East. “Wevalue the incredible work EMS professionalsprovide, and we’re committed to providingthem with the support and technology they need.” That includes access to aroom at UPMC East that is specifically designated for emergency simulationtraining in real-life emergencies like cardiac arrest or breathing difficulties.

Working together to help save livesAccording to Ms. Minton, nearly two dozen EMS companies from throughout the UPMC East service area — eastern Allegheny County, WestmorelandCounty, Indiana County, and Armstrong County — have toured the new ED and have received information about its services.

“Emergency workers need to know where to go and what to expect when they come in our doors,” says Tim VanFleet, MD, medical director of Emergency Services at UPMC East. “Community paramedic services are stretched thin. Our job is to get them back into service quickly after coming to us with an emergency.” Patient information will be transferred electronically to the nursing staff and back to the EMS station, so that paramedics can drop off the patient, get restocked, and be back in service in about 20 minutes.

High-tech care with a personal touchDr. VanFleet says UPMC East brings a new, full-service, state-of-the-art ED to the eastern suburbs. Technology incorporated into the design will mean a more streamlined process with shorter wait times for patients andemergency workers. An electronic tracking board will inform arriving EMS exactly where to take patients.

The ED’s electronic system includes bedside registration and records, allowing doctors to “spend more quality time seeing patients and giving care in a timely fashion,” says Dr. VanFleet.

Partnering with the Community forExcellenceinEmergencyCare

UPMC East ED Special Features• 22 treatment rooms, including

two extra-large resuscitationrooms to accommodate a team of doctors and nurses.

• Breakaway doors on all examrooms, allowing multiple emergency workers to move through with patients and equipment.

• Smart glass technology, enablingcare staff to monitor patientsthrough clear glass or switch instantly to opaque for patient privacy. This technology eliminates curtains and improves infection control.

• Point-of-care testing, providingdiagnostic testing at the patient’s bedside in as little as 15 minutes, enabling doctors to make quicker treatment decisions. Radiology services are conveniently located adjacent to the ED.

• Telemedicine services, allowing“virtual consultations” with UPMC specialists, such as a neurologist, plastic surgeon, orburn expert, who can see and talk to the patient, family members, and doctors, view data, and help assess and determine treatment.

• High-tech beds, offering built-in fall alarms and electroniccontrols patients can use to make adjustments.


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.


An eager second grade class walks into their classroom a�er the lunch break with smiles on their faces. �ey all know they have an activity planned

that they can really get their hands on. On the way to their seats, the students greet Emily

Jaworski, an Artist Educator from the Andy Warhol Museum. She is conducting the silk screen art project with the classroom; the second part of the two-day lesson on Andy Warhol. �e classroom is ready for her direction for their a�ernoon project: a tote bag with the school’s logo on one side and a picture of Andy Warhol on the other side. While working one at a time with the students to paint their bags, Jaworski had another activity for the rest of the class to do while waiting. �e students worked on an acetate collage which included three di�erent acetate paper images. �ey could choose Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol or a Campbell’s Soup can. Each student diligently worked on the collages until it was his or her turn to work on the bag. �e purpose of this project is to expand on the curriculum of the Imagine Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship (IPH).

IPH provides a hands-on learning program that brings entrepreneurial and economic

concepts alive for students. �e classroom teacher, Angela Jaworski wanted to collaborate with her sister Emily Jaworski and her work as an Artist Educator with the Andy Warhol Museum. It just made sense to combine the classroom with a program that shows a real example of Andy Warhol, his business, and being an entrepreneur by selling his artwork, his

product. �e Andy Warhol Museum partners with a lot of di�erent schools in the Pi�sburgh region showing how the arts can help in the learning process.

“I studied Art Education and I learned that students can succeed with the skill of art. Maybe a student is not good in math, but if you combine it with art it can make a di�erence”, says Emily Jaworski .

During the lesson that Jaworski gave over her two days with the classroom, she focused on things like mass production, sales, and making a pro�t. �e �rst day involved an introduction to the life of Andy Warhol, his artwork, and his legacy. Today’s pop culture was a big focus of the day-one lesson. Students were encouraged to think outside the box.

“I like Andy Warhol this was really fun,” said student McKenna Kyte about the project.

