in-pine-richland-fall

FALL 2011 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Inside: North Hills PCPs with Access

to UPMC Passavant

RAMSKICK-OFF

NEWSEASON

Welcome to the Fall issue of Pine-Richland magazine.As the summer winds down, and the kids get ready to go

back to school, I sincerely hope that you and your family hadsome time to get away from it all and relax. It seems thatthese days, parents driving the family taxi, and kids withtheir sports/lessons/parties rarely get a chance to enjoy theslow pace of an ever more elusive “lazy summer.”

Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate togetheraround a family table? When did everyone gather to play a board game? Does anyoneremember board games? If your answer was “That one night that the power went out,”then you might be trapped in the 21st century jail of hyper-life. (I made that term up,but I can do that – I’m the publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless you ask my kids, but Ithink that life should be simpler. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, should all try to spendsome time with each other as a family more than that one night when the power goesout. Family time is an important part of being a community. And every communityshould value quality time with their families – it’s how we teach our children values,etiquette, and more importantly, how to participate in a family structure so they canpass on to their kids what you have worked so hard to build. Recently, I saw acommercial where a father shut off the main power to the house so that the familycould enjoy dinner together and blamed the outage on a thunderstorm. The Xboxeswere dead. The Facebook was closed. The kids came downstairs in disillusionment toask what happened. While the commercial was pushing some tasty dinner product, themessage was more palatable – you have to make family time. I would take that messageone step further – you have to make family time a priority. I hope that it’s one of yours.

Have a great fall! Wayne Dollard Publisher

Hello and welcome to the fall issue of Pine-Richland magazine. As I write this, the late summer temperatures are still

scorching outside and I find myself wishing away the daysuntil I feel that first crisp breeze of autumn. I have to admit,fall is my favorite season.

I love the cooler temperatures, the blazing colors of fallfoliage, the sound of leaves crunching under your feet, andthe smell of the season’s first bonfires. Maybe it is because thereis a part of me that anticipates new chapters in life eachSeptember, much like the start of a new school year – only now I am busy getting my children ready to go back to school.

Come October, our family’s weekend schedule will become packed with all of thefun fall activities our region has to offer, from trips to the farm for pumpkin picking to a host of fall festivals and not-so-spooky Halloween events. Each year I find it morechallenging to fit everything in that we want to do and see.

It’s my favorite time of the year for family outings, because no matter where you go or what you do – the western Pennsylvania foliage assures that getting there will be spectacularly beautiful.

We hope that you will utilize this magazine to find all the interesting people andplaces there are to explore in the community during this season and throughout the year.

Happy Fall,

Dana Black McGrathRegional Editor

FALL 2011IN Pine-Richland is a community publication dedicatedto representing, encouraging and promoting the Pine-Richland area and its comprising municipalities byfocusing on the talents and gifts of the people who liveand work here. Our goal is to provide readers with themost informative and professional regional publicationin the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

REGIONAL EDITOR

Dana Black McGrath [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack [email protected]

WRITERS

Pamela Palongue

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoyAnna Buzzelli Joe MilneSharon Cobb Tamara TylendaSusie Doak

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Garyyonphotography.com

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CORRESPONDENCEAll inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to:IN Community MagazinesAttn: Editorial603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray, PA 15317Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968Winter content deadline: 11/2www.incommunitymagazines.com

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2 724.942.0940 to advertise | Pine Richland

If your kids – or you – have ever wanted to sit in the driver’s seat of a huge truck, police car, bus or any other type of vehicle imaginable, now is your chance.

Pine Township is preparing to host its annualTouch-A-Truck day. During the event, children – andadults – have the opportunity to see, touch, interactwith and learn about a wide variety of vehicles, fromheavy equipment to race cars to emergency vehicles.

“We say it’s for the kids, but I think the parents arejust as excited,” says Rusti Null, staff member at PineCommunity Center.

“Kids can do more than just look,” says Null.Visitors actually will be able to climb inside. Therewill be a representative present for each vehicle whocan explain how it works and answer just about anyquestion you may have.

Set for Saturday, Oct. 1, from 1 to 4 p.m., the eventwill be held in the parking lot at Pine CommunityCenter (100 Pine Park Dr., Wexford, Pa. 15090). In case of rain, the event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2, instead, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Last year’s event featured a variety of fun activitiesincluding a large inflatable, face painting and a refreshment stand – all of which are expected to be included at this year’s event as well.

There were more than 30 vehicles on display lastyear – and about the same is expected this year,including: backhoes, a cement mixer, police car, firetruck, S.W.A.T. vehicle, race cars, semi-tractors, a milktruck, school bus and more.

This is the third year for the community event thathas been a big hit with families in the community.

“One of our staff members had the idea for thisevent, and it just took off,” says Null.

During the first year, more than 200 people attended,according to Null. “We were really blown away.”

This year, at least 300 visitors are expected to turnout for their chance to have an up-close experiencewith a wide variety of trucks, cars and more.

“It’s just a wildly popular event,” Null says.

Admission is $3 for kids under 12 years. Adults are admitted free of charge. Parental supervision is required.

And, don’t forget to bring your camera!

Touch-A-Truck DayPuts Kids in the Driver’s Seat


By Dana McGrath


Pine-Richland Athletic Director andVarsity Head Coach Clair Altemus is readyfor the start of football season.

This season, the biggest change to “thefamily,” he says, is that there are several new

coaches. Many of last year’s coaching staffdid not return this year due to personal andfamily obligations, the demands of graduateschool, and one for a head coach position.

