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PLUS! Fairview School District Newsletter Fairview Summer Parks & Recreation Programs SPECIAL: Fairview Real Estate Section West County SUMMER 2013 Fairview Township Newsletter Elk Creek Recreation Programs FEATURING See page 20 for details in West County

IN West County

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Page 1: IN West County

PLUS!

Fairview School District NewsletterFairview Summer Parks & Recreation Programs

SPECIAL: Fairview Real Estate Section

West CountySUMMER 2013

Fairview Township NewsletterElk Creek

Recreation Programs

F E A T U R I N G

See page 20 for details

in West County

Page 2: IN West County

A�liated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

Region’s only trauma center

Award-winning cardiac care

Dedicated women’s hospital

On-site, specialized stroke team

World-class care. You can always count on it.

UPMC Hamot has been consistently listed among the nation’s high-performing health care providers by organizations like U.S. News & World Report and Truven Health Analytics. No other provider in the region can provide the level of care that UPMC Hamot delivers — from women’s health to orthopaedics to heart care.Why would you choose to go anywhere else?

For more information, visit UPMCHamot.org.

The region’s largest network of family

medicine providers

More than 220 specialists

Page 3: IN West County

IN West County | SUMMER 2013 |

INSIDE

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Fairview School District Newsletter .............................. | 4

Fairview Parks and Recreation ........................................ | 11

Perry 200 4th of July Celebration Schedule ............... | 20

Fairview Township Municipal News ............................... | 22

Elk Creek Municipal News ................................................. | 24

Elk Creek Recreation Schedule ......................................... | 26

Back in the Saddle Again .................................................. | 28

Real Estate in West County ............................................... | 31

Less Pain, Better Appearance .......................................... | 38

ON THE COVER | Performers in the area for 20 years, the Earthquakers came together to reinvent justhow much fun people could have if they left their cares at the door and decided to havethe time of their lives. It’s only natural that they headline the West County Perry 200Celebration. Don’t miss the fireworks in the sky or on the stage!

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Circulatory CentersFallacies of Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency ..................... | 3

IN West County is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing,encouraging and promoting the Erie County area and its comprising municipalitiesby focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goalis to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publicationin the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PLUS!

Fairview School

District Newsletter

Fairview Summer Pa

rks

& Recreation Progra

ms

SPECIAL: Fairview Real Estate Section

West CountySUMMER 2013

Fairview Township

Newsletter

Elk Creek

Recreation Program

s

F E A T U R I N G

See page 20 for det

ails

in West County

7 179

31

Page 4: IN West County

INPERSPECTIVESTAFF

PUBLISHERWayne Dollard

REGIONAL EDITORS

Pamela Palongue [North and East][email protected]

Mark Berton [South, West and Erie][email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR

Debbie [email protected]

SCHOOL & MUNICIPAL CONTENT COORDINATOR

Megan [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Anna Buzzelli Joe MilneSharon Cobb Melissa St. GilesMike Miller Tamara Tylenda WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Heather HoltschlagJennifer Brozak Chelsie KozeraMatt Fascetti Leigh LyonsTracy Fedkoe Dana Black McGrathMike Ference Joanne NaserJacob Flannick Melanie PaulickBritt Fresa Gina SallingerElvira Hoff Judith Schardt PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ginni Klein Kathleen RudolphLen Pancoast Gary YonPrimetime Shots

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS

Tamara Myers Tom Poljak

ADVERTISING SALES

Sophia Alfaras Gabriel NegriDan DeCesare Aimee NicoliaJulie Graff Vincent SabatiniJason Kalakos Mark Seamans Peter Leben Michael SilvertAnna Marie Lee Nicole Tocco Connie McDaniel RJ Vighetti Brian McKee Nikki Capezio-Watson This magazine is carrier route mailed to all districthouseholds and businesses.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part withoutwritten permission is prohibited. Copyright 2013.