Classroom teacher, Angela Jaworski said, “I love it, it gives kids opportunity to do additional art projects, and brings the museum into the classroom, something many kids don’t get to do.”

concepts alive for students. �e classroom teacher, Angela Jaworski wanted to collaborate with her sister Emily Jaworski and her work as an Artist Educator with the Andy Warhol Museum. It just made sense to combine the classroom with a program that shows a real example of Andy Warhol, his business, and being an entrepreneur by selling his artwork, his

Andy Warhol Museum

Imagine Charter School Students Get Hands-on

Lesson from the

Andy Warhol Museum


Chamber EventsALL MEMBER LUNCHEONPenn Hills and Plum Boro ChambersMarch 21, 2012 • 11:30 a.m.Edgewood Country Club ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT’S DAY LUNCHEONApril 25, 2012 • 11:30 a.m.Green Oaks County Club WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEONMay 16, 2012 • 11:30 a.m.Green Oaks County Club SHOWCASE PENN HILLSMay 31, 2012 Penn Hills YMCA Reserve tables for $10.00

WOMAN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEONJune 20, 2012 • 11:30 a.m.Green Oaks County Club

WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEONJuly 18, 2012Green Oaks Country Club PENN HILLS CHAMBER GOLF OUTINGMay 14, 2012Green Oaks County ClubMore info to follow PGH PIRATE GAMEJuly 21, 2012Pirates vs. MarlinsFireworks Night

Check with the chamber office for more details at 412.795.8741.

12013 Frankstown Road • Pittsburgh, PA 15235 • Phone: 412.795.8741 • Fax: 412.795.7993www.pennhillschamber.org

The Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 62 years as a chamber. We are proud to have served our community and its residents for 60 years.

PENN HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

Many other events to be announced

www.pennhillschamber.org

CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Name Position CompanyDenise Graham-Shealey President First Niagara BankBruce T. Hall Vice President Bruce T. Hall, CPADominique Ansani Secretary Penn Hills School DistrictRussell Arrington Treasurer PNC BankTrent Griffith Board Member Talk ‘n TablesJay Hope Board Member Penn Hills YMCABernadette Rose Board Member Rapp Funeral HomeChris Fedele Board Member Fedele Insurance CompanyDave Smith Board Member Dave Smith Autostar SuperstoreBill Trogler Board Member Penn Hills Police DepartmentJo Luncher Board Member Anywhere TravelScott Yusavage Board Member Computer FellowsSara Werner Co-Director Penn Hills Chamber of CommerceCarl Prince Co-Director P.H.C.C.

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

Please visit our office and our website for more

information and a listing of current events.


The Bridge, a Wesleyan Church, which holds its services on Sunday in the Grand Ballroom of the 3 Lakes Golf Course in Penn Hills, celebrated its 1st anniversary in January.

“When we moved into Penn Hills, we looked at the idea of Pittsburgh and how Pittsburgh had more bridges than any other city in the entire world,” said Pastor Rick Cox. “We thought that it would be a unique play on the name, that there is one bridge that connects God to man and that is Jesus Christ. We then became that bridge that connects the community to Jesus Christ.”

In establishing the church, Rev. Cox, his wife, Eunice, son, Trevor and volunteers from sister Wesleyan churches, who’ve been helping out, have reached out to the community. In that first spring, summer, fall [of 2010], we began to try to do work inside the community to get an idea of what were the needs in the community,” Rev. Cox. We had a strong desire to have a church that was involved in the community. We wanted to see the church have a positive impact on the community itself.” In the summer of 2010, the church held a number of community events and activities, the biggest of which was a family fun day at Universal Park. “By doing not just that event but a number

of other events that we hosted over the summer, it helped us to see how we could be involved in our community.” Rev. Cox said.

The church began meeting in September 2010 in the Anthony DeLuca Room of the Penn Hills Library. After four months there, services were moved to the Grand Ballroom at the 3 Lakes Golf Course after the owner’s daughter, Megan Hawk, suggested it. “She actually called and asked me if I would come in and talk to her, and she proposed the idea of moving to the golf course.” Rev. Cox explained. He said the golf course had participated in some of the community events held by the church, and that Hawk had a similar interest in reaching out to the community. After moving to the golf course in mid-January 2011, the church held its grand opening on Sunday, January 30, 2011 with about 65 people in attendance. The one-year anniversary celebration was held Sunday, January 29, 2012. Ninety two folks were on hand for that event.