But, Altemus says, “The changeover isgreat for the kids, because now they have to re-prove themselves. They can’t becomplacent.”

As a result, he says the attitude of theplayers is “fantastic” and they have a greatwork ethic. He believes the changes put a new spark into the program.

Each year, as the graduating class leaves,“we always lose a good group of kids,” saysAltemus. “Every senior who left, we willmiss, but the retuning players are verycapable of filling those voids.”

There are 10 starters returning ondefense, and just three starters returning on offense. But, the coach says, the youngerplayers are stepping up well.

One of the team’s greatest strengths, he says, is the camaraderie of the playersand their positive attitude.

“The ‘Xs and Os’ take care of themselves,”he says, “but if you have good chemistry andcamaraderie, you have a really good chanceof being successful.”

Photos by Gary Yon

By Dana McGrath


During a recent scrimmage with BethelPark, Altemus was impressed with hissquad. “They moved the ball really well,and I liked what I saw.”

The first home game, set for Friday, Sept.2, promises to be a big event as the Ramswill face Mt. Lebanon. About 7,000-8,000fans are expected to turn out for the game.

“Both teams are undefeated, the bandswill be performing their halftime shows,the cheerleaders have new routines…it’sgoing to be really great,” Altemus says.

This is Altemus’ 37th year as a coachand his 15th as head coach at Pine-Richland. He is the most winning coach inPR history with more than 100 victories,seven section titles, one WPIAL title and a PIAA State Runner-Up award. He hasbeen named Coach of the Year three times,once at Grove City High School and twiceat Pine-Richland. In 2003 he was honored

by KDKA as the Triple A Coach of the Yearand presented with the Pittsburgh Coach’sCorner Award, and in 2006 was honoredby the ECFOA as the “Sportsman of the

Year.” He has coached in the prestigiousBig 33 All Star Classic (Pa. vs. Ohio) and in the NAFCA All Star game.


JaCkie evanChoto Perform Special Concert with

Now 11-year-old singingsensation Jackie Evancho isreturning home and will make herdebut with the Pittsburgh Opera on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the Benedum Center.

“Everyone is just mesmerized by her,” says Christopher Hahn,Pittsburgh Opera general director.“She has a wonderfully naturalresponse to music that just warmsour hearts.”

The event is part of a celebratoryweekend that kicks off PittsburghOpera’s new season. The season-opening performance of Verdi’s Latraviata is set for Saturday, Oct. 15.

“We thought we would like theextra splash with opening weekend,”Hahn says. “We will have the fullopera Saturday and this special event on Sunday, which will be a full weekend of great music.”

It will be Jackie’s first liveperformance in the region as part of her “Dream With Me” tour.

“Dream With Me” also is the titleof Jackie’s new CD, for which she

partnered with multiple GrammyAward-winning producer DavidFoster. The CD, which debuted atnumber two on the charts and sold161,397 in its first week, is acollection of pop tunes, opera arias,and classical crossover melodies thatincludes duets with the legendaryBarbra Streisand and “Britain’s GotTalent” finalist Susan Boyle.

While the nation and the worldhave been charmed by the sweetsongbird, Hahn speaks highly of thequality of Jackie’s voice. “The qualityof sound is very unusual for a youngchild. It doesn’t sound forced. Shehas a beautiful, more mature soundthan what one would expect. Theeasiness of production soundshealthy and appropriate.”

Pittsburgh Opera

Photos by Michael Lavine

By Dana McGrath


Hahn admits that the upcomingconcert is “out of the norm” for thecompany. Usually he would shy awayfrom concert because, historically,they do not sell well. Patrons preferto see a full operatic production.

But, he says, “Jackie has becomea special part of the world ofclassical music and hers is such an interesting story.”

He sees the concert as a good wayto expand the company’s audiencereach to those who may not befamiliar with a full opera but wouldlike some experience.

“It’s a nice mix,” he says, “so we decided to program a concert to showcase her, the orchestra, the opera chorus and promote the young resident artists in ourtraining program.”

The program will includeJackie’s renditions of “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “O miobabbino caro,” “The Lord’s Prayer,”and other songs and will headline a concert that will also featurerousing opera selections such as“Triumphal March” from Aida, and“Anvil Chorus” from Il trovatore,featuring Pittsburgh Operaresident artists, with a fullorchestra and chorus conducted by Anthony Walker, PittsburghOpera music director.

Response to the concert hasbeen extraordinarily good, Hahnsays. At press time, the concert had already sold out.

“This being a Pittsburgh storyadds to the excitement,” he says. “I think we are all looking forward to this.”

For ticket information, visitwww.pittsburghopera.org.


By Dana McGrath

The garden pavilion at St. BarnabasNursing Home and The Arborsat St. Barnabas has been

transformed into a welcome oasis thanksto the efforts of a local Girl Scouts troopwhose members are hoping the projectwill earn them the Gold Award, thehighest award in scouting.

Members of the Girl Scouts troop51027 include North Allegheny seniors

Sydney Owens of Franklin Park and JacquelynPalguta who lives in Marshall Township, alongwith Laura Cottington, a senior at NorthCatholic High School who lives in Cranberry,and Rose Dixon, a junior at VincentianAcademy who lives in Mars.

Their work at the pavilion includedrepainting railings, planting flower beds,constructing a new wishing well, and evenbuilding elevated beds that residents inwheelchairs can enjoy.