CORRESPONDENCEDirect all inquiries, comments and press releases to:

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

Fall content deadline: July 15

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Welcome to the summer issue of West County magazine. While we focus on the communities that we serve, we don’t live in a bubble. The world throws

curveballs at each of us, and each of us has to decide whether or not to swing at it. In the case of theBoston Marathon bombing, the city swung and knocked it out of the park. Residents came together topresent a united front. First responders put their lives on hold and on the line until the threat wasremoved. Boston is not unique in that regard. Over the past decade or more that I’ve been publishing

magazines, I’ve had the good fortune to come into contact with a lot ofresidents in the communities we serve. I’ve met dozens upon dozens ofmunicipal officials, police and fire chiefs, EMS teams, and elected officials.I’ve seen them deal with their own issues, and I’ve seen them from time totime mourn their losses in the press.

What I’ve seen and who I’ve met along the way has convinced me thatthe resilience of Boston is not a regional attribute. It’s a way of life thatseems to be somehow tied to our very genes. Fortunately, not every citywill face a challenge of that magnitude. But we do have it in us to take theinspiration demonstrated by the people of Boston and apply it to our dailylives. We can take small steps every day to ensure that the community welive in is a little bit better by the time we lay our heads down on the pillowat night. Whether it’s raising money for a cause, or visiting someone who

needs to see a smiling face, young or old we can all do something to make our surroundings a little bitbetter. And by making things a little bit better for each other, hopefully, we can be better prepared to helpone another if things suddenly get worse.

This May, we honored volunteers and organizations in the community that help make a difference insuch ways. Those people and causes were chosen by you, and we are proud to thank them for theirservice to their communities. We thank you for your dedication to our magazines and hope that youcontinue to be part of them and contribute your thoughts and ideas to our editors. There are many morestories to be told, and we always welcome your help in finding them.

Have a wonderful summer!Wayne Dollard, Publisher

BingleyFEATURED PET

Why is your Pet the Best Pet

All Animals Welcome!IN THE WORLD

Write and tell us why your pet is the greatest. Be sure to send us a photo of your best friend and let us know which magazine you receive at your home. Photos should be as large as

possible and may be emailed to our editor, [email protected] or mailed to IN Community Magazines, 603 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317. Be sure to

include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your photo returned.

There’s nothing quite like the unconditional love of a pet, so share the love!

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Page 5: IN West County

West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

1. Spider veins are the same as varicose veins.Spider veins and varicose veins arecaused by dysfunctional valves within the vein. Spider veins appear as a nest of

veins just below the surface of the skin. They typically do not bulgeabove the surface. Varicose veins, however, are a sign of more significantvenous disease and should be diagnosed and treated by a physician.2. Prolonged standing does not play a role in varicose vein development.Regularly spending a large part of a workday on your feet, puts you at higher risk for developing varicose veins. In an attempt to reduce thestrain standing causes, individuals with careers that require prolongedstanding should make a point to walk regularly and perform isolated calf exercises by contracting and relaxing the calf muscles to assist the veins in “pumping” blood through the leg veins. 3. Varicose veins are a cosmetic issue and do not need treatment.Varicose veins were previously thought of as a cosmetic condition.However, contemporary understanding of the actual disease process indicates varicose veins can ultimately progress to a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). If left untreated, CVI is a progressively deteriorating disease that can result in increasingly serious signs and symptoms. Leg pain, swelling, restlessness, skin damage and ulcers are all potential symptoms of untreated venous insufficiency. As a treatable condition, varicose veinsshould be evaluated by a physician and various minimally-invasive treatments can be explored before the varicose veins progress.4. Excessive weight does not contribute to varicose veins and CVI.Being overweight is directly associated with the formation of varicoseveins. Added pressure on the legs and ankles causes the veins to bulge and the resulting valve stress can lead to failure and CVI. Maintaining a healthy weight through healthy eating and regular exercise is recommended. By exercising and strengthening the calf mus-cles, improved venous flow by calf muscle augmentation is achieved.5. Men do not develop varicose veins and CVI.Men and women are both at risk to develop varicose veins and CVI.More than 40% of men develop venous disease before the age of 60.Unfortunately, the majority of men do not seek treatment until the condition worsens. While this is still able to be treated, early recognitionand timely treatment are the best way to treat varicose veins and CVI. 6. Compression stockings and elevating your feet are cures for varicose veins.Compression stockings provide external compression on the leg and thishelps to reduce aching and swelling. This is a way to manage symptomsbut does not affect the long term management of the disease in anypositive way. People with varicose veins, who choose to manage theirsymptoms with only compression stockings, will need to continue towear stockings for as long as they live. Similarly, elevating the feet abovethe level of the heart when lying down will relieve some pressure andswelling, but is also temporary. As soon as the patient resumes an upright posture, the benefit of elevation is lost.