As part of the anniversary service, the church invited community leaders, some of whom were in attendance/ Some others, who couldn’t

Celebrates 1st Anniversary in Penn HillsTHE BRIDGE


“It’s been really neat to see how individuals, who’ve been coming, have been out in the

community becoming involved so that they are now making a difference.”

-REV. COX

Celebrates 1st Anniversary in Penn HillsTHE BRIDGE

attend, had videotaped testimonials that were shown during the service. “We wanted to just take time to give recognition to the community leaders, managers, people throughout the community that were helping us build that bridge to the community.” Rev. Cox said.

But the videotaped testimonials were not limited to community leaders. One individual who had been attending services at The Bridge, told his story via videotape, as well. “He took video of him sharing how his life had been touched and changed because of the bridge.” Rev. Cox recalled. “It’s been really neat to see how individuals, who’ve been coming, have been out in the community becoming involved so that they are now making a difference.”

Rev. Cox had been pastoring in Indiana County before taking his family to Africa in 2000. “So when we had the opportunity to come back and work in North America, we prayed to God about where we wanted to be. This area really touched our hearts,” Rev. Cox said. “It was a very good move and part of our dream. We want to be a church that’s open to everyone. We want to be a church that’s multi-ethnic. We believe the Bible shows that people of all ethnicities can come together.”

The Bridge Church meets Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the grand ballroom of the 3 Lakes Golf Course. There is also a mother of pre-schoolers group that meets every other Thursday and a life transformation group that meets mid-week. For more information on the church, visit www.bridgepgh.com.

Pastor Rick Cox and his wife Eunice


Students at Penn Hills High School got together and showcased the talent of their students for, “Penn Hills Got Talent”. Student council members organized this event to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

�e evening opened up with Jay Mitlo, the high school’s volleyball coach who shared a story about his son, Trey, who is terminally ill and because of the Make-a-Wish

foundation he will be able to go to Orlando, FL with his family, and enjoy spending time at Disney World. Mitlo said, “My son’s wish is to meet Mickey Mouse.”

Penn Hills Students

Showcase Talent for aGOOD CAUSE


�e theme of the evening was “Everyone has their own Trey.” �e students, who were encouraged by Mitlo before the talent show, started to cheer on their fellow classmates, no ma�er how good the performance was, because this was a cause bigger than the talent the students would showcase for the evening.

�e students entertained everyone in a�endance with various talents. �ere were dancers, singers, rappers, instrumentalist, and spoken word artists. It was clear from the reaction of the crowd that everyone was having a good time. During the judging segment, one student, Julius Ralph, who played the drums, shared his own story of why this event was important to him. He lost his sister to Leukemia. He said, “I do this because of her.” �e crowd showed even more support.

�e judges, Mr. Rocco, Ms. Mosco, and Mrs. Shook played their part like the judges on the hit NBC show, “America’s Got Talent,” and helped to get even more involvement from the students in the talent show and those watching. Some of the judges were a li�le tougher than others, giving even more of a reason for the audience to show their support for each act. Every student contributed something special for the awareness of what the Make-a-Wish Foundation does for families who deal with their children’s life-threatening illnesses.

With the help of the PTA and student council, there were also gi�s ra�ed o� in a basket auction. �e proceeds also bene�ted the Make-a-Wish foundation.

A�er all was said and done, the winner of the talent show was Savannah Wiggins, who sand “No One,” by Alicia Keyes. Savannah captivated the crowd with her strong vocals and the whole audience gave her a standing ovation in admiration of her beautiful voice. She showed a talent that le� every judge speechless. At the end of the night, Penn Hills High School students truly showed they have talent.

�e theme of the evening was “Everyone has their own Trey.” �e students, who were encouraged by Mitlo before the talent show, started to cheer on their fellow classmates, no ma�er how


Penn Hills High School honors the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor and the veterans of WWII. “A date which will live in Infamy.”

�ose are the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt a�er Japan a�acked the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor on Sunday, December 7, 1941. Seventy years later, that statement remains true —so much so that in honor of the 70th anniversary, Penn Hills High School commemorated the a�acks and the men who served in World War II.

�e event was coordinated by Penn Hill High School’s Technology Integration Coach Brian Brown, the ROTC and the PTA. Retired Army Captain Robert Kinzler, a survivor of the 1941 a�ack on Pearl Harbor, participated in the event via satellite. Captain Kinzler is the president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Aloha Chapter 1. On December 31, 2011 the association shut down because of the dearth of survivors.

Before Captain Kinzler shared his story, the audience viewed a 15 minute documentary that showed video from the a�acks. An area that is normally blue skies and clear waters was transformed was rocked

by explosion a�er explosion turning it into a ba�ered, smoke-�lled scene of ravaged ships, submarines and planes, a�er a two-hour a�ack by the Japanese. More than 3,500 Americans were killed or wounded and 18 ships badly damaged or totally destroyed, including more than 1,000 lives lost in the explosion and subsequent sinking of the USS Arizona.

�e audience included veterans of WWII who from the looks on their faces still felt proud of their contributions to our country.

A�er the video, Captain Kinzler shared his recollection of the events before, during and a�er the a�ack. Captain Kinzler, a New Jersey native, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940. When the a�ack happened, he was a Morse

code radio operator assigned to Headquarters Company 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, at Scho�eld Barracks in O’ahu. �e barracks was less than a mile from the Wheeler Air�eld, which was a target in the a�acks. Kinzler and the rest of his division were ordered to move to Roosevelt High School football stadium in Honolulu. “All I could see over Pearl Harbor was a black dense cloud,” he said.

A�er Captain Kinzler �nished his story, the �oor was opened for a question and

answer segment. He wanted to know who in the audience was a veteran of WWII. Each veteran present announced where he was stationed during the war. Captain Kinzler then compared the a�ack on America on 9/11 to the a�acks on Pearl Harbor, explaining that unlike 9/11 a�acckers, the Japanese a�acked our military. �ere were no civilians involved. He said there was a medical boat that had a big red

Penn Hills High School Honors WW II Veterans

While Remembering


cross on it and the Japanese did not touch it because there was a certain code to their warfare. �e terrorist on 9/11 had no regard for civilians; their goal was to kill as many Americans as possible. Captain Kinzler said war today is very di�erent.

Brown said last year, Penn Hills High School did an event with the Veterans History Project, which collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and be�er understand the realities of war. �is year, year he contacted the Paci�c Historic Parks Eyewitness to History and thought the satellite interview with a survivor from the a�ack on Pearl Harbor on its 70th anniversary would be a nice program. Brown said, “Moments like these aren’t going to last much longer, those veterans aren’t going to be around much longer.”

Pearl Harbor

“All I could see over Pearl Harbor was a black dense cloud.”

– Captain Kinzler


By Heather Holtschlag

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


If you are thinking of selling your home or just making some up-dates to your current living space, you don’t necessarily need tothink big expense and lots of work. Small fixes can increase your

home’s value for a big payoff.For starters, maintain a regular cleaning schedule. This serves a

dual purpose of not just keeping your house tidy and neat, espe-cially for visitors, but will help keep your maintenance issues incheck since you will notice relatively early on if something is inneed of a fix, thus avoiding costly repairs.

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

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

Buyers tend to favor bathrooms and kitchens, so it could be especially beneficial to keep these rooms clean and updated. Con-

sult a real estate agent if you need ideas for updating. If theserooms are small, consider what could be rearranged to make themlook bigger. Also, keep the appliances clean and in working order,even if you are not planning to include them in the sale of thehouse.

Spend some time in the yard. Remember that curb appeal is aperson’s first impression of your overall house, so maintain a yardfree of debris and coordinate the colors of your gardens to matchthe house.

Installing modern light switches and power outlets can helpyour lighting system look newer than it is. Also consider installingdimmer switches, which are a favorite among potential buyers.Show off the bright sides of your house by increasing the wattagein your light bulbs.

Finally, keep your house free of clutter by cleaning up afteryourself and making sure your children do the same. In addition,keep your carpets clean by vacuuming regularly and administeringdeep cleaning treatments.

Small Updates Pay O� BIG for Home ValuesBy Heather Holtschlag

Project1_Layout 1 3/6/12 2:27 PM Page 5


Business Directory

PremierMedicalAssociates.com

The right care,in the right place,at the right time.

You and your family can count on our 60 Premier community doctors when you need them. With 13 convenient locations in your neighborhood, our Doctors and Nurses are ready and waiting to help you and your family feel better.

Open evenings and Saturdays, with physicians always on call.

A level of care unequalled in our region,that’s Premier Medical Associates.

Allergy & Immunology

Cardiology

Family Practice

Internal Medicine

Hospital Medicine

Sleep Medicine

Radiology

Neurology

Pediatrics

Podiatry

General Surgery

and Gastroenterology

PA 037930

Sales ServiceInstallation


Allergy & ImmunologyCardiologyFamily PracticeInternal MedicineHospital MedicineSleep Medicine

RadiologyNeurologyPediatricsPodiatryGeneral SurgeryGastroenterology

Dr. Renee HickmanPremier Family Practice

We build better care.

At Premier Medical Associates, Dr. Hickman and her staff deliver a standard of care that prioritizes the patient’s care needs.

Premier Family Practice focuses on caring for the patient in a proactive and preventative way that minimizes testing, emergency room visits and hospital stays. The results are healthier patients leading healthy lives. Our patients find real value in that.

The care is efficient. The care is high quality.

At Premier, we are Building Better Care.

You shouldn’t have to use vacation time planning a vacation

Travel and Tours

Ph: 724.260.5341www.threeriverstravel.com

And many more.

Authorized agent for these trusted vacation specialists:

Now Meet Pittsburgh’s Fastest-Growing Travel AgencyThree Rivers Travel &Tours

• Lowest Prices/Highest Service... GUARANTEED!

• Personalized, Immediate, Friendly Service

• E�cient corporate policy service for business

Project3_Layout 1 1/26/12 4:16 PM Page 4

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDJOHNSTOWN, PA

PERMIT NO. 4

| IN BEDFORD COUNTY |

| IN BETHEL PARK |

| IN BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN- WHITEHALL |

| IN CANON-MAC |

| IN CARLYNTON-MONTOUR |

| IN CHARTIERS VALLEY |

| IN FOX CHAPEL |

| IN HAMPTON |

| IN HARBORCREEK [Erie] |

| IN KEYSTONE OAKS |

| IN MARS AREA |

| IN McKEESPORT AREA |

| IN MERCER COUNTY |

| IN MILLCREEK [Erie] |

| IN MONROEVILLE |

| IN MOON TOWNSHIP |

| IN MT. LEBANON |

| IN MURRYSVILLE |

| IN NORTH ALLEGHENY |

| IN NORWIN |

| PENN HILLS |

| IN PETERS TOWNSHIP |

| IN PINE-RICHLAND |

| IN PLUM |

| IN ROSS TOWNSHIP |

| IN SENECA VALLEY |

| IN SEWICKLEY AREA |

| IN SHALER |

| IN SOUTH FAYETTE |

| IN UPPER ST. CLAIR |

| IN WEST ALLEGHENY |

| IN WEST COUNTY [Erie] |

| IN WEST JEFFERSON HILLS |

| IN WEST MIFFLIN |

| IN WOODLAND HILLS |

IN Baldwin-Whitehall

IN Bedford County

IN Bethel Park

IN Canon-Mac

IN Chartiers Valley

IN Fox Chapel

IN Hampton

IN Keystone Oaks

IN Mars Area

IN McKeesport Area

IN Mercer County

IN Monroeville

IN Mt. Lebanon

IN Murrysville

IN North Allegheny

IN Norwin

IN Penn Hills

IN Peters Township

IN Pine-Richland

IN Plum

IN Ross Township

IN Seneca Valley

IN Shaler

IN South Fayette

IN Upper St. Clair

IN West Je�erson Hills

IN West Mi�in

IN Woodland Hills

IN Baldwin-Whitehall

IN Bedford County

IN Bethel Park

IN Canon-Mac

IN Chartiers Valley

IN Fox Chapel

IN Hampton

IN Keystone Oaks

IN Mars Area

IN McKeesport Area

IN Mercer County

IN Monroeville

IN Mt. Lebanon

IN Murrysville

IN North Allegheny

IN Norwin

IN Penn Hills

IN Peters Township

IN Pine-Richland

IN Plum

IN Ross Township

IN Seneca Valley

IN Shaler

IN South Fayette

IN Upper St. Clair

IN West Je�erson Hills

IN West Mi�in

IN Woodland Hills

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

in-penn-hills-spring

Documents

Transcript of in-penn-hills-spring