“Our troop was formed in kindergarten asDaisy Girl Scouts at St. Alphonsus School andthey are now Ambassador Girl Scouts workingtoward their Gold Award, the highest inscouting,” explains Marchell Palguta, whohelped to facilitate the project.

Cindy Dixon, who has served as troopleader for the past eight years, explains that theGold Award takes nearly a year to achieve. First

the project is planned, proposed, and sent tocouncil for review before work even begins.

The girls completed much of that processlast summer and received approval in lateAugust/early September of last year. Theyspent many months fundraising and started theproject in April, completing the work at thegarden in June, just in time for a ribbon-cuttingceremony.

Paperwork has been submitted and they areawaiting word on whether their efforts willearn them the Gold Award. If all goes well,they will celebrate in May at a special event forall area Gold Award recipients.

“They really are a great group of girls,”Dixon says. “They are good students, active inclubs, plays, sports...and to take time out tostay with scouting, and be determined to finishthis Gold Award, is really something.”

Some of the girls in the troop have beenworking on projects at St. Barnabas since theywere in first grade.

“It’s really wonderful and it is somethingthat is close to their heart,” says Palguta. “Thisis something they really wanted to do.”

The project began in June 2010, sheexplains. “Our project was to create a moreresident-friendly gathering place for theresidents and their families,” says Palguta.

The project involved months of planning

Girl Scouts

“Our troop was formed inkindergarten as Daisy Girl

Scouts at St. Alphonsus Schooland they are now Ambassador

Girl Scouts working towardtheir Gold Award, the highest

in scouting.” – Marchell Palguta

Parent facilitator

at St. Barnabas


that included fundraising such as cookie, magazine, nut, and garage sales, along withdonations from local businesses. The girls also organized craft nights for decoratinggardening gloves, watering cans, and planting flower seeds. And, they also led activities withyounger Girl Scout troops that included painting flower pots, bird houses, garden labelingsticks and game table pieces.

As part of the project, the girls also designed and made two gaming tables along withgame pieces with the assistance of their parents.

Other elements of the project included:organizing donations of puzzles, games, dice, andgarden supplies; repairing and/or replacingpicnic tables, pavilion railings and poles, and awishing well; adding two storage cabinets;painting the pavilion and metal furniture;building a raised herb bed of parsley, sage,rosemary and thyme so that it is wheelchairaccessible; planting a vegetable garden includingcorn, peppers, tomatoes, beans, squash andcucumber plants; removing old plants andadding new trees, hostas, and forsythia.

They also incorporated into the wishing welldesign four stepping stones that represent the “4Bs” of the Girl Scout Law: Become, Belong,Believe and Build.

In addition to meeting and planning duringthe yearlong project, the girls worked on Fridaysand Saturdays during May and June to completeit in time for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Residents, staff members, officers of St.Barnabas, family, friends and other supporters allwere invited to attend the ceremony that washeld in June.

Fr. Peter Murphy of St. Alphonsus Church inPine Township gave the blessing to dedicate therenovated grounds.

Dixon says the troop will stay together onemore year before the girls leave to pursue theircollege educations. They plan to do serviceprojects as well as enjoy some fun activitiestogether.

From left: Rose Dixon, Sydney Owens, Laura Cottington andJacquelyn Palguta.


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

will help to bring fresh produce to area families in need.Two food banks supported by NHCO – the Loaves & Fishes Food

Pantry, located in Hampton/Allison Park, that serves residents fromHampton, McCandless, Ross, lower Richland, and upper Shaler;and the North Boroughs Food Pantry, located in Bellevue, whichserves Bellevue, Ben Avon and Avalon – will distribute produceharvested from the garden to their clients along with dry goodsand canned goods.Those who meet income and residency requirements are eligible

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

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

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

grant from Allegheny Grows, with support from the Western Penn-sylvania Conservancy, Grow Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Eco-nomic Development. Additional funding was received from theComcast Foundation and the Grable Foundation.“It really pushed us ahead to have our first planting season this

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

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

vue, has provided an outlet for those looking for volun-teer opportunities, Wise says. Volunteer workdays

are scheduled at the garden, and volunteers have ranged in ageanywhere from four to 80 years old.“The garden is a good opportunity for volunteering,” Wise ex-

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

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

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

workday was held in April to build two raised beds, one at 2feet high and one at 4 feet high, to allow those who may havesome physical impairment that prevents them from bending toparticipate in the effort.Grow Pittsburgh helped with plowing in April. Then volunteers

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

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

plentiful that volunteers are working on finding recipes to pass along tofood bank clients so they can learn how to prepare it. Tomatoes andpeppers were expected to be ready by midsummer.

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

Photos by Gary Yon


Pine Township celebrated its annual Community Day at PineCommunity Park on July 16. Sponsored by the Pine Parks andRecreation Commission and the Wexford Volunteer FireCompany, the event featured fun for the whole familyincluding food vendors, children’s activities, musicalperformances and a fantastic fireworks display to close out theday’s activities. Next year’s date has already been set for July21, 2012. Mark your calendars now!


The King Family

Melissa Williams,Richland Parks andRecreation Director Pine Richland Youth FootballPlayers

Richland Volunteer Fire Department


Laughing kids running from inflatable bouncers to the DuckPond game at record speeds gave parents a workout, but alsosome great memories, at The 18th Annual Richland TownshipCommunity Day. Held at the 800-acre Richland Park, thecelebration resembled an old-fashioned picnic and carnival.