7. Genetics and age do not play a role in the development of varicose veins and CVI.Women older than 50 are most likely to develop venous disease. However, men and women of all ages can develop varicose veins and experience venous insufficiency. If you have a family member with varicose veins or CVI, you are more likely to develop varicose veins in your lifetime. Therefore, genetics and age play a significant role in the development of varicose veins. 8. Varicose veins do not develop after trauma. Trauma to the legs has been shown to lead to the development of signs and symptoms of CVI and varicose veins. Injuries where significant swelling or bruising is produced are at times associated with varicose vein development. 9. Pregnancy does not cause varicose veins. Pregnancy increases blood volume, hormones cause the veins to bemore pliable and external compression to the pelvic veins during pregnancy causes increased pressure inside the leg veins. These factors may contribute to the creation of varicose veins in the legs. This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Paul Shields, DO. Circulatory Centers has specialized in the treatment of vein issues and vein disease for over 30 years.Their board-certified doctors and vascular surgeons are experts in diagnosing andtreating circulatory issues caused by veins dysfunction. Circulatory Centers arethe vein treatment provider doctors recommend most. For more information, visit www.VeinHealth.com or call 1-800-426-9601.

Fallacies of Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency

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SCHOOL DISTRICTFAIRVIEW

4 West County

Each year, the Pittsburgh Business Times releasesa school guide that ranks Pennsylvania’s 500 public schools based on students’ scores on thePennsylvania System of School Assessment, orPSSA exams. The publication calculates threeyears of test scores, with the current year giventhe most weight. We are pleased to announcethat Fairview School District ranks #20 on this

prestigious list. This ranking represents an improvement of elevenplaces from our 31st ranking one year ago.

This level of achievement does not happen by chance or without a significant level of preparation, dedication, and commitment to student success. It is the collective effort of our students, parents,teachers, administrators, support personnel, and the entire Fairviewcommunity that makes the Fairview Schools a special place to learn.

Although we are pleased to rank in the top 4% in Pennsylvania, we refuse to be satisfied with the status quo. Our curriculum, student programs, and extra-curricular activities are constantly changing to meet the growing needs of our students. Annual reviews of all programs ensure that we are offering our students courses and activities that are current, relevant, and that meet the demands of a 21st century learner.

Yours in education,

Erik KincadeSuperintendent

Superintendent’s Message

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Pittsburgh SteelersPlayer Honors FMS Student

FMS Grade 8 student, Cole Kocjancic, was recently awarded Studentof the Month honors by the Troy & Theodora Polamalu Foundation.Nominated by school administrator, Mr. Justin Zona, Cole was selected from hundreds of applicants for this extraordinary honor.

“I’m very pleased to announce the February Student of the Month is8th grader Cole Kocjancic of Fairview Middle School. A leader amonghis peers, he played quarterback and was named captain of the team,was elected President of Student Council, and plays point guard for hisbasketball team. The core of what makes Cole such a great leader isthat he shows a great deal of kindness and concern for the benefit andwell being of those around him. It seems that Cole has grasped at ayoung age that being a good leader comes from a humble desire tomake things better for everyone, rather than an egotistical desire to be better than everyone.”

~Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers #43

Congratulations Cole!

It was another successful season for Fairview’s Swimming and Diving teams. The boys went undefeated in Region 2, continuing an eight year winning streak to finish the season 14-0. They won theIroquois Invitational and their fifth consecutive District10 Championship. The boys were excited to finishfourth at the state swim meet where foreign exchangestudent, Robert Sikatzki, won two individual events and was honored with the prestigious Swimmer of theMeet Award.

The Fairview girls were also undefeated in Region 2 for the seventh time in eight years with a final record of 15-0. A highlight of the year was defeating AAA McDowell in a non-region dual meet. The girls won the North East Invitational and their sixth consecutiveDistrict 10 Championship. The girls capped the seasonby placing eleventh at the state swim meet.

State Medalists:Gold MedalsBoys 100 Butterfly: Robert SikatzkiBoys 100 Backstroke: Robert Sikatzki

Silver MedalsBoys 200 Medley Relay: RobertSikatzki, Corban Murphey, Ian Miller,James Shuttleworth

Bronze MedalsBoys 400 Freestyle Relay: Ian Miller,Ryan Facchine, James Shuttleworth,Robert Sikatzki

5th Place MedalsGirls 200 Freestyle Relay: Emma Allison, Rachael Taylor, Mallory Lawson, Kendall Sundberg

7th Place MedalGirls 100 Breaststroke: Mallory Lawson

Swimmer of the Meet Award:Robert Sikatzki

Fairview Swimmers Medal at States

West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

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Corban Murphey

James Shuttleworth

Mallory Lawson

Robert Sikatzki

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The Fairview School District is pleased to announce the inclusion of an Autistic Supportclassroom at FMS in the 2013-14 school year.Fairview currently houses a K-4 program at Fairview Elementary School. “In order to allow our studentsinvolved in that program to remain in their homeschool district we are starting our own Fairview-runprogram next year,” stated Dr. Janet Wojtalik, Director of Student Support Services. “Currently, any student beyond fourth grade needing this typeof support has attended a program outside of ourdistrict. With the opening of this new class we will be able to keep our students here and providethem with inclusion opportunities.” The teacher of this new class will be a Fairview hire with expertise in the area of Autism. Added supports for this program will include a clinical support team as well as behavioral support services.

SCHOOL DISTRICTFAIRVIEW

6 West County

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FMS to Include Autistic Support Classroom

The Fairview School District’s Concert on the Lawnevent will be held on Friday, May 31st at 6:00 pm behind Fairview Middle School (FMS). This year’s concert features three live band performances and funfor the whole family.

The opening band, M4, will take the stage at 6:00 pm.M4 consists of six FMS students who play primarily poprock. Second on the stage is Two Steps Away, a bandconsisting of Fairview High School students. PopularCleveland-area band, Pop Rocks, will return as thisyear’s headliner. Pop Rocks has been voted Cleveland’sbest cover band for five years.

“The fifth annual Concert on the Lawn, sponsored byFairview Middle School Student Council, will onceagain provide a great opportunity for families and students of all ages to celebrate the end of another successful school year,” said Senior Student Council Advisors, Christina Costello and Nikki Nies.

Inflatables will be on hand to entertain young children.Carnival-type food will be available for purchase fromDiVecchio’s Catering. The Concert on the Lawn event isfree and open to the community.

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Foundation RecognizesStaff through Honorarium ProgramWould you like to show appreciation to a teacher,staff member, or significant person in your child’seducational life? Why not honor them with a donation in their name to the Fairview SchoolFoundation? Your tax-deductible gift will enablethe Foundation to fund teacher mini-grants that further student growth through classroom innovations throughout the district. This is truly the gift that keeps on giving. For additionalinformation contact the Foundation office at814/474-3169.

West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

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Join us for the 16th annual FairviewSchool Foundation Golf Outing onMonday, July 29th at Lake Shore Country Club. Golfers enjoy a patiolunch, 18 holes of golf, and a BBQ dinner followed by an awards

ceremony where the prestigious Barbara F.Junker Community Service Award will be presented. This year’s recipient is Mrs. Joan Martter.

Serving as the Foundation’s primaryfundraiser, the golf outing provides financialsupport for student assemblies, teachermini-grants, scholarships, and other projects. Space is limited to 144 golfers. For information on sponsorship opportunities or to register to golf, please call the Foundation office at 814/474-3169.

Foundation Offers ReunionPlanning AssistanceThe Fairview School Foundation is ready toassist you with your next class reunion.Alumni services include the following:• Handle one complete mailing to your

entire class, including postage and maintenance of your mailing list, including updates and changes.

• Safely hold reunion class “seed money”until your next reunion.

• Provide a guided Fairview Schools campus tour.

• Provide discounts for area local attractions and hotels.

• Provide ideas for a named class gift.

If you would like additional information onhow the Foundation can help you with yournext reunion, please call 814/474-3169.

The Fairview School Foundation would like tothank the Class of 1962 for its recent reuniongift to the Mike George Memorial ScholarshipFund. This scholarship fund was establishedto honor Michael George, a member of theClass of 62 who was killed while serving hiscountry in Viet Nam.

Foundationto HostGolf Outing

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SCHOOL DISTRICTFAIRVIEW

“These students are amazing,” said Mr. Ryan Bookhamer of his engineeringclasses at Fairview High School. His students are a collection of skilled 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who specialize in graphic design and problemsolving. There are two different engineering classes. “The Engineering Iclass reviews all the basic fundamentals of engineering, like what a basicsystem is, how systems work, and the engineering design process,” statedBookhamer. “Engineering II is a more hands-on class, in which we designand build different projects throughout the semester.” By reviewing the basics of engineering and using physics to create things, the engineeringclasses are a valuable asset for the student body at Fairview High.

Sitting in his classroom, I couldn’t help but notice the electric guitars laying about the tables and leaning on chairs. When I asked him what they were, Mr. Bookhamer told me that “the project has been a tremendousundertaking. Each group really poured their hearts into making the guitars unique.” He picked up a yellow and black patterned guitar. “The swirl-dipped guitars came out incredible and each component of theguitar was both a challenge and an opportunity for the class to succeed.”The students worked in the machine shop to refine the bodies and the necks of their individual guitars. Each group wired and assembled all of thecomponents as well as tuned and refined the acoustics. Upon completion,the students played their guitars. By having these projects as part of hisclass’s curriculum, Ryan Bookhamer is creating smart, problem-solving individuals who are moving up in the ranks of engineering prowess.Fairview is grateful to have such an experienced and knowledgeable instructor teaching America’s future engineers.

Written by:Luke Frigon (2014)

Fairview High School Develops Future Engineers

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Fairview Elementary School (FES)welcomed renowned children’s author and illustrator, Marc Brownfor two presentations on January23rd. Brown, creator of the popularArthur series, explained the creativeprocess he uses to write a story andtaught students in Kindergartenthrough Grade 5 how to create theirown illustrations.

“Students prepared for MarcBrown’s visit for more than amonth,” said FES Principal Dr. BenHorn. “Our PTO created several fun contests to engage our studentsand to get them excited to meethim.” A highlight from Mr. Brown’s presentation was a childhood photo of his third grade class.

Brown, a native of Erie, showed students his own picture and then pointed to his friends andclassmates, many of whom became characters in his books.

“I love sharing my stories with children and encouraging their love of reading,” said Marc Brown. Marc Brown’s visit wassponsored by theFairview SchoolFoundation andthe FES PTO.Each FES student received theirown copy of“ArthurWrites aStory.”

West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

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The FHS Speech & Debate team completed another successful season with students competing at both the state and national levels.In February, Sara Cruz and Austin O’Bakerearned top honors in Interpretation of Poetryand Lincoln-Douglas Debate respectively. That gave them the right to compete at states,where Cruz finished in the Top 12.Five Fairview students will move on to compete at the National Catholic ForensicsLeague Grand National Tournament inPhiladelphia on May 25-26. RepresentingFairview will be Mimi Ace in Dramatic Performance, JP Jarecki and Tristrum Tuttle in Student Congress, Austin O’Baker in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Sara Cruz in Prose & Poetry.

Fairview Forensics Celebrates Success

Popular Children’s Author Visits FES

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10 West County

Dear Participants and Guardians,The Fairview Parks & Recreation Authority (FPRA) would like to thank you for your past, present and futureparticipation in our programs. Without your support we would not exist! And in these ever changing andchallenging times we try to keep our prices affordable and registration easy however,changes are coming and are here to stay. In light of the tragedy in Connecticut, theFairview School District has made many security changes to all of their buildings oncampus. These security changes will help ensure the safety and security for you, your children, our instructors/coaches as well as the school. As of May 1, 2013 all ofthe buildings will be locked once school starts for the day and will not be unlockedagain until the start of the next school day. The FPRA instructors/coaches have keys to get into the appropriate building(s) however it will be the participants’ responsibility to arrive to class on time so little or no interruption will occur. Please inform the person at the door what program you/your child are attending. Updates on these changes will be posted on the Fairview Township website(www.fairviewtownship.com) and further information will be posted in the fall issue of thismagazine. This is a work in progress so please be patient and understanding. Should you have any questions regarding the security changes you may contact the FPRA office (814) 474-5077 or the School District at (814) 474-2600.

Fairview Elementary SchoolTo gain access to this building for your child’s program, please go to the frontentrance doors. The instructor will have to watch for you to let you in. Ifyou arrive late you may not be let in promptly. More information regarding gaining entrance to this building will come in the fall issue.

Fairview Middle SchoolFor programs in the gymnasium please go to the doors at the gymand someone will let you in. For programs not in the gymnasium,please go to the front entrance doors and someone will let you inside. More information regarding gaining entrance to this building will come in the fall issue.

Fairview High School For programs offered in the FHS cafeteria or computer labplease use the north entrance doors (side with stairs). Thecoach/instructor will let you in. For programs offered in thelower gymnasium or wrestling room you will need to use thedownstairs entrance on the east side of the building. Thereis a buzzer that you will need to push to let someone know you are there.

Fairview High School PoolTo gain access to the pool, you must use the north entrance (sidewith stairs). Please press the blue “POOL” button to the far left ofthe doors. This will buzz the pool and let the instructors/lifeguardsknow you are there. A camera will also display you at the pool via a monitor. If the instructor/lifeguard knows you are there forswimming they will press a button from the pool deck to release the door to let you in. If the instructor/lifeguard does not knowwho you are they will call you over a speaker system and you will beable to respond. Once they verify that you have arrived for a swimprogram they will press the button to release the door for you.

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Fairview Parks and Recreation: Summer 2013 Program

ACTIVITIES for CHILDREN

All programs are available to Fairview residents and non-residents alike.

The Fairview Parks & Recreation Authority Board of Directors meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Fairview Township building. The public is welcome to attend & encouraged to bring new program ideas that will benefit the community.

This program guide & registration form are also available at www.fairviewtownship.com/parks.

You can call 814-474-5077 or email [email protected]. Office hours are M-F from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

SUMMER LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM AMERICAN RED CROSS CERTIFIED LESSONS

Session A June 17 thru 27

Session B June 17 thru 28 (PM Classes)*This Session runs Monday thru Friday with no class on 6/24 and 6/27

Session C July 8 thru 18

Session D July 22 thru August 1

Session E July 29 thru August 8 (PM Classes)

Session F August 5 thru 15

PARENT WITH TODDLER(ages 6 months to about 3 years) The Fairview Parks & Recreation Authority willnot be offering this level of swimming lessons.Sorry for any inconvenience.

PRESCHOOL (ages 4 to 5 years)Designed for the child to develop a comfort level in the water as well as areadiness for learning how to swim. Children will also receive an introductioninto the basic swimming skills.Time 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. Date Choose from Sessions A, C, DORTime 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Date Choose from Sessions B & EORTime 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Date Session F

LEVEL 1 (ages 6 years thru adult)Designed for children just beginning swim lessons who may or may not be uncomfortable in the water. Time 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. Date Choose from Sessions A, C, DORTime 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. Date Choose from Sessions B & EORTime 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Date Session F

LEVEL 2 (ages 6 years thru adult)Prerequisite: Preschool or Level 1 with nofear of the water. Gives students successwith fundamental skills. Time 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Date Choose from Sessions A, C, DORTime 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Date Choose from Sessions B & EORTime 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Date Session F

LEVEL 3 (ages 6 years thru adult)Prerequisite: Level 2 or equivalent. Builds on the skills in Level 2 by providingadditional guided practice.Time 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.Date Choose from Sessions A, C, DORTime 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Date Choose from Sessions B & EORTime 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Date Session F

LEVEL 4 (ages 6 years thru adult)Prerequisite: Level 3 or equivalent. Develops confidence in the strokeslearned and improves other aquatic skills.

Time 12:45 - 1:15 p.m. Date Choose from Sessions A, C, DORTime 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Date Choose from Sessions B & EORTime 9:00 - 9:30 p.m. Date Session F

PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS$10.00 for ½ hour for private$15.00 for ½ hour for semi-privateCall Kathy Iszkula at 814-474-7439 toschedule lessons.

CHILD TO ADULT PRIVATE DIVINGLESSONS $30.00/1 hour/private$45.00/1 hour/semi-privateAges 10 & over (if under 10 at instructors’ discretion)Call Fred Evanoff at 814-460-5883to schedule lessons.

West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

NEW!

Class sizes are limited and spaces will only be reserved with payment. No checks will be accepted at the pool. The FPRA DOES NOT MAIL CONFIRMATIONS for class enrollments.Please assume you are enrolled for the class you paid for unless otherwise notified. FOR INFORMATION ON CLASS AVAILABILITY, CALL THE FPRA OFFICE AT 474-5077.

The Fairview Parks & Recreation Authority reserves our American Red Cross swim classes to Fairview residents up until one week prior to the start of any Session. After that registrations will be taken on a first come first serve basis until full. You may contact the FPRA Office at 814-474-5077 M-F from 10:00AM-4:00PM for availability. We will not accept registrations prior to one week in advance if you are not a Fairview resident. Thank you for your understanding.

Fee for all levels is $40.00 per session. All classes run Monday thru Thursday.*

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Fairview Parks and Recreation: Summer 2013 Program

ACTIVITIES for CHILDREN

FAIRVIEW FINS SWIM CLUBThe FINS swim team is a conditioning and technique focused team that plans on competing in USA Swimming competitions for all interested members.We cover technique training for all four competitive strokes: Freestyle (front-crawl), Backstroke (back-crawl),Breaststroke and Butterfly. A parent & participant meeting will be held onJune 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairview High School.The summer session will run from Monday, June17 thru Tuesday, July 23 for grades K-4 andWednesday, July 24 for grades 5-12.

Practice will be held on competition days. Thegrades 5-12 swimmers are to attend practice on7/23. The K-4 swimmers ARE NOT to attendpractice on 7/24. No FINS practice for all on July 4.

Grades K-4Fee $110.00Day & Time Monday thru Thursday

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.Grades 5-12Fee $130.00Day & Time Monday thru Thursday

8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Schedule of Lake Erie Swim Meets optional for FINS members*:June 24 Girard vs. Fairview

4:30 Warm-up/5:00 MeetJune 27 Lakeshore vs. Fairview

4:00 Warm-up/4:30 MeetJuly 8 Kahkwa vs. Fairview

4:30 Warm-up/5:00 MeetJuly 10 Harborcreek vs. Fairview

4:00 Warm-up/4:30 MeetJuly 12 Edinboro vs. Fairview

4:30 Warm-up/5:00 MeetJuly 15 Iroquois vs. Fairview

4:30 Warm-up/5:00 MeetJuly 17 Northeast vs. Fairview

4:00 Warm-up/4:30 Meet*Parent volunteers will be needed for home meets.

Championship Meets @ McDowellJuly 23 10 & Under

2:30 Warm-up/4:00 MeetJuly 24 11 & Up

2:30 Warm-up/4:00 Meet

LITTLE TIKE SOCCER Fee $40.00 per playerSite Pleasant Ridge Park Soccer FieldDay Monday & WednesdayDate July 22 thru August 12

(Rain Date August 14)Time 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.Ages 4, 5 & 6 year oldsCoach: Lauren Opalka

This program will focus on basic soccerinstruction & rules followed by minigames. Please wear shin guards, bring aball (size 3 preferred) & water bottle. Aminimum of 8 children needed to holdthe program and 20 maximum allowed.Please call the FPRA office at 814-474-5077 to confirm availability.

GIRLS 5/6th GRADE BASKETBALLFee $75.00

(includes registration and referee fees)Site Fairview Middle

School GymnasiumDate July 15 thru August 12

(After school starts, practice, and games TBA thru October)

Day Monday & WednesdayTime 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.Coach: Brian and Denise McCall

Registration/waiver forms are absolutelynecessary to participate. Girls who areinterested must have a desire to learnhow to play in a game situation or have aprior knowledge of basketball. Manda-tory practices will be held on Mondayand Wednesday beginning July 15. Therewill be home and away games that beginin September and run through the end ofOctober.

GOLF FOR JUNIORS (must be at least 8 years old)Fee $45.00 per SessionSite Elk Valley Driving RangeDay Monday

(Rain dates will be scheduled as needed)Time Early Class 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Late Class 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.Date Session 1 - June 3 thru 24

Session 2 - July 8 thru 29Instructor: Tom Peterman, Elk Valley Golf

Teaching Professional

Each session consists of 4 classes plusone rain date. A minimum of 3 golferswill be needed for each class. Pleasespecify Session 1 or 2 and Early or Lateclass when registering. Only paid registrations will be accepted first come-first served.

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West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

TIGER SPORTS CAMPFee $65.00 per child

(REGISTRATION & PAYMENT MUST BE SENT TO THE REC. OFFICE, NOT TO THE SCHOOL. THANK YOU.)

Site Fairview Elementary School Gymnasium & outdoors if weather permits

Day Monday thru FridayTime 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.Date June 10 thru 14Grades K-4th (going into) Coach Aaron Garrity

Give your child the opportunity to have aweek of summer fun with their friends. Tiger Camp will focus on teaching thecorrect fundamentals and skills in a variety of different sports and activities.Learning skills such as listening, confidence,cooperation, and following directions will be a main focus throughout the week. The goal is to leave the week being respectful, improving in drill work and overallconfidence, and of course having lots of funeach and every day. The skill work, sports,and activities are geared toward being ageappropriate. The age groups will be brokenup to keep the skills, games, and activitiesage appropriate. Groups will be split so children going into Kindergarten and childrengoing into 5th grade will not be doing thesame activities together. A snack and drinkwill be provided during the day.

JUNIOR TENNIS PROGRAM• Classes will be held at the Chris Batchelor

Tennis Courts at the Fairview High School.• All payments are due in advance of the

first class session.• There are no refunds after the first

playing date. • Proper clothing and tennis shoes (no black

soled shoes) are required.• Four students necessary for any class to

begin.• Racquets are available for those who

have never played before.• Please let instructor know when you will

miss a class. Rain dates and missed classes can be made up by schedulingwith the Director.

• You may leave a message for the Directorat the tennis court phone (814) 474-4592.

Session 1: June 17 – July 18 (No class July 4)Session 2: July 22 – August 22

Director: Rick Sertz, FHS Head Tennis Coach, Pennbriar Tennis Pro

PAWS: Beginner, Ages 5 – 10 years oldFee $50/once a week or

$75/twice a week Day Monday and/or WednesdayTime 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

CLAWS: Choose either Beginner or Intermediate, Ages 10 – 14 years oldFee $50/once a week or

$75/twice a weekDay Monday and/or WednesdayTime 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

TIGERS: Advanced, ages 14 – 18 yearsFee $80/once a week or

$130/twice a weekDay Tuesday and/or Thursday Time 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

PRIVATE TENNIS LESSONS$15.00 for ½ hour lesson$30.00 for 1 hour lessonCall Rick Sertz to schedule lessons at 814-881-0996 or 814-825-8111 ext. 21.

MAGIC CAMP Fee $25.00 per CHILD per Session

(includes take-home Magic Kit)Site Fairview High School CafeteriaDay TