in-penn-hills-spring

enn HillsSpring 2011 COMMUniTY MAgAZinESpring 2011 COMMUniTY MAgAZinE

724.942.0940 to advertise | IN Penn HillsC2

8 294

S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 UPMC East on Schedule to Open

in Summer 2012

page 3 From Gut-Wrenching Pain toHope for the FutureStomachaches: When to Worry

page 4 Good Night, Sleep Tight!Are You Allergic to Your Bed?

page 5 UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online

page 6 Post-traumatic Stress DisorderCould It Happen to You?

page 7 Shaping Up to PlayPreventing Weekend Warrior Injuries

For residents of eastern communities

Healthy Family,Happy Family

Keeping yourself and your family healthy can seem like a full-time job. With UPMC HealthTrak, you now have a convenient way to manage your health anytime and anywhere.13

Publisher’s Message | 2

COMMUNITY INTEREST | Allegheny Grows Initiative Spans Three More Communities | 3

Penn Hills Resident Finds Career in Beer | 4

IN Kids | 10

Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce | 12

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

Older Adults in Penn Hills | 22

Penn Hills School District | 24

William E. Anderson Library | 26

Penn Hills Organization Strives to Help Teen Mothers | 30

FEATURES | Proms & Wedding Section |

Prom Fashion Tips for 2011 | 7

Home Improvements |

Rethinking the Attic | 28Fireplace Creates Warmth and the Perfect Décor | 29

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | HearWell Center |Sharpen Your Listening Skills | 9

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT | Third Generation Garage Door Doctor | 21

ON THE COVER | Penn Hills Resident Brant Dubovick crafts beer at the Church Brew Works.

Penn Hills | SPRING 2011 |

Contents

2 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE Penn Hills

WINTER 2010

enn Hills

Welcome to the spring issue of Penn Hills Magazine. I hope you all had awonderful holiday filled with family, friends, and fun.

Typically, I use this space to talk about your community or features in themagazine that spotlight the people in your community who are doingwonderful things.

Well, this time I want to update you regarding our newest feature for2011—our new website. Without venturing too far into the realm of shamelessself-promotion, I want to emphasize that this website is something for you, ourreaders. How so? Well, you can have input and help shape the website just likeyour ideas help shape your magazine. Now you have a place to list all of thenonprofit community organizations that are active in the community. We arealso developing pages where we list the local houses of worship . In addition,we now offer every magazine in a fully downloadable PDF format, rather thanthe outdated flipbook format we used to have. This will allow you to send themagazine, or links to it, to friends and family both near and far.

We tied our website into Facebook as well, not to get the biggest list of“friends” we could get but to have a place to keep our readers abreast of all thenews we get between issues. It also gives us a place to upload all the photos fromcommunity events that we don’t have room for in the magazine.

As with all things, there’s always room for improvement, but we always haveopen ears. If you have comments about our new website or want to see yourorganization listed, e-mail [email protected] with your linkor feedback. There’s no charge for listing your church, synagogue, or scouttroop’s link, so send your links in today!

And if you happen to be on Facebook and like what you see in the magazine,don’t hesitate to click that “Like” button. It’s always nice to be liked!

I hope you have a wonderful spring!

Wayne DollardPublisher

When I think about spring, I can’t help but think about light. The days get“lighter,”and the sun stays with us a little longer each day. When we have a greatidea, a light bulb goes off in our minds. At Penn Hills Magazine we try tospotlight our communities. What are you doing to be a “light”? If you or anorganization that you volunteer or work for is a light in the community, will youlet me know? So many good deeds are left unsung. If you have a family memberwho is in the armed forces, or if your church group or even Mom or Dad areproviding a service to someone in need, we want to know! Please e-mail yourideas and photos to me at [email protected].

As an avid gardener, I was really interested in the feature on page 3. The PennHills Community Development Corporation has begun plans for theircommunity garden. In its second year, the program encourages residentsto come together and grow vegetables at a common site in Penn Hills! If you areone of those interested in gardening and take part in the community activity, willyou let me know how it goes? Any program that involves a healthy lifestyle andbeautification deserves some attention! As we look forward to warmer andbrighter days ahead, I hope you will enjoy this edition of Penn Hills Magazine.

Marybeth JeffriesManaging Editor


SPRING 2011IN Penn Hills is a non-partisan communitypublication dedicated to representing,encouraging and promoting the Penn Hills area and its comprising municipalities byfocusing on the talents and gifts of the peoplewho live and work here. Our goal is to providereaders with the most informative andprofessional regional publication in theCommonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Mark Berton [email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jamie [email protected]

WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Pamela PalongueKelli McElhinny

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoyAnna Buzzelli Joe MilneSusie Doak Tamara TylendaPati Ingold Tracey Wasilco

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rebecca BaileyGaryyonphotography.comOne Way Street Productions

ADVERTISING SALES

Nicholas Buzzell David MitchellBrian Daley Tamara Myers Gina D’Alicandro Gabriel NegriTina Dollard Robert OjedaRose Estes Annette PetroneJason Huffman Vincent SabatiniJessie Jones Michael SilvertConnie McDaniel RJ VighettiBrian McKee

This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or inpart without written permission is prohibited.Copyright 2011.

CORRESPONDENCEAll inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to:

IN Community MagazinesAttn: Editorial603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray, PA 15317Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

Summer content deadline:4/26www.incommunitymagazines.com

SPRING 2011

Please recycle this magazinewhen you arethrough enjoying it.

Penn Hills | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3


There’s nothing more heartbreaking than pouring 500 gallons ofbeer down the drain. Fortunately, Brant Dubovick’s only hadto do that twice during his time with the Church Brew Works,

and both times it was because of mechanical breakdowns.For most of us, being in a position where you can make quantities

of beer every day that can be measured in barrels would be a dreamcome true, and that’s exactly how Dubovick sees it.

“I was a project manager for a contracting company in NewYork,” Dubovick said. “I couldn’t take that job anymore. In 1998, Igot a home-brew kit from my wife for my birthday, and I started outmaking kits. They were pretty easy—you dump in the kit, add thehops during your boil, and that’s that. I did three or four batchesthat way before moving onto all-grain, which has a pretty drasticlearning curve. It took me about a year before I got it down pat.”

Perfecting his brew gave Dubovick the skills necessary totake a chance and move his family to Lancaster, where hestarted working for a brewerymaking $8 an hour and thechance to move up the ladder.

Brant DubovickHead BrewerChurch Brew Works

By 2005, he was interviewing with theChurch Brew Works and, by the followingyear, took over as head brewer, a job hesaid is much more satisfying than projectmanagement on Long Island.

At the Church Brew Works, Dubovick’sjob is every bit as important as that as thehead chef. Not only is he and his two-member team responsible for all of theregular brews that come out of thebrewery, he’s also responsible for someof the unique beer flavors that have comeout of the Church Brew Works as well.

The Coffee Stout was one such flavor.

“We came up with the base porter,the alcohol by volume, and did all thepreliminary planning. Once we get thatbasic porter recipe down, then we figureout how much coffee we want to add. Inthis case, it was five gallons of Ethiopianand Columbian coffee, and we injected itinto the line so that it was introducedinto the beer as it was being transferred,”Dubovick said.

While some of the brews he’s come

up with are planned, others are born outof necessity, like the annual MexicanMole Stout.

“It’s a stout we use with Mexicanchocolate and fresh chili peppers,”Dubovick said. “It was conceived in 2008.We have pepper plants in our garden, andthe kitchen had so many they couldn’t useany more. I said, ‘Give them to me and I’llput them in a beer.’ We brewed up abatch. People either love it or hate it.People call me constantly and ask me tomake it, and others say it’s the worst beerthey’ve ever had.”

When he’s not brewing, Dubovick saidthat he enjoys the flavors of other breweries,such as Victory’s Prima Pils, East EndBrewery’s Black Strap Stout, and Bell’sHopslam, out o f Kalmazoo, Mich.

And it’s not a stretch to think that thebrew masters in those breweries areenjoying Dubovick’s beers. The ChurchBrew Works is available in a 10-countyregion stretching between the Route 80corridor and the West Virginia border

and as far east as Latrobe.Dubovick said that he has

four regular year-round beersthat he brews, and that fanscan look forward to hisOctoberfest brew beingoffered in 12-ounce bottlesthis fall. He said that 5-literCelestial Gold cans just cameout this past December andhave also been a hit.

For more information, goto www.churchbrew.com/menus/BeerMenu.pdf to readup on everything this PennHills resident has brewing.


For most of us, being in a position where you can makequantities of beer every day that can be measured in barrelswould be a dream-come-true, and that’s exactly howDubovick sees it.

So when it comes to finding that perfect dress and getting your hair done just so, a littleplanning can go a long way towards making the difference between a night that’s mediocreand a night that’s magical.

Jenn Lementowski, co-owner of Reflect, awomen’s boutique in Settler’s Ridge inRobinson, said that this year’s fashions will be alot of the tried and true that proms have beenknown for in the past few years.

“There will be a lot of patternsand a lot of basic silk dresses with beading and rhinestones,”Lementowski said. “Those have always been popular, and they’ll be popular this year as well.”

Lementowski, who attends national fashion shows with her business partner, Kristy Picard, said that the duo is bringing long and short dresses to market this year. But, because of the popularity of the short dresses, the long dresses will only be offered in two sizes.

Lementowski said that prom shoppers will want toallow time for proper fitting and alterations, so waitinguntil the last minute should not be an option.

Regardless of where they go to shop, Lementowski saidthat people should plan on spending between $300 and$500 on the dress, depending on the level of detailing andmaterial. “It is a pretty big expense, but I’ve noticed that peopleare willing to spend that much on a prom dress,” Lementowskisaid, “especially if their daughter’s a senior. I have seen peoplespending anywhere from $500 to $600 on a dress.”

While prom is a singular event, there is hope for the dress after it’sover for those who can’t justify spending that kind of money on a dressmeant to be worn one time. Lementowski said that many women use thedress after prom to wear to weddings.

“Depending on what type of dress they get, a lot of people may cut it and make it into a shorter dress and get it tailored,” Lementowski said.“That’s what I’ve seen, mostly.”

As far as hairstyles go, John Gamble of John Edwards Color andDesign said this season’s special occasion hairstyles will be a tip of the hat to the 1970s.

“We predict this spring’s special occasion hairstyles will be somewhat reminiscent of the ‘70’s, with a fuller,more romantic silhouette,” Gamble sad. “Although thesmooth, sleek looks we’ve been doing in recent years will still be around, we’re definitely seeing a trend towardstexture and fullness and expect that to carry over into this year’s prom season.”

Gamble also said that color will be “multidimensional,”and the trend is toward softer, more natural hair.

No matter where you get your dress, or do your hair,make sure you plan ahead and make your appointments

for fittings and stylings early. As prom creeps up –andit will be here before you know it – knowing thatyou’re booked for hair, nails, and fitting will take

several layers of stress off of you so that you havemore time to plan that after-prom party!

Hair styles by John Edwards Salon (photos by Joanna Fassinger)


Bryan Bassett

Spans Three More Communities

llegheny County Executive Dan Onoratoannounced the selection of three newcommunities to participate in “Allegheny

Grows,” an initiative to encourage urban farming andcommunity gardening on vacant lots and blighted properties.

Bellevue and Wilkinsburg will create urban farms, and PennHills will develop a community gard en. These threemunicipalities join nine others that participated in the inauguralyear of the program.

“The first year of Allegheny Grows was very successful, andwe’re pleased to add three new communities to the program thisyear,” said Onorato in a press release. “Allegheny Grows builds onthe County’s ongoing initiatives to revitalize older communitiesand distressed municipalities through sustainabl e developmentand strategic investment. It also improves the environment,strengthens communities, and provides access to fresh produce.”

The Penn Hills Community DevelopmentCorporation (CDC) started a community garden last

year. CDC President Ed Zula says, “We thought itwas a good idea to have a community garden

so that people could grow their ownvegetables in a common location and

get to know their ne ighbors.”Zula started the CDC lastyear and thought the garden

would be a

good, low-cost project to get started with while waiting to receivenon-profit status.

“After talking to some people in the community and lookingaround for sites, the municipality let us use the site at 1162Jefferson Road,” says Zula. “We went out and got some donationsof wood and manure from a few different entities around PennH ills and went ahead and put up fence, built raised beds, and hada Boy Scout help us clear the land as part of his Eagle Scoutproject.”

A group of volunteers put together a dozen 4-ft. by 12-ft. raisedbeds. The CDC didn’t want to give the beds away for free so theydecided to “rent” out the plots for the growing season to anyoneinterested in growing fresh vegetables.

“With a certain amount of ownershi p it motivates people to tryto do a better job of growing things,” says Zula.

Groups of neighbors are encouraged to join together, as well asGirl Scouts and Boy Scouts and 4-H children.

The CDC applied for the Allegheny Grows grant figuring theywould have a good chance with their community interest project,and they were right. “Hopefully we can expand this concept to 22beds or even more,” says Zula . “We’re really looking forward to abigger and better garden this year.”

Zula will meet with Allegheny Grows in March to startplanning for the spring. “We’re excited about the opportunity andhoping to make the best of it.”

For more information or to download a gardenapplication, visit

by Jamie Ward

“The first year of AlleghenyGrows was very successful,and we’re pleased to addthree new communities to

the program this year.” - Dan Onorato



FREE NICOTINEPATCHESOFFERED TO HELP

SMOKERS QUIT

Likelihood of Success Increases with

Patches & Counseling

Tobacco Free Allegheny, a non-profit organization affiliated withthe Allegheny County HealthDepartment, is announcing thatfree nicotine replacement therapykits are available to help peoplequit smoking or stop usingsmokeless tobacco.A four-week supply of nicotine

patches can be obtained, whilesupplies last, through the PADepartment of Health’s FreeQuitline at 1-800-784-8669. Quit coaches ask callers if they

are ready to set a quit date andwhether they have any medicalcondition that would rule out thesafe use of nicotine patches. Inaddition, participants will beenrolled in a series of freetobacco counseling sessions.While it takes most tobacco

users an average of five to eightattempts before they quit, nicotinereplacement therapy with counselingincreases the likelihood someonewill be successful in their attemptto go tobacco free.Additional information about

the state’s tobacco cessationresources is available atwww.DeterminedToQuit.com. Thewebsite offers guidance ondeveloping a quit plan, videoblogs of people sharing their ownstories about quitting, as well asinformation for friends and familymembers who wish to supporttheir loved one’s attempt to quit.

Auditory training is a term you will probably only hear in anaudiology office or perhaps a school. But it is important forpeople with hearing loss to know that they can train their brain to

hear and listen. Our brain is always searching for sounds whether ornot we focus on the sounds and this is called “hearing”. Attending toand focusing on a sound, causing more parts of the brain to react iscalled “listening.” People who have hearing loss often stop working atlistening because it is too difficult and causes fatigue or frustration.Unfortunately this leads to more communication problems due to thecombined effect of hearing loss and diminished listening skills. Though

anyone can benefit from the practice of using and strengtheninglistening skills it is more important for those who are hard of hearing.

When it comes to hearing loss and hearing aids, most hearing aidusers look to the device to make communication better and thoughhearing aids can improve hearing, they cannot improve listening.Instead, hearing aid users should strive to be “patients of hearinghealth care” and look for solutions to improve hearing and listening.This can be accomplished by using any and all devices needed tosupport hearing as well as therapy and exercises for listening. Thehighest level of satisfaction with hearing aids comes from following theaudiological recommendations in full and accepting that learning tohear and listen again is a process that requires motivation and time.

Research in audiology reveals over and over again that hearing careis not a simple thing. The audiology degree is a testament to this fact.For example, an audiology student will spend 8 years in college, earntwo or more higher education degrees and perform thousands of clinicalhours with patients. Still many people price check for hearing aidsbelieving they are making a technology purchase instead of looking atthe professional behind the technology and the service that comeswith learning to hear and listen.

AUTHOR’S NOTEI’ve been on both “sides of the fence”so to speak. I am a hard of hearingconsumer and user of hearing aids. Igrew up with hearing loss in both earsand have used hearing aids in bothears as long as I can remember. I amalso a doctor of audiology and theowner of HearWell Center in ForestHills (independently owned privatepractice). Educating patients is veryimportant to me and I invite you to visitour website atwww.hearwellcenter.com for moreinformation.


S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

Key Fact:When you sneeze germscan travel at 80 miles perhour across a room!

What Are Allergies?

When our bodies need to fight off germs, they make antibodies to attack germs andkeep us healthy. Just as our bodies make antibodies to fight germs, they may alsomake antibodies in response to other substances that get inside our bodies. Thisresults in an allergy—an adverse reaction caused by hypersensitivity to a normallyharmless substance such as pollen, dust, food, or a drug. Allergens—the substancethat causes the allergic reaction—can cause one or several responses.

Key Fact:A single germ can grow to become morethan 8 million germs in just one day.

When should kids wash their hands? Children should be reminded to wash their hands before, duringand after food is prepared; before and after you eat; after usingthe bathroom; after handling animals or animal waste such aschanging a cage or catbox; whenever hands are dirty or whenkids have been outside playing; and more frequently whenanyone in the classroom, care setting or home is sick.

The “Happy Birthday” song helps keep your hands clean?

Not exactly. Yet we recommend that whenyou wash your hands – with soap and warmwater – that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds.That’s about the same time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice!

Most Common

Places to Find Germs

in Your Bedroom

� Your hand-held game

� Computer Keyboard

� Wall and Lamp Switch

es

� Garbage cans

To be a Germ Fighter,

remember to:

� Cough/sneeze into yo

ur

elbow/sleeve

� Wash your hands after

using a tissue


find these things hiding in this picture.

he groundhog, or woodchuck, isone of 14 species of marmots.These rodents eat during the

summer to fatten themselves up forhibernation during the winter. After thefirst frost, they retreat to theirunderground burrows and snooze untilspring. During hibernation, the groundhog livesoff its body fat, its heart rate plunges, and its bodytemperature is not much warmer than the temperature insideits burrow.

Groundhog hibernation is where the popular American customof Groundhog Day got its name. Groundhog Day is held onFebruary 2 every year. By tradition, if the groundhog sees itsshadow that day, there will be six more weeks of winter.

In the spring, females welcome a litter of perhaps a half dozennewborns, which stay with their mother for several months.Groundhogs are the largest members of the squirrel family.

Though they are usually seen onthe ground, they can climb trees

and are also goodswimmers. These rodentshang out in areas wherewoodlands meet openspaces, like fields, roads, orstreams. Here they eatgrasses and plants as wellas fruits and tree bark.

Groundhogs can meantrouble for manygardeners. They canwreak havoc on agarden while fatteningthemselves up duringthe summer and fallseasons.

WARNING

You should never

go near a wild

animal...even if he’s

in your backyard!

germs...


Chamber Events

Please mark your calendar for the following events:

All Member LuncheonWhen: March 17, 2011Where: Edgewood Country ClubPrice: $20.00 per personMore Info: Registration at 11:15 a.m.

Lunch at 11:45 a.m.

Administrative Assistant DayWhen: April 27, 2011Where: Green Oaks Country ClubPrice: $20.00 per personMore Info: Registration at 11:00 a.m.

Lunch at 11:30 a.m. Speaker Wendy Bell, WTAE

Penn Hills ChamberGolf OutingWhen: May 23, 2011Where: Green Oaks Country ClubPrice: $125.00 per golferMore Information will be forth coming

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

PENN HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Third Wednesday of each month Third Thursday of each month Twice a yearOnce each monthAs scheduled April each yearNovember DecemberMany other events to be announced

Jo Luncher President Anywhere Travel Service, LLCBruce T. Hall Vice President Bruce T. Hall, CPAMary Beth Delpino Treasurer PNC BankScott Yusavage Secretary Computer FellowsBeth Fischman Board Member Maiello, Brungo, Maiello Law FirmJay Hope Board Member Penn Hills YMCABernadette Rose Board Member Rapp Funeral HomeChris Fedele Board Member Fedele Insurance CompanyDave Smith Board Member Dave Smith Autostar SuperstoreDennis Lynch Board Member Penn Hills Police DepartmentDenise Graham Shealey Board Member First Niagara BankDominique Ansani Board Member Penn HIlls School DistrictSara Werner Co-Director Penn HIlls Chamber of CommerceCarl Prince Co-Director P.H.C.C.

Please visit our Office and ourwebsite for more information and a listing of current events.


S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 UPMC East on Schedule to Open

in Summer 2012

page 3 From Gut-Wrenching Pain toHope for the FutureStomachaches: When to Worry

page 4 Good Night, Sleep Tight!Are You Allergic to Your Bed?

page 5 UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online

page 6 Post-traumatic Stress DisorderCould It Happen to You?

page 7 Shaping Up to PlayPreventing Weekend Warrior Injuries

For residents of eastern communities

Healthy Family,Happy Family

Keeping yourself and your family healthy can seem like a full-time job. With UPMC HealthTrak, you now have a convenient way to manage your health anytime and anywhere.

2 www.UPMC.com/Today

UPMC East on Schedule to Open in Summer 2012New hospital shows UPMC’s commitment to green construction and renovationIn the last year, area residents have seen major changes at the site where construction of the new UPMC East hospital is well under way. “With the steel structure in place, people can actually see that progress is being made,” says Melissa Kovtun, executive director of Monroeville-based services.

On schedule for a summer 2012 opening, UPMC East will be a full-service community hospital featuring:• 140 private medical-surgical beds• 16 ICU rooms• Two cardiac catheterization labs• State-of-the-art operating rooms• Full diagnostic services, including

CT, MRI, and ultrasound• Radiation Oncology• Emergency Department• Helipad for immediate airlift of

critical cases to UPMC Presbyterian,UPMC Shadyside, or UPMC Mercy

All outpatient services available at the Daugherty Drive and Oxford Drive locations will continue.“UPMC has been offering a wide range of outpatient services here for the past five years,” says Ms. Kovtun.

When completed, UPMC East will be the centerpiece of a plan to create a campus that links UPMC’s inpatientand outpatient services. “Building a full-service hospital shows that we are committed to bringing more high qualitycare options into this community.”

Going green from the ground upSince the project’s inception, building green has been a top priority.“Reducing energy consumption, enhancing air quality, and promoting a healthy environment were important considerations in our decision to gogreen,” says Joseph Badalich, UPMCsenior project manager. “Our goal is to become one of the first hospitals to attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.”Pittsburgh has long been a leader in employing energy-efficient construction.According to the New York Times, Pittsburgh ranks seventh nationally in the number of buildings with LEEDcertification. Among the city’s long list of certified green buildings are theDavid L. Lawrence Convention Center,the first green convention center in the world, and Children’s Hospital ofPittsburgh of UPMC, one of the firstLEED-certified children’s hospitals in the nation.

A leader in greening health careUPMC has taken a leadership role in creating a new model for green healthcare — one in which health systems not only recycle medical equipment and remove mercury from their hospitals, but also educate individuals on environmental health issues and support research into the mysterious linksbetween the environment and disease.

These wide-ranging environmental efforts have a potentially powerful impact.Working with the U.S. Department of Energy, UPMC has designed a training program to help all hospitals better manage energy in one of the most energy-intensive sectors of the economy.

Architectural rendering of UPMC East. Opening summer 2012.

Did You Know?LEED is the nationally acceptedbenchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings.LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five keyareas of human and environmentalhealth: sustainable site development,water savings, energy e3ciency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

1-800-533-UPMC 3

Everyone gets a stomachache — or abdominal pain — from time to time. Most of the time, stomachaches are harmless conditions caused by overeating, gas, or indigestion. Frequent or recurring stomachaches are often due to stress and worry, even in children. But they can point to more serious medical problems.

Harmless abdominal pain usually subsides or goes awaywithin two hours. If you have the stomach flu, your stomachmay hurt before each episode of vomiting or diarrhea. In serious cases, the pain worsens or becomes constant.

According to UPMC physicians in the Monroeville area, youshould call your primary care physician if mild pain lastsmore than a couple of days, or if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms.

Get medical help immediately if:• You have abdominal pain that is very sharp,

severe, and sudden.• You also have pain in the chest, neck,

or shoulder.• You’re vomiting blood or have bloody diarrhea.• Your abdomen is sti0, hard, and tender

to the touch.• You can’t move your bowels, especially if

you’re also vomiting.The bottom line: Trust your gut! Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about lingering or unusual stomach pain.

Stomachaches: When to Worry

At age 23, John Oliver* is feeling betterabout the future. Free from the gut-wrenching pain of Crohn’s disease since a second bowel surgery in 2008 — this time followed by a promising new treatment developed at UPMC using biologic-baseddrug therapy — he is now making plans to attend medical school next fall.

“I think the medicine is working. It’s the best I’ve felt and the best I’ve looked,” saysJohn, who earned his biomedical engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree in engineering management from Duke University.

His gastroenterologist, Miguel Regueiro,MD, clinical head and codirector of theUPMC Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, says the future has never lookedbrighter for IBD patients. “Ten years ago, adiagnosis of IBD was devastating. Now, wehave new medicines, a greater understandingof the disease, and better research,” he says.

IBD: Who’s at risk?Nearly two million Americans live with IBD, which is not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBD involves two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include abdominal cramps andpain, diarrhea, weight loss, and bleeding.

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of thesmall and large intestines, while ulcerativecolitis affects the large bowel alone.

IBD cuts across all ages, genders, and ethnicities, but generally affects Caucasiansages 15 to 35. While the exact cause is not known, experts believe IBD involves a compromised or overactive immune system. Because IBD may run in families,doctors also believe genetics plays a role.While stress and certain foods do not cause IBD, both can make symptoms worse.

TreatmentAccording to Dr. Regueiro, drugs cannotcure IBD, but they can be effective in reducing the inflammation and accompanying symptoms. While some patients have mild symptoms requiring little medication, others have more debilitating flare-ups, and some patients have severe problems requiring surgery and even transplants.

The primary goal of drug therapy is to reduce inflammation in the intestines.Medications include anti-inflammatorydrugs; antibiotics to kill germs in the intestinal track; probiotics to restore good bacteria; corticosteroids to provideshort-term relief during flare-ups; and immunosuppressants.

In addition, the IBD Center recently developed a Visceral Inflammation and Pain (VIP) Center to help patients deal with both the physical pain and emotionalstress of coping with IBD.

Exciting breakthroughsThe latest generation of drugs, called biologic therapies, are proving very effective in inducing remission so that patients can lead normal lives.

At UPMC, doctors took this approach a step further — as in John’s case — by prescribing biologic drug therapy afterperforming surgery to remove the damagedsection of the intestine. In use now at otherhospitals, this treatment has reduced the recurrence of Crohn’s disease in patients by nearly two thirds.* John Oliver’s treatment and results may not be representative of similar cases.

From Gut-Wrenching Pain to Hope for the FutureUPMC’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center wields a powerful “triple threat” against IBD: Groundbreaking immunology, genetics research, and innovative clinical care.


Good Night, Sleep Tight!

Dust mites, and dander, and fibers — oh my! These are just some of the microscopic menaces in ordinary housedust that can cause health problems.

Dust mites are a common cause of allergies and asthma.It’s not the dust mite itself that can make you sick; it’s thedust mite debris (the mite’s feces and decaying body).

Dust collects in every room of the house because it is easilytrapped in linens, upholstery, carpets, and draperies. Butthe bedroom is a favorite habitat for dust mites because itprovides a warm, humid environment, and plenty of food(dead skin from humans and pets).

Five ways to help wipe out dust mitesWhile you can’t completely eliminate dust mites, thesesimple steps may help reduce their numbers:

1. Cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-blocking covers, and encase box springs invinyl or plastic covers.

2. Wash and dry bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, curtains,and bedcovers weekly in hot water (140 degrees). Ifbedding can’t be washed, put the items in the dryer setat a high temperature for 20 minutes.

3. Vacuum carpeting and upholstery weekly. Using aHEPA-filter vacuum can help keep dust from floatingback into the air.

4. Use a damp cloth or mop to remove dust from hardsurfaces and exposed floors. This will prevent dust from becoming airborne and resettling.

5. Keep the indoor temperature at 70 degrees and humidity at no more than 50 percent.

Dust mites aren’t the only puny pests that can invade your bedroom. Bed bugs have made a comeback in recent years. For tips on ways to avoid a bed bug infestation, visit www.UPMC.com/Today.Sources: National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Are you among the millions of Americans suffering from lack of sleep?If so, droopy eyelids, wide yawns, and low energy are the least of yourworries. Sleep disruption — not sleeping enough or sleeping poorly —can affect your memory, disease resistance, and leave you struggling to stay alert in school, on the job, and on the road.

Studies show that people who get the appropriate amount of sleep on a regular basis also tend to live longer, healthier lives than thosewho sleep too few or even too many hours each night. So, what is agood night’s sleep?

According to the National Institutes of Health, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night. School-aged children and teensneed at least nine hours of sleep each night.

Tips to help you sleep• Stick to a sleep schedule. Get up about the same time each day,

no matter how many hours of sleep you got the previous night.

• Maintain healthy sleep habits. Go to bed only when you’re sleepy.Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and relaxing — not too hotor too cold. Don’t text, e-mail, read, or watch TV in bed.

• Make sure your mattress is comfortable. Remember, even a good quality mattress needs to be replaced within 10 years.

• Exercise is great, but not too late. Avoid exercising within a few hours before bedtime.

• Avoid caffeinated drinks after lunch. The stimulating effects of caffeine in coffee, colas, teas, and chocolate can take as long aseight hours to wear off.

• Avoid large meals at night. A large meal can cause indigestion that interferes with sleep.

• Avoid alcoholic drinks before bedtime. While a nightcap mayhelp you relax, alcohol keeps you in the lighter stages of sleep and tends to wake you during the night.

And, for adolescents and young adults:• Avoid stimulating activities around bedtime. This includes

intense studying, text messaging, video games, and lengthy phone conversations.

• Avoid pulling “all nighters” during exams.• Sleep in on weekends — but

not more than two to three hours past your normal wake time. Sleeping longer may disrupt your body clock.

Find a more complete list of the benefits of good sleep at www.UPMC.com/Today.

AreYouAllergictoYour Bed?The dust in your bedroom might be making you sick.

1-800-533-UPMC 5

UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online

UPMC Spotlight

Keeping track of health issues, test results, and medications is challengingfor Sandy Hogue*, who is disabled and chronically ill. Because she mustrely on cabs for transportation, seeing a primary care doctor can be an all-day affair.

That’s why she was eager to sign up for UPMC HealthTrak, an Internet-based service that enables patients to receive and manage information about their health. Sandy uses it to monitor her glucose and high cholesterol levels, check test results, make appointments, renew prescriptions, and diagnose medical conditions — all from the comfort of her home in Westmoreland County.

“It’s a good system. I get the medicaltreatment I need faster without spending a day traveling around,” says Sandy. “It keeps me in contact with my doctor and helps me monitormy medical conditions. And if I haveanything contagious, like the flu, it prevents me from infecting other people.”

More patients choosing HealthTrakApproximately 42,000 UPMC patientshave signed on to HealthTrak, whichgives them secure electronic access totheir medical records, medications, andother information. HealthTrak recentlywas expanded to include eVisits — an online digital house call — with a primary care physician. * These patients’ treatments and results may not be representative of similar cases.

During an eVisit, patients select a symptom and complete an interactive questionnaire.

A UPMC doctor then reviews the information and makes a diagnosis. If medication is needed, a prescriptioncan be sent electronically to the patient’s pharmacy.

Oakmont resident Mark Gleeson* usesHealthTrak primarily to keep track ofhis medical records. In October, whenthe computer-savvy 83-year-old camedown with a cough and cold late in the day, he decided to “see” a doctor viaeVisit. Within an hour of completingthe questionnaire, a UPMC doctor responded with medical instructions and a prescription for his sinus infectionand chest congestion.

“It was so convenient, and it worked!Within three days, I felt good as new,”Mark says.

Convenience and comfortAs a graduate student, Robin Sales*relied on HealthTrak to connect withher hometown doctor while attendingschool in Nevada. Now a young professional living in New York City, she continues to use the online servicefor eVisits, to fill prescriptions, and access her medical records.

“It’s comforting. Having easy access to adoctor back home gives me the chanceto find the right doctor for me locally,without rushing into it. It’s one lessthing to worry about,” she says.

Robin, who first used eVisit to consult a doctor about an eye infection, says the online questionnaire asks the samequestions the doctor would ask at an appointment. When she needs medicine,her doctor in Pittsburgh faxes the prescription to her New York drug store two minutes away.

“HealthTrak is great for college studentswho are far from home, the elderly, andother people who have trouble gettingto the doctor. It doesn’t take the place of going to the doctor for regular check-ups, but it’s very useful,” Robinsays. “If only UPMC could figure a way for me to see my dentist online!”

UPMC HealthTrak Benefits

Manage your health from homewith HealthTrak. Here’s what youcan do online:• Send a message to your doctor• View medical records and test results

• Renew prescriptions• Track current health issues such as glucose levels andblood pressure

• Request appointments• Ask billing questions• “See” a doctor (digital house call)

For more information or to sign up,visit www.UPMCHealthTrak.com.


Imagine being in a terrible car accident on your way to the mall.For days and weeks afterwards, you constantly relive the accidentin your mind. You take a different route to shop and, worst of all,

your body won’t let you relax. You can’tsleep — and when you finally do doze off,you’re awakened by nightmares. You can’tconcentrate, your heart pounds, and youbreak out in cold sweats.

“We know that anyone who has undergonesome kind of trauma can be at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder,” explains Anne Germain, PhD, associate professor ofpsychiatry at the University of PittsburghSchool of Medicine. Based at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC,

she currently leads several sleep research projects with returningveterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who have PTSD.

PTSD can be triggered by a single event you’ve experienced or even witnessed — be it an accident, violent crime, or natural disaster — or by ongoing trauma, such as child abuse or domestic violence.

When we experience a life-threatening event, it’s normal for our body to react with a powerful, stressful response; it’s what enables us to fight or flee.

“But for some people, these symptoms persist and worsen,” says Dr. Germain. “The toll can be profound if symptoms are ignored. PTSD has a devastating impact on the lives of peoplewho have it — and on those around them. It also has enormous financial and economic implications.”

PTSD is a relatively new specialization in psychology, and experts are still trying to determine why it affects some people and notothers. Fortunately, for most people, the symptoms of PTSDbegin to ease in about a month. “If they continue, it’s extremelyimportant to seek professional help,” notes Dr. Germain. “Thebest place to begin is to talk with your family doctor and seek a referral to a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.”

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Could it Happen to You?Most of us associate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with returning military veterans who have experienced the tragedy of war. But you don’t have to be a soldier to undergo the intense feelings of helplessness, horror, and fear that characterize PTSD.

Among the most troubling aspects of chronic PTSD for patients are the recurring nightmares and insomnia it canbring. There is growing evidence that such sleep disorders havea direct impact on both a person’s mental and physical health.

Individuals with PTSD often say theyhave problems falling or staying asleep,and that the sleep they get isn’t refreshing and restorative. “Our sleep research studies with veterans show thatthey have many more sleep disordersthan the general public, including sleepapnea and other breathing problems,”notes Dr. Germain.

With PTSD, nightmares can become an ingrained behavior, a0ecting a

person’s daytime functioning — from faltering concentrationand poor memory, to emotional outbursts.

“By stopping the nightmares and helping to make sleep morenormal, restful, and restorative, patients can overcome otheraspects of chronic PTSD in their lives a bit more easily. Andsleep can be improved in a matter of weeks,” she says.

Dr. Germain uses several methods to treat PTSD-related sleepdisorders, including image reversal therapy. “We help patientsreplace a recurring nightmare with a more positive, a3rmingdream. They write it down and rehearse it several times a dayto train the brain to have a new dream image.”

Individuals interested in participating in Dr. Germain’s sleep research studies for military veterans are invited to call 412-246-6404 or visit www.veteranssleep.pitt.edu.

PTSD and sleep disorders

UPMC's Sleep Medicine Center — accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine — is the only multidisciplinary sleep medicine facility in western Pennsylvania. The center performs approximately 2,000 sleep studies annually for adult patients with all types of sleep disorders. The sta0 at the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center include board-certified physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and registered sleep laboratory technologists.

To schedule an appointment, call 412-692-2880.

Did You Know?

1-800-533-UPMC 7

Shaping Up to Play Preventing Weekend Warrior InjuriesA warm spring day can inspire even the most dedicated couchpotato to head outside for a pick-up game of basketball, work in the garden, or bike with the family. But if you spend most of your time at a desk — or on the couch — you run the risk of a weekend warrior injury.

Jumping into a sport or activity without proper training and equipment can make you more susceptible to these typical sports injuries:

• Strains• Bursitis• Sprains• Epicondylitis (tennis/golfer’s elbow)• Stress fractures• Plantar fasciitis

Shape up to play

Both men and women are vulnerable to weekend warrior injuries. However, such injuries are most common in formerly active 30-somethings. The best way to prevent pain and injury isto improve your overall fitness. These tips from the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention are designed to keep athletes of all ages healthy and active.

• Don’t pack a week's worth of activity into a day or two. Try to maintain a moderate level of activity throughout the week.

• Learn to do your sport right. Proper form reduces the risk of overuse injuries such as tendonitis and stress fractures.

• Remember safety gear.Depending on the sport, this may mean knee or wrist pads, chest protector, helmet, or more.

• Make warmups and cooldowns part of your routine.Exercises, such as stretching or light jogging, can help minimize the chances of muscle strain or other soft tissue injury. They also make the body’s tissues warmer and more flexible. Cooldown exercises loosen the muscles that have tightened during exercise.

• Accept your body's limits.You may not be able to perform at the same level you did 10 or 20 years ago; modify activities as necessary.

• Increase exercise levels gradually.• Strive for a total body workout of cardiovascular,

strength training, and flexibility exercises; cross-training reduces injury and promotes fitness.

No pain, no gain … not true

If you experience a sprain, strain, muscle pull, or tear, rememberthe acronym PRICE to prevent complications and heal faster: Protect, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Anti-inflammatorymedication also may be taken.

See your doctor immediately if you experience a serious injury like a fracture, or if your pain is severe, increased, or continues for more than a week or so.

If your injury requires treatment or surgery, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762), or visit www.UPMC.com/FindADoctor to locate UPMC orthopaedic specialists in the Monroeville area.

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.

UPMC has always been proud to be a part of Monroeville, providing residentsaccess to all of the resources of a nationally recognized academic medical center. Weoffer a breadth of services close to home, including primary care, advanced diagnosticcapabilities, specialty physician and surgical services, and cancer care. It’s our tradition,and commitment, to bring advanced and compassionate care to you where it mattersmost ... in your very own community.

For a comprehensive list of our Monroeville-based services or for directions to anyof our convenient locations, call 1-800-533-UPMC or visit www.UPMC.com/East.

Our Monroeville-based servicesare rooted in your community.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

For a comprehensive list of our Monroeville-based services or for directions to any ofour convenient locations, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit www.UPMC.com/East.

The call came in early inthe morning, and the woman’s

voice on the phone sounded distressed. Hergarage door wouldn’t go up, she had to leavefor work, and the old wooden door was tooheavy for her to lift. She needed help fast.

This was not an unusual call for LeetSommerfeld Sr. After several years of helpinghomeowners solve all kinds of repair problems,he had heard it all before. What was unusualabout this call was the woman referring to him as“the doctor.” Thus a new name for the businesswas born on that early morning in 1979.

At the Garage Door Doctor today, just asin 1979, Sommerfeld and his employees dealwith many types of garage door and operatormalfunctions, including broken springs,broken cables, and garage doors that “getstuck” midway open.

“The garage door is the heaviest movingpart in the house, and often people are notaware that it can pose a safety hazard,” saysLeet Sommerfeld Jr., who has taken over theoperation of the company from his dad. “A doorthat is not working properly is dangerous foreveryone—but especially for children and pets.”

Sadly, the Garage Door Doctor hasreceived calls from broken-hearted pet ownerswhose pets were trapped under a closing door.Because of the safety issue, the Garage DoorDoctor is recommending a yearly “check up”for garage doors in which parts are inspected,lubricated, and adjusted if necessary.

Nowadays, the Garage Door Doctor is athird-generation corporation. When SommerfeldSr. incorporated his business from his Churchillhome in 1979, he did not realize that the GarageDoor Doctor would become a way of life for hisson, Leet Jr., and his grandson, Brandon.

“When I started the business in 1979, Iwrote a letter that I had hand delivered tohomes in Churchill, Monroeville, and PennHills, in which I introduced myself, my family,and what services were offered by the GarageDoor Doctor,” says Sommerfeld Sr. “Peoplewould tape the letter to their garage door andcall when they needed us.”

In time, Sommerfeld Sr. took on employeeswho worked from their homes, but he was alwaysassisted by his son, who helped even during hiscollege years in the summers and on breaks.

“After being awarded his degree inbusiness management, Leet Jr. had thoughts oftaking a job elsewhere. But he finally settled onthe Garage Door Doctor, where he does aterrific job not only because he knows garagedoors, but because he knows people and caresabout satisfying their needs,” says his prouddad. “He handles every job just as if he wereworking on his own home, and he has instilledthat attitude in his employees.”

Grandson Brandon also grew up in thebusiness and today assists his dad with both

residential and demanding commercial jobs. “Brandon was able to handle jobs on his own

from a very early age,” says Sommerfeld Sr. “Whenhe was a young teenager he would be dropped offon a job and the customer would say, ‘Isn’t yourdad going to work with you?’ Brandon did it all onhis own, and the customers were always pleased.”

Apparently customers still are pleased withthe company, as the Garage Door Doctor hasbeen awarded the Angie’s List Super ServiceAward every year since 2006. Angie’s List, anorganization which provides its members withevaluations of home contractors based oncustomer ratings, presents the award to thosebusinesses which receive consistently superiorratings from homeowners.

“Is the doctor in?”


If you have any questions about the operation of your garage door or your electricdoor opener, the staff of the Garage Door Doctor will be happy to help you.Please call 412.829.2007.

ow that the holidays are behind us,you’re hopefully putting that smoking

credit card back into your wallet or pursefor a while.

But even though this may be a down timefor you and your credit card, it’s no time tobe lax about your credit card security.

So what do you need to know aboutkeeping your credit card safe? First, off,don’t give yourself a pin number that’s easyto guess. Issuing banks typical ly assign you arandom pin number when you first get yourcard that you can change later. Keep thisassigned number and avoid picking a pin foryourself like “1234” or your birth date.While it may be easy for you to remember,those choices are also very easy for predatorsto figure out.

If you make a lot of online purchases orjust want to dip your toes into the world ofInternet shopping, get yourself a dedicatedcard with a low credit limit. You can open upa secured credit card at most financialinstitutions that require you to deposit abalance to borrow against, allowing you toopen a card with a $500 limit. Your depositwill gain interest and you will be able to useyour card for online purchases. What’s more,most scammers try to run a small purchasethrough before running a larger purchase on

the card. You may not notice a $0.32 chargeright away, but when your bank calls youasking if you tried to purchase a $779 laptop,you’ll be happy your limit was low enough tobe declined.

If your credit card number iscompromised, you should call your bankimmediately and report it. While police areable to enforce credit card fraud on a locallevel, with the Internet the person trying torun your numbers may be six states away, ifthey’re in the United States at all. In all cases,the sooner it’s reported,the better. Your bankwill cancel the cardnumber and reissue youanother card.

While you’re online,keep in mind that yourbank will most likelynever contact you via e-mail regarding youraccount. If you do get ane-mail from a bank thatyou use, double checkthe address. Chances areit will be slightly askewfrom any legitimateaddress. Instead of“@yourcreditcard.com,”

you may see, “@yourcreditcard1.com” or“@yourcreditcard.uk.” Banks understandthat scammers routinely try to get you togive up your personal information via e-mail.Therefore, most have secured e-mailavailable through their websites, where youcan be sure you’re talking straight tolegitimate bank representatives.

Lastly, if you have several credit cardsthat you use often, take the time to flip themover and write down the 1-800 customerservice numbers on the back and keep that

list in a safe place. It’salso a good idea tokeep a copy in yourpurse or wallet. Thisway, when you noticeyour card is missingand are frantic, youcan at least go to yourlist and call to reportthe missing card.

In the end, youshould treat yourcredit card like youwould tre at yourcash—never leave itlying around.

G o o d T i d i n g s f o r t h e G r e a t e s tG e n e r a t i o n


f the last time you took holiday photos required clumsilyspooling film into your 35 mm camera, don’t be intimidated by

what technology has done to photography in the past few years. Infact, once you have some basics down, you may find that yourdigital camera is easier to use than you thought.

So let’s start at the beginning and go over your new toy fromstem to stern. We can’t gointo detail about everyfeature of every camera, butluckily most cameras sharethe same properties, so wecan cover most scenarios.

More than likely, yourcamera came with alithium ion battery packand charger. All you needto know about this is thatthis battery can last along time. Thanks toself-timers built into yourcamera, if you forget to shut it off, it will shut offautomatically for you, saving battery life and allowing you to takethat unexpected shot when the time comes. That said, the batterywon’t last forever, especially if you are shooting with the flash oftenor shooting video, if your camera has that feature. If you knowyou’re going to be somewhere with a lot of natural light, turn yourflash off altogether and shoot longer.

The second thing to familiarize yourself with is your memorycard. Cameras come with a variety of memory cards to choosefrom. Regardless of the kind your camera takes, just remember thatbigger is better. A 16 gigabyte memory card can hold hundreds ofphotos, and if you’re not in the habit of printing your photos rightaway or moving them to your computer, the extra space is a must.How many pictures you can store on your memory card dependson your resolution setting for your pictures. Your resolution is howbig the picture is. If you’re shooting for a website, low resolutionsare better because the file size is smaller. However, if you try toprint the same low resolution photo as an 8x10, it will appeardistorted or “pixilated” because the camera wasn’t set to capture allof the fine details of the image. With most point-and-shoot camerason high resolution, you can print very large prints or zoom in tocrop shots for better composition.

The last thing to get to know is the USB cable. This is the cablethat came with your camera and connects it to any USB port onyour computer. Through this cable, you can transfer your imagesfor future sorting, correction, or sharing.

Believe it or not, once you have those things down, your digitalcamera has many of the same features of your old 35 mm. You canzoom in, set a timer so you have a chance to get into frame, and seta scenic mode where you can select how the camera operates incertain conditions, such as a portrait, sports shot, night shot, orlandscape. Your manual will list the specific icons and theirmeanings. Don’t be afraid to leaf through it if you get stuck.Manuals have come a long way as well and are clearly written forusers of all experience levels.

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Are you a nonprofit SeniorCenter serving the needs of ourcommunity’s older adults? Wewould be happy to post yourcontact information.

Please [email protected] with yourcenter’s name and phonenumber.

Construction on the new Penn Hills High School is wellunderway. The district broke ground on the project back inDecember and is now in the excavation phases.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the formerRoberts Administration site at 309 Collins Drive.

The administration building was torn down to accommodatethe new school. The old school will remain in operation until thenew one is built, and then it will be torn down.

Director of Business Affairs Richard Liberto says theconstruction is already a few weeks ahead of schedule.

The decision to build a new high school was a cost effectiveone for the district. The old building was in terrible need ofupdating and would have cost just about as much to renovate asto build a new one.

“The old school had really outdated technology andmechanical s ystems,” says Liberto.

Upgrades in the new building will include air-conditioning, astate-of-the-art auditorium, modern classrooms, and better lighting.

Aside from having state-of-the-art technology, the newbuilding will also be much more energy efficient. “We arebuilding a lot of green features into the building,” says Liberto.“The air-conditioner has an underground cooling system, weare putting i n a lot of skylights for natural light, and certainfixtures in the building will be green.”

The new school will be slightly bigger to accommodate thenow 1,488 high school students. The design is what Liberto sayswill make it more efficient. “It’s a very compact designed

building, compared to the old one. This will add space and cutdown our utility bills.”

The new senior high site will also include na ture walking trails,three access points for parents and buses to enter the property,and a location designated for parent pick-up and drop-off.

The district took out a bond issuance to complete this projectalong with the elementary school. Liberto says the total cost forthe project will come in at $56 million.

In the beginning of February, a camera system was installedon the site to provide a constan t view of construction. Threecameras will provide views online on the school’s website. Oncethe project is completed, the construction team will produce atime-lapse compilation of the project for historical record.

The Massaro Corporation, general contractor doing theconstruction, is in the process of pouring footers for the building.Once the footers are poured, construction on the steel structures hould start around May. Construction is expected to becompleted in 2012.

For up to date information on the project, visitwww.phsd.k12.pa.us.

Despite some snow, parents, students, and Districtrepresentatives came out for the Linton Science Fair on January29th. The event involved students in Grades 6 through 8. Acomplete list of winners is included below. Additional photoscan be found in the Linto n photo gallery on the District website.

1st Place: Daniel Ternent, “What Liquid Makes Plants Growthe Best”2nd Place: Ian Banks, “Does Hot Water Freeze Faster ThanCold Water”3rd Place: Christine Spieler, “Buoyancy and Density”Honorable Mention: Katarina Shields, “Stink Freeze”;Cathan Crowley, “Bread Mold Growth and EnvironmentConditions”; William Berkshire, “The Effect of Different Typesof Music on Plant Growth”

Honorable Mention: Mason Linn, “Do Hermit Crabs LikeSand or Rock”

1st Place: Francesca Fello, “Making ‘Scents’ Out ofAromatherapy”2nd Place: Justin Dumm, “Which Light is the Brightest”3rd Place: Andre Kuminkowski, “Packing Problem”

In addition, Ian Banks received the award for MostCreative Project, given by PAGE, along with a $50 savingsbond. Francesca Fello was also awarded Best of Show fromthe PTA, along with a $50 savings bond.

Linton Science Fair Results


Penn Hills Breaks Ground on New High Schoolby Jamie Ward

Penn Hebron Elementary AcademyPrincipal Phillip Woods believes ingiving 100 percent to the job, motivatingstudents and staff by his high visibilityand involvement, and making thepositive-if not always popular-decisions.Visitors will see him constantly, greeting

students in the morning, directing trafficin the afternoon, and visible throughout the day. “I have to be on mygame at every moment,” he e xplained.

In his first year as principal of the now K-4 building, Mr. Woods saidhe is extremely excited to be in this position. “I feel that a schoolshould focus on fostering the academic, personal, and social growth ofall its students,” he explained. For students to reach this growth, theclassroom must be student-centered, focusing on high standards andexpectations, he went to say. While the g oal for all educators should beto identify and address the individual needs of students, he said,building the connective bond with the community and parents is apriority to the success of the school.

There has been a high level of involvement this year at the school,with excellent turnouts during the picnic and open house events thisyear. Events at the school have been standing room only in manyc ases. And, at most of those events, you will find Mr. Woods. “I’malways somewhere working for you,” he said. This visibility, hebelieves, has helped him top gain the respect of his co-workers, whorecognize his dedication and work ethic. He wants people to see PennHebron as a welcoming, inviting, nurturing learning environmentwhere people enjoy coming to work, fulfill their responsibilities,vol unteer for activities/events, and go that extra mile to achieve theultimate goal of student growth. He is dedicated to his position asbuilding principal, enhancing the educational environment and makingsure the curriculum is adhered to and all students are receiving anequal opportunity to learn.

“I’m a people person,” Mr. Woods said, adding that he puts studentsfirst when making any decision. He always asks how his decisions willimpact the students and student achievement and does not try to makehis job easier or take short cuts. He stated that he will make a lot ofpositive decisions during his tenure but not necessarily popular ones.And, while they may be unpopular, he explained, they will be the rightdecisions and he will stand by all of them. It all goes to the heart ofmaintaining the integrity of the facility, building, policies, and curriculum.

Mr. Woods sees his most important goal for the building asprincipal is to establish a culture for students that embraces thelearning process. “To accomplish this goal,” he said, “We have to first

establish an organized user-friendly set of procedures that are clearlystated and easily communicated to our students and parents.”

The best thing about his day-to-day job, Mr. Woods explained, isseeing students coming to school excited to learn. “The job of the staffis to empower students to make better choices when other situationsarise, based on what they have learned in the school,” he said, “therebyextending their learning beyond the school and into the communityand everyday life experiences.” Every student has different goals, hesaid, and he can see students working toward those goals. That, headded, is the ultimate reward of his job, as well as seeing parentsexcited about school and attending events there.

Phillip Woods - Involvement is the Key


Write for Penn Hills!

We are looking for experienced writers! If you’re a writer based in the Penn Hillscommunity and you’re interested in writing features that keep our readers up to dateon what’s happening, e-mail [email protected]. No phone calls please!


W I L L I A M E . A N D E R S O N L I B R A R Y

All SaintsEpiscopal Church412.793.0270Apostles LutheranChurch412.793.4899BeulahPresbyterianChurch412.242.4570ChristadelphianEcclesia of Pittsburgh412.828.6157Christian ScienceChurch412.731.1204Church of LatterDay Saints 412.798.3011Covenant Church ofPittsburgh412.731.6221Emmanuel LutheranChurch 412.824.4525Faith CommunityChurch 412.242.0210First Baptist Church 412.371.5335First Reformed PresbyterianChurch 412.793.7117Grace Ev angelicalLutheran 412.793.1394Hebron United PresbyterianChurch 412.371.2307In Him Ministries412.795.4272Jehovah’s Witnesses Pittsburgh412.241.8188Kerr PresbyterianChurch 412.793.5508

Laketon HeightsMethodist 412.241.9170Mt. HopeCommunity Church 412.793.0227Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ412.361.0503New Vision Community Church 412.241.6160Parkway JewishCenter 412.823.4338Penn Hills AllianceChurch412.795.1818Penn Hills BaptistChurch 412.793.6640Penn Hills Free Methodist Church412.793.7263Praise Center Full Gospel Church412.793.7263Redeemer OrthodoxPresbyterianChurch412.795.2956Queen of the Rosary Church412.672.6390 Rolling Hills Baptist Church412.795.1133Rosedale UnitedMethodist 412.793.2019Sri VenkateswaraTemple 412.373.3380Second BaptistChurch 412.371.6445St. Bartholomew’sChurch 412.242.3374

Saint GerardMajella 412.793.3333St. James Anglican Church412.242.2300St. John the Baptist Catholic Church412.793.4511Saint Joseph 412.795.5114St. Susanna 412.798.3591Three Rivers Assembly of God 412.372.3453Trinity LutheranChurch 412.828.7799Trinity TowerUnited Methodist 412.793.9000Universal United PresbyterianChurch 412.793.1355

Verona United Methodist Church412.828.8844Verona United PresbyterianChurch 412.828.4494Victory Temple Orig. Church of God412.243.5308Zion LutheranChurch 412.242.2626

If your church ismissing from thislist, please [email protected].

CHURCHES SERVING PENN HILLS

WORSHIP NEWS


Tyrone WardExecutive Director

Mary Ann ZeakLibrarian & Children’s Services

Jean Kanouff Adult Librarian

Main Branch1037 Stotler RoadPittsburgh, PA 15235412.795.3507

Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Sunday:1-5 p.m.

Lincoln Park Satellite7300 Ridgeview AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15235412.362.7729

Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Closed Saturday & Sunday

Friends of the LibraryThe Friends of the Penn Hills Library is anonprofit organization dedicated to bringingtogether people who are interested in thewell-being of the library. The Friends workto provide many extras for the library, itemsnot included in the regular library budget.The Friends welcome gifts of time, moneyand materials from their members and thecommunity. These donations are channeled into gifts that benefit the libraryand its patrons.

To join the Friends, choose a membershipcategory below:

Individual: $10Donor: $50Family: $25Patron: $100Organizations/Associations: $30

Dues are paid at the time of registration.Stop in at the library for a membershipform or send your name, address,telephone number to:

Friends of the Penn Hills Library1037 Saltsburg RoadPittsburgh, PA 15235

Make checks payable to Friends of the PennHills Library.

www.pennhillslibrary.org

The first thing you need to consider isthe space itself. Is it finished at all? Manyattics in the area are open spaces broken up byroof and flooring joists and wads of insulation.The first thing you want to do is inspect yourattic for leaks and whether those joists arestrong enough to support extra weight.

You can add flooring by screwing downplywood or other subflooring. Avoid nailingmaterials down to prevent damaging theceilings underneath you through thevibrations of hammer blows.

Once you have your flooring down, you candecide whether or not you want to finish theceiling joists. You can insulate and attach drywallor plywood to these joists, depending on howfancy you want to get with the finished look; oryou may decide that having the recessed areasbetween the joists is beneficial to your storageneeds. Keep in mind that a triangular space islimiting only if you have boxes or items that youneed to store vertically. Items that are smaller

and that can be arranged into nooks and cranniescan be ideal for these odd-shaped spaces. Alsokeep in mind that, because of the nature of atticaccess in older homes, the route to your atticmay be through a small trap door in a hall closet,so items you put in the attic might be limited tolong-term or permanent storage, like old collegetextbooks, holiday decorations, luggage, or allthose old National Geographics that you can’tthrow away because the pictures are too pretty.

If you do have easy access to your attic,either by way of a dedicated staircase or pull-downsteps, more options may offer themselves to you.Even tight attics have enough room for several two-drawer filing cabinets, allowing you to store manyyears’ worth of tax returns or product manuals.

Easier access means even more versatilitywhen it comes to your storage plan. Ratherthan long term, you can use the space forthings that require infrequent use—bins forextra blankets and pillows for when guests arein town, large children’s toys or games thatdon’t get played with during the school week,and sporting equipment when it’s out ofseason. Storing items like these in the attic willkeep them out of dank basement conditions,and, in the case of linens and sportingequipment, keep the smell of mildew away.

Keep in mind that the attic, while dryerthan the basement, still has its own set of issues.Temperatures often vary wildly in atticsdepending on how insulated they are, so itemsthat can’t stand high heat or low temperatures—like candles, for instance—may not fare well inthe attic environment. Each space is different,but each is unique, and how you use that spacecan be a fun project for the whole family.


Add Warmth, Style, andValue to Your Home

What is it about a fireplace that isso comforting? That warmglow and the advantages of heat

efficiency and home resale value, all makeinstalling a fireplace the ideal homerenovation project. Innovations today incost-efficient, energy-saving models haveput fireplaces at the top of the “to-do” listfor home remodeling projects. In spite ofthe new energy efficiency, a fireplace stillcontinues to provide ambience, warmth,and an upgrade in any décor.

What’s Your StyleFireplaces have come a long way from

the typical wood-burning variety. They canbe specifically designed to fit any room, andthere are a large variety of fuels to produceheat or just glow. A wood-burning fireplaceis the classic option. They provide abeautiful flame, crackling-wood sound, andheat. Newer to the market are gasfireplaces, which can be designed to imitatereal burning wood, but their fuel source isnatural gas or propane. Gas burns cleanlyand is much more convenient than its

wood-burning counterpart. Electricfireplaces have some of the sameadvantages as gas-burning fireplaces, buthave the extra benefit of being able to flip aswitch and have instant ambience.

Which is the right

investment for you?When deciding which option in

fireplaces is right for your home, it isimportant to look at the space limitationsin your home. Determine how much heatyou need from the unit and whether youplan to do it yourself or hire a professional.Another thing to consider is that if you donot have a chimney in the house, installingone will add additional expense. Yourchoice of fuel for the fire should also beconsidered. Dealing with split wood—thestacking and handling, versus turning on aswitch to give you the fire, is something tothink about when choosing options.

Adding a fireplace to any room in yourhome will add value to your home andprovide a comfortable setting for you to relax.

firePlaCe

&the PerfeCt DeCor

Creates Warmth



rightened, confused, and alone, are just some ofthe feelings that teen mothers endure. Butfortunately, there’s an organization that is

dedicated to helping them get their lives back on track.Young Lives, which has been around

nationwide since 1991, and in the Penn Hills areasince 2007, is a mentorship ministry that reachesout to teen mothers in order to give them theguidance they need.

“What we do is we reach out to mainly togirls in the Pittsburgh East Hills area,” said JoyMalloy, executive director. “We reach out to girlsin the Penn Hills and Woodland Hills highschools. In Penn hills, we have lunch with thegirls a few times a month. That’s how werecruit. We also recruit through word of mouthand different social agencies in Pittsburgh.”

Young Lives hold activities for the girls ona monthly basis, providing child care whilethey have a “girls night out” with other teen

moms. Mentors also offer Bible study twicemonthly for interested girls.

“Our mentors come alongside of them in life and extendthemselves as a friend,” Malloy said. “Out of that, we see whattheir needs are and we connect them with agencies that can helpthem out, whether they be health needs, financial needs. We try toconnect them with emergency assistance. Anything we see thatthey have need of, we try to connect them with differentgovernment and health agencies.”

Because they are a nonprofit, Young Lives is always lookingfor items and assistance that can help them further their mission.From financial assistance, to gift cards for local restaurants andretailers like Target and Wal-Mart, to baby items such asdiapers, furniture and clothing, Young Lives can use your help.

“We also can use gift cards to craft stores like Pat Catan’sor Michael’s because we do a lot of crafts with the girls,” Malloy said. Malloy said the mentorship is vital for the girls because, while they don’t face the

derision and ridicule in school that they would have in the past, they still feel alone and havea need for support.

“It’s a new mindset than it was about 20 or 30 years ago. The biggest problem is thatmost come from broken homes, where the mom is a single mom head of the household,”Malloy said. “They don’t get the consistency to stay in school, or the child care to stay inschool. Home problems can get them off focus. We have to concentrate a lot on thebrokenness of the home and counsel them that way to stay focused on what truly matters.”

That focus comes from goal-setting by Young Lives and the mentors. When the girlsachieve a goal, they are rewarded for that goal. Rewards come by way of funding from the BuhlFoundation and PNC, Malloy said, so whether it’s a meal out, or other reward, the financialcomponent for that reward does not come out of Young Lives’ main budget.

“There are a lot of problems that the girls have that get them off focus, mainly thebreakdown of the home,” Malloy said. “They do have some problem with the baby’s father

not supporting them enough. They feel alone. A lot ofgirls in high school have to work because of the financialhardships, so staying in school is difficult, or finding childcare to stay in school is difficult.”

Volunteers for mentors and volunteers for child care,as well organizations willing to cook for the girls once amonth are at the top of Young Lives’ wish list. If youwould like more information on Young Lives, or tomake a donation, contact them at Young Lives, 501Jefferson Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, or by calling412.452.2344. They are online as well atyounglivespittsburgh.younglife.org or via E-mail at:[email protected].

Prayer Support: Receive a prayer list 2 times per month, optional prayer meeting twotimes per month.Mentor Relationships: One-year commitment to meeting with a girl weekly and helpingher reach her goals; approximately 3-6 hours per week; training, support, andresources provided.Childcare: Up to 3 hours per month in the evening at Club Meeting (the 3rd Saturdayof each month from 5-8pm at Hebron Church) or one of the Campaigner meetings(alternate Tuesdays from 6:15-8:45 at Faith Community Church) in Penn Hills.Committee: Approximately 4 hours per month; support the ministry throughfundraising, securing resources, and encouraging staff and volunteer leaders; protectthe integrity of the ministry; ensure fiscal responsibility and pray for the spiritualstrength of the leadership.Hospitality: Small groups are needed to provide dinner for girls and mentors at monthly club.Transportation: One to three hours per month providing transportation for girls to andfrom meetings

• Train and pair up 10 new mentors with teen moms• Increase our monthly donations by $1,500/mo.• Increase the number of volunteers• Obtain use of a 12 seat passenger van• Partner with 15 new churches for spiritual and financial support


· Restaurant gift cards for mentors to take mentees out for meals.· Office supplies-tape, copy paper, pens, stamps, etc. · Baby and toddler supplies-diapers, baby bottles, new car seats, etc.· Gift cards for baby items.· Sponsor a girl to go to camp.If you would like to volunteer in one of these areas, please contact:

YoungLives • 501 Jefferson Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235(412) 452-2344 • [email protected]

younglivespittsburgh.younglife.org

Rick Parrotta & AssociatesACCOUNTING &TAX SERVICES

Rick ParrottaENROLLED AGENT

21 Yost Blvd. Suite 202Pittsburgh, PA 15221

Phone: 412.823.8223Fax: 412.823.8226

[email protected]


East Hills Coin Laundry2766 Robinson Blvd

• Open every day of the year 6:30a-10p• Corner of Frankstown and Robinson Boulevards across

from the old East Hills shopping center• Always under surveillance for your protection

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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