Pine Richland Youth Football Players gave fans a chance todunk a player for donations and The Northern Tier RegionalLibrary booth offered a chance to spin the wheel for a prize. ABarrel Squirt exercise by Richland Volunteer Fire Departmentdemonstrated the skill and strength of the dedicated, volunteerfirefighters. Crafts and games, including beautiful bracelets byGirl Scout Troop 363, were located in The Park Barn while a

petting zoo and an animated story teller entertained familiesoutside on the hill.

Hungry guests could enter The Wing-Eating Contestsupplied by Buffalo Wild Wings or indulge in delicioushomemade french fries by Boy Scout Troop 150 that rivaledany local amusement park treat.

Steely McBeam and Ronald McDonald stopped by to visitand talented dancers from The Laura Lynn School of Danceand Fairgrave School of Dance performed on the large stage.Finally, bands kept the crowd grooving all afternoon into theevening and continued until fireworks finished off the funcelebration.

Girl Scout Troop 363


Madeline Sciullo


The Richland Mall Car Cruiseis a fun summertime event witha serious mission – raisingawareness in the fight againstovarian cancer.

Organizer George Walsh started theevent in memory of his niece, GemmaMarie Glass, who died of ovarian cancer at just 20 years old.

Gemma was diagnosed at age 18 andpassed in 2008. She was a resident ofPerrysville and was a student at Pittsburgh’sCreative and Performing Arts (CAPA) highschool, where a scholarship has since beenestablished in her memory.

Despite her brave battle against thedisease, Welsh says, “her cancer came backwith a vengeance.”

Sadly, her story is the same for many women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Each year, 22,000 American women arediagnosed with it, according to the OvarianCancer Research Fund; and of those, morethan half (13,500) will die from the disease.In the U.S., it is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women and accounts for more cancer deaths than all othergynecologic cancers combined.

Early detection is key, but often thesymptoms present like those of other non-cancerous conditions. There is no effectivescreening test and only 20 percent of casesare caught before the cancer has spread.

Welsh and his wife, Cindi Glass Welsh, a graduate of Pine-Richland School District,honor the memory of their niece by raisingmuch-needed awareness for early detection.

Photos by Ginography

By Dana McGrath

“We decided to do this in memoryof her, to increase awareness and makeother people aware of ovarian cancer,which is often undetectable,” Welshsays. “We want to promote theimportance of early detection.”

The car cruise, held on the secondand fourth Saturdays of the month from5 to 10 p.m. is in the parking lot in frontof the SHOP ‘N SAVE store. There are a total of 10 dates this season, which started in June and will wrap up in October.

Welsh says he plans to continue the carcruise events next year as well.

He solicits sponsors to help defray the cost of the event. One of the largestexpenses, he explains, is the requiredliability insurance. Proceeds from a 50/50raffle and food concessions, along withany other contributions, are donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Attendance varies, depending on theweather, but whoever comes is sure toenjoy the classic cars, good food, andlively fun music.

Welsh knows how to put together a fun event. “I am sort of a car, kids andmovie addict,” laughs Welsh, whopreviously owned the Wexford StarlightDrive-In and the former Welsh’s Deli in Hampton. He and his wife now live in Allison Park.

Participation in the car cruise is strictlyvoluntary, he explains. Those who want to join in the fun need only show up to the roped-off area in the lot. Newcruisers, spectators and sponsors are more than welcome.

“We want to provide money to helpfind a cure for this devastating diagnosis,”says Welsh. “It is not preventable becausewe don’t know the cause.”

To donate to the Ovarian CancerResearch Fund, visit the website atwww.ocrf.org. For more informationabout the Richland Mall Car Cruise,contact Welsh at 412.973.2979.


Calling all foodies – here is your chance tosample specialties from some of the area’s bestpurveyors of food and spirits, all under oneroof and close to home.

“A Taste of Pine,” an event that was initiated last year, features horsd’oeuvres, drinks and music and provedto be a big hit with attendees.

“It was an overwhelming success lastyear,” says Rusti Null, staff member atPine Community Center, “so we areexpecting it to be very popular this year.”

Set for Thursday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m., the event will be held at PineCommunity Center (100 Pine Park Dr.,Wexford, Pa. 15090), in the large community room.

All vendors are local to the area, she explains. They will offereverything from dinner and dessert to wine and vodka.

“What they brought last year was wonderful,” says Null. “You thoughtyou were getting a small sample, but it really was more like a meal.”

Vendors expected to participate in this year’s event include: Atria’s,Beechers Coffee, Betsy Ann Chocolates, Blue Water Tavern, Boyd andBlair Vodka, Dudt’s Bakery, Giant Eagle, Grazie, Ichiban, NarcissiWinery, The Pines Tavern, Walnut Grove and Wexford Post Office Deli.

Proceeds from the event support Friends of Pine Community Parks,a nonprofit organization that provides sports, recreational and socialfacilities and activities for the betterment of the community.

Recent projects of the organization include a new putting green at Pine Community Park and a new bocce court. In August, a gazebowas being built. The organization also was responsible for the additionof a playset at the borough’s Karrington Woods Park.

Tickets for the event, which are being sold in advance at PineCommunity Center, are $40 each or two for $75. Cost of admissionincludes a personalized wine glass and limited wine tasting.

Admission to “A Taste of Pine” is limited to 160 guests. Becausealcohol is being served, those attending must be over age 21.

To add to the liveliness of the evening, music will be provided by local disc jockey K2Roadjocks.

“People who came last year couldn’t say enough positive thingsabout it,” says Null, “so we expect the same response this year.”

“A Taste of Pine” Returns for Second Annual Event


By Dana McGrath

The Chamber of Commerce, Inc., including members from thePine-Richland area, offered more than 16 varieties of wines andover 20 restaurant and specialty foods for sampling at its fourth

annual Food and Wine Classic held in June at the Greater PittsburghMasonic Center.

Sponsored by UPMC Passavant, Consolidated Communications andmany other North Pittsburgh businesses, the evening also included wineconnoisseurs, beer experts and a chocolate chamber for dessert lovers.

The Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a non-profit organization thatincludes members from the North Shore into Zelienople, and from Route 8 to Beaver County. Since merging the Cranberry Area Chamber ofCommerce and the Northern Allegheny County Chamber of Commerce inJanuary of 2010, the Chamber has grown to approximately 950 members.

“The Food and Wine Classic is part of our six signature eventsincluding the Neighborhood Business Expo, Golf Outing, ChamberChase, Taste of Cranberry and Holiday Social,” said Susan H. Balla,executive director. “Tonight we invited the community to come in andsample food and wine, see what we are all about and help raise money for the recipient that we select to give part of the proceeds to. The fundsalso go to programs and services for our members.”

“Joining the Chamber is the first step and becoming involved in theChamber is the second step to success,” said Mike Hall, Chamber board

member and owner of General Rental Center in Cranberry. “It is great tohave a line of communication to government. They listen to our opinions.”

Kathleen Sain, Esq., of Sain Law, LLC, chair of the Chamber board ofdirectors, said, “Merging the two Chambers together was a positive movethat has made us stronger,” and continued, “It is also nice to be able toprovide service to the community.”

Another function of the Chamber is to give back to the community;such as donating part of the proceeds from The Food and Wine Classic toHEARTH. HEARTH provides transitional housing for homeless womenwith children and permanent affordable rental housing for workingfamilies and individuals. HEARTH recently moved from BenedictinePlace to temporary housing in Scott Township for their transitionalhousing. They plan to purchase the former Zoar Home in Shaler for theirnew facility and are embarking on a $1.5 million capital campaign.

“We are using the proceeds from The Food and Wine Classic foroperational costs such as rent and utilities,” said Judith Eakin, executivedirector. “In 2009 we served 15 families and today we serve 32 families.”Along with donations, volunteers are needed to help at both locations. If you would like to learn more about The Chamber of Commerce, Inc.,please visit their website at http://thechamberinc.com/. If you would like to find out more about HEARTH, please call 412.366.9801.

Food and Wine Classicto Benefit HEARTH

Susan H. Balla, Executive Director

Kathy Sain, Chamber Board of Directors Chair and Mike Hall, Chamber Board Member

Crystal Manning and Ron Smuch of JRG Advisors

Bruce Czaja and Pam Golubski

Donna Phillips, Mari Williams, Lori Bullman, Diane Munizza

Lucy Kish, Rose Vange, Armin and Becky Hooman

Pine Richland | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 41Caryl Skinneir and Henri Chatman

Mish Farms Meat Market is not only your old-fashioned butchershop, it is much more. We have been raising ALL-NATURALBEEF for 40 years and 15 years ago, we opened a retail store on

the farm to deliver our great product to you! We believe in raising ourcattle WITHOUT the use of antibiotics, hormones or growth steroids.

Today, the meat processing industry has turned towards large feedlots that consequently make large processing plants. This massproduction of animals is to accommodate the huge supercenter storeswith a low cost product, but ultimately the quality suffers. Processingplants then add unnecessary salt solutions and flavor enhancers tomake their product better. These additives are simply unnecessary andunhealthy. We ask you to take a moment and think about what kind ofmeat is important to you. Many people are now understanding thedifference and returning back to the real product. We are proud toproduce a healthy, natural beef product for you.

Because of these trends, we have noticed a change in consumer’sbuying habits. People are now more conscience about how animalsare raised and processed. They are interested in a healthier, naturalproduct. We know that cattle should grow for a certain amount of timewithout synthetic help. We know that they should be in a pastureallowed to graze and eat grass. This is why we raise the animals theway we do.

We are frequently questioned if our cattle are GRASS or GRAIN fed.Our answer is BOTH. We raise FREE TO CHEWS BEEF™. Our cattle areon pasture, but have the option of grain as well. We do not force feedany one product. We feel that a quality life and nutritious food results inan outstanding product. Cattle are natural grazers; however they enjoythe taste of grain as well. We feel the grain offers a more balanced,more nutritious diet for the animals and also results in a more flavorful,tender end product.

To complement our beef products, we carry ALL-NATURAL chicken,pork and lamb products. These products are always fresh, never frozenand are raised locally. Whether we raise the animal or buy fromanother farm, all our meats are raised without the use of hormones,steroids or antibiotics. They are raised with excellent nutrition andcare. We guarantee a fresh, great tasting product.

Our retail meat market is open all year with regular business hours.We are open Monday-Friday 9-6 and Saturday 9-5. At our retail store,we have all service meat cases. This means that no products areprepackaged. Any quantity may be purchased. All items are wrappedin cellophane or freezer wrapped in the quantity the customerrequests. Absolutely, no quantity is too small or large. For customerswho would like to purchase in bulk, we offer many solutions. We havefreezer packages available that can be customized to each buyer.These packages offer a choice of beef, pork and chicken selections.We specialize in cutting hind quarters, fore quarters and sides of beef.These orders are custom cut and wrapped to the customers’specifications. For current pricing and information on all meatpackages, contact the retail market or go to www.mishfarms.com. Wealso attend three farmers’ markets in which we sell a variety of ourmeats out of our refrigerated truck. Customers can also pick up ordersat these markets. We are in East Liberty on Monday, Oakland on Fridayand Monroeville on Saturday. Please check our website for dates andtimes for these locations.

This fall, we will be having our annual fall festival. This year’s CornMaze Theme…Pirates!!! The fall festivities are every Saturday andSunday starting Saturday, September 17th and ending Sunday,October 30th. Join us for some fall family fun. Find your way throughour 3 acre corn maze. A true maze with one way in and one way outand dead ends to add to the fun. Complete your maze game sheet andreceive a pirate eye patch. Too easy? Try the maze at night. Flashlightnights will be on select Saturdays in October. It is a true day of familyfun. Come for lunch or dinner. We will have tons of food. Also, try ourstraw bale puzzle maze. Looks easy, but is it? Enjoy a hayride anddon’t forget to leave with a pumpkin. For the little ones, our strawbale hay climb and corn box offers the parents a little down timewhile the tots play. NEW this year for the older kids, a pirate themedobstacle course. Race your friends through an eight station obstaclecourse. Be the first one to the finish line and you won’t have to walkthe plank! Come have your BIRTHDAY PARTY at the corn maze. Weoffer a great organized birthday party package that includes all theattractions, food and pirate gifts!

For more information about Mish Farms Meat Market and the Corn Maze Fall Festival, please call 724-449-6328 or log onto www.mishfarms.com.


Melissa Nemetz School of DancePerforms at Walt Disney World


Front row: Carolina Celedon (PR), Hannah Rust (PR), KatieCosta (Plum). Back row: Director Melissa Nemetz Costa,Abby Costa (Plum), Becca DeVenzio (PR), Haley Ference (NA),Elizabeth Hassett (PR), Katie Clouse (PR), Emily Weis (Mars),Elizabeth Durosko (NA), and Melissa Daltner (NA).


Pine Township once again will host its popular Halloween Party in the Park.

Set for Saturday, Oct. 22, from 2 to 5 p.m., the event will be held at Pine CommunityPark. Those attending are asked to use the Warrendale Road/Red Belt entrance.

There will be costume contests for kids starting at 4:30 p.m. Prizeswill be awarded for the cutest, scariest and most original costumes

in each of three age categories: ages 1-3 years, ages 4-6 years, andages 7-9 years.

Cost to attend is $3 per child, and children under 2 yearsold will be admitted free of charge.

The event is sponsored by the Pine Parks andRecreation Commission and Friend of Pine CommunityParks. For more information, call 724.625.1636, ext. 3,or [email protected].

Halloween Partyin the Park

When the dog days of summer are behind us and that first crisp snap of fall is in the air,energy seems to make a rebound and even theanimals around the Pine-Richland area seemlivelier, more alert. During this time, there’snothing more wonderful than taking advantageof those last mild days to get outside and enjoythe outdoors by doing a little yard work.

If you need some inspiration, just take a lookaround some of the Wexford area's nearby farmsand markets - one look at the blazing color offall blooms and pumpkins there will have youitching to get your yard autumn-ready.

This is a great time to rake up all those leaveson the ground. But don’t just throw them into a trash bag to be hauled away. Leaves are greatfor composting and may have as much as threetimes the amount of minerals as fertilizer. Theyneed to be shredded to be easier to work with,but this is easily accomplished by running amower back and forth a few times over a pile of leaves. Also, be sure to add a little nitrogen to your compost pile with the leaves.

If your summer flowers have faded, be sure to trim back dead leaves and blooms and addsome fall flowers for some more vibrant color.Mums and sunflowers can be purchased in potsto accent any garden with a fall palette, butdon’t forget purple as a great contrasting colorto oranges, yellows and sienna. Some fall

flowers with purple accents are pansies, purpleconeflowers, asters and mums. All of these willgrow well in zone 6, which includes Pine-Richland. For some green accent, you mighttry growing some arugula in a pot or self-watering container. This spicy, leafy plant haslong been popular in France and Italy andactually grows better in the fall than in thesummer. The leaves will add zest to your saladsand other fall dishes. Although the plantingtime for arugula is in the spring, seedlings canbe purchased and transplanted, however theyalso do well if left in containers or pots.

Even if you’re not particularly good atgrowing plants and flowers, there are manyways to accent your lawn and garden withminimal effort and maintenance. Brightlycolored pumpkins (plentiful at Pine-Richlandarea farms) placed around pathways and stepsgive a whimsical touch to decorating. Avoidplacing them in direct sunlight and directly on the ground and your pumpkin may well lastfor two to three months in the cool fall climate.Other low-maintenance decorations for fallare corn stalks and bales of hay. Hay balesalso provide extra seating in outdoor areas.

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

REAL ESTATE Pine Richland

IN Community Magazines proudly announces a comprehensivelook at the Pine Richland real estate market. In this section, you’ll

find interesting information about creating beautiful spaces to live in,and other interesting facts about your community.

FEATURE STORY

FALL LANDSCAPING IDEAS


- by Pamela Palongue

According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C.,homes where multiple generations of familyhave blended together under one roof are on the rise. With economic constraints and the high cost of child care, it is easy to see why children, parents and grandparents living together in one dwelling makes sense in many situations. It’s easy to see why multi-generational dwellings which appeal to theneeds of all ages are quickly becoming the trend.

From this perspective a ranch-style house on one floor is a good choice. Seniors with mobility problems will not have to deal with steps, but also parents will not have the added worry of their young children falling down stairs. Another important feature of multi-generational homes is the‘mother-in-law suite,’ which could just as easily be called the ‘father-in-law suite.’This is generally an area of the house that is designed for an aging parent, giving them a degree of privacy and independence while

still being a part of the nuclear family household.They are sometimes located in a basement foreasier access for those with mobility issues andoften times will have a separate entrance, givingit the appearance of a mini-apartment. They usu-ally always include a bedroom and private bath,however they may also come with kitchenettesand a small living area as well.

When accessibility becomes an issue with anolder adult, there are many options for makingthe home more accessible without giving it the industrial-style, nursing home appearance. This is an important consideration when itcomes to the re-sale of the house. First of all, ifan individual is wheel-chair bound, doorwaysmust be made larger to accommodate the chair. With a modern contemporary home,

this may be accomplished by removing walls for a more open floor plan which appeals to buyers or widening doorways with attractivearchways. This will make the change look moreintentional and less like a temporary fix for amobility problem.

Many times it becomes necessary to installgrab bars in baths and showers for the safety of senior family members. Although there aremany industrial style models from which tochoose, there are a few companies on the web that are sensitive to the attractiveness of the grab bars and offer styles in decorativebrass and silver. Walk-in showers and baths canbe constructed with attractive glass enclosuresthat fit everyone’s style and are still accessible for seniors.

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

MAKING YOUR HOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL GENERATIONS

REAL ESTATE Pine Richland

- by Pamela Palongue


Over the years, I have noticed that people have many questions, concerns,and misconceptions about chiropractic care. This is understandable due tothe variance among practitioners within the profession. The mostcommon concerns I have encountered are addressed below. I hope thisprovides a clearer picture of the current evidence-based approach toconservative pain management through chiropractic care.

Once I start going to a chiropractor, will I have to go forever?Absolutely not. Although the length of treatment necessary is dependentupon many factors, evidence-based chiropractic treatment is most often effective within a short series of visits. In the vast majority ofmusculoskeletal pain/injury cases, chiropractic care is effective in just 1-4 weeks.

Patients are treated using passive therapies to relieve them of their initialpain and aid in the healing process from injury. Once the pain is eliminatedor significantly reduced, the patient will be transitioned to an efficient,customized in-office rehabilitation program designed to stabilize andprotect against recurrence of injury and exacerbation of pain. The patientis then released from care with a home exercise program to maintain theirprogress and eliminate the need for constant visits to the office.

Factors that can affect the longevity of care include the diagnosis, severityof the issue, length of time it has been present, age and overall health, daily activities and work duties, complicating factors in the patient’shistory, etc...

At Scott Spine and Rehab, we see the majority of our patients for anaverage of 4-6 visits.

Will I have to have x-rays taken?X-rays are only taken when clinically indicated from the musculoskeletaland neurological examination performed by the chiropractor. Clinicalindicators for imaging include concern for the presence of a fracture ormore serious pathology. In the vast majority of cases, we are able to initiatecare without the need for x-rays. However, if x-rays are warranted, they willbe performed by a local imaging facility and reviewed by a licensedprofessional, such as a radiologist, before any care is administered.

Generally speaking, x-rays are only capable of showing boneyabnormalities whereas Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the goldstandard for soft tissue abnormalities. If the exam shows reason to suspecta soft tissue complication such as a disc herniation, space occupying lesion(tumor), or muscular/ ligamentous tear, an MRI may be necessary to determine the presence and/or severity of the issue.

Does my insurance cover chiropractic care?Most medical insurance includes coverage for chiropractic care in thetreatment of musculoskeletal pain and/or injury and no referral isnecessary. You can check your coverage by calling the “member services”number listed on the back of your insurance card.

Feel free to call our office and we will gladly verify your chiropracticcoverage for you at no charge. Chiropractic care is also included inworker’s compensation, auto, and personal injury insurance coverage in the event that you are injured on the job, in a motor vehicle accident, or due to the negligence of another.

What conditions can be treated with chiropractic care? Chiropractors specialize in the conservative, non-invasive treatment ofmusculoskeletal pain and injuries. T h i s includes back pain, neck pain,whiplash, certain types of headaches, sciatica, posturally induced pain, disc issues without the presence of s e vereneurological compromise, as well as many other musculoskeletal issues.

A common misconception is that chiropractors only treat pain associatedthe spine. However, many repetitive-use/over-use and sports injuries ofthe extremities are great candidates for conservative treatment as well.

It can be helpful to use the general rule, if it hurts when you move it,chances are you are a good candidate to be evaluated for conservative care through chiropractic.

There are cases of musculoskeletal pain and/or injury that are beyond thecapabilities of conservative care or in which chiropractic care may becontraindicated. In these cases, a referral will be provided to a specialistbest suited to treat your condition.

At the Scott Spine and Rehabilitation Center, we use the latest research-basedtechniques in manual therapy to provide the highest quality chiropractic care tothe North Pittsburgh area. We pride ourselves in both the effectiveness and theefficiency of our care. Our goal is to get you in, get you better, and get you home,back to doing the things you enjoy… pain free.

We accept most major medical insurance and Dr. Scott is an in-networkprovider with UPMC, Highmark, Cigna, Aetna, United and many others.


Questions, Concerns and Misconceptionsabout Chiropractic Care

But the history of the five-storybuilding itself dates back muchfurther. Nearly a century old, thebuilding was constructed in 1915, ithas served many purposes throughthe decades, from a vacation homefor a Hollywood actress, to asanctuary for Pittsburgh's industrial

poor, to a convalescenthome for those with heartproblems.

Throughout itshistory, the building hasbeen utilized to helpimprove the lives of those

who pass through ever since openingas the Lillian Convalescent Homenearly 100 years ago. The propertyhas endured changes over the yearsand has been utilized as a home forunderprivileged women and childrenin need of health care, a rehabilitativecenter for cardiac care patients, andeven a “fresh air” camp for children.

Situated in Valencia, on a highhilltop in Butler County, the propertywas acquired by St. Barnabas in 1991and a new wing was added in 1996.The health system had a vision ofenhancing it's mission and expandingto serve even more residents,patients, and families.

Today, the 96-year-old building isknown as Valencia Woods at St.Barnabas and The Arbors at St.Barnabas, providing both skillednursing care and living assistance.The epicenter of the Valencia campusand a premier location for quality,skilled patient care, the Valenciacampus has been home to thousands

of seniors who have benefited fromquality skilled care, living assistance,home care, and the many amenitiesof our independent livingcommunity.

The milestone anniversary wascelebrated with a special reception onJune 29.

Jim Roddey, former AlleghenyCounty chief executive and St.Barnabas spokesman, served asmaster of ceremonies. The event alsofeatured live entertainment by the JoeLagnese trio featuring Johnny Angel;presentations by St. Barnabastrustees and health system presidentWilliam V. Day; a citation presentedby Dale Pinkerton, Butler CountyCommissioner; and a toast to thefirst 20 years of operations asValencia Woods at St. Barnabas.

Now the Valencia Woods at St.Barnabas section of the building is a47-bed skilled nursing facility, downfrom 91 beds just 10 years ago. As theneed for skilled care has declined,

there has been an increase in theneed for living assistance. Theexpansion of The Arbors at St.Barnabas living assistance addedapproximately 100 rooms and suitesfor those who need living assistance.There is also a chapel, rehab therapygym, kitchens with dining areas, andindoor and outdoor recreation.

20 Years Valencia Woods


Valencia Woods, a nursing home and living assistance facility that is partof St. Barnabas Health System, celebrated 20 years of serving the elderly.

The Pine Community Center is offering a FluShot Clinic on Tuesday, October 4. Flu shots are$30 (free for some insurance plans). Please call724-625-1636 x3 to schedule an appointment.

Left to Right: John Turnbull, treasurer board of trustees St. Barnabas; Jim Roddey, St. Barnabasspokesperson with Millie and Dale Pinkerton, Butler County Board of Commissioners.

Left to Right: Kathy Seaton RE/Max North, JohnWohleber, board of trustees St. Barnabas; KarenTabacchi, president St. Barnabas Clinical Services.

Community Magazines


ADVERTISE HERE724.942.0940

[email protected]


Most men face many obstacles when it comes to clothesshopping... they strongly dislike the shopping experience,they don't have the time in their busy schedules, they havetrouble finding clothes that fit them well, or, they simplydon't have a well-developed sense of style. Jacki Smathersof J. Hilburn Men’s Clothier, provides a solution for thesemen. She provides a personalized shopping service thatwill have men looking their best without ever leaving theirhome or office.

Ms. Smathers, through Dallas-based, J. Hilburn,provides her clients with a unique opportunity to havecustom-made clothing made of high-end luxury fabrics ataffordable prices. One of the company’s favorite quotes is, “We provide luxury without breaking the bank,”Smathers says. “While gaining much national press this year, we are relatively new to the Pittsburgh region –a best-kept style secret for men,” she says.

“We produce clothing that is made from the sameItalian fabrics that are used by renowned designers who

grace the pages of high-end fashion magazines. But,because we sell directly to our customers and not throughthe traditional retail store, our prices are about one-thirdof what a similar quality item would be sold for in a retailsetting - and, that includes a custom fit.”

Ms. Smathers meets customers at their home or officeand helps them select a professional and/or casualwardrobe – unique to their size, style and preferences. She takes about 10-12 different measurements, then helpsthem choose from a swatch book of hundreds of fabricsand customize their items with choices of collars, cuffs,thread colors, etc. There is no minimum purchaserequired to order. Ms. Smathers says shirts start at about$89 each and range to about $159. In the traditional retailworld, these same shirts would range as high as $400without any personalization.

“You truly can’t beat what we offer in terms of qualityand price,” Smathers says. “The Founders of J. Hilburn areseeking to revolutionize the world of men’s retail,” she adds.

“And, they have made amazing progress in that regardproducing over 60,000 custom shirts last year alone.”

Smathers is excited to announce that J. Hilburnrecently unveiled a new line of suiting, tailored to thecustomer’s measurements. Sports coats start at about $525and a starting price of about $700 for suits. “Again, in thetraditional retail world, for the quality and craftsmanshipwe provide, these items would be two to three times ourcost,” she says. Also fully customizable, suiting customerschoose the fabric, style of pocket, buttons, lining, fit, etc. – over 120 various style configurations.

“It makes such a difference to have clothes made of premium fabrics that fit perfectly. It brings a whole new level of professionalism to the customer’s look.” The company also offers ties, cufflinks and custom belts to complete the image.

Orders are filled relatively quickly. Shirts take abouttwo and a half weeks, suits about four weeks – not months.All products are fully-guaranteed. And, Smathers reports,the company has an impressive 93 percent re-order rate.

For more information, visit www.jhilburn.com or e-mail [email protected]

BUSI NESS DI R ECTORY


Call [email protected]

Advertise Today!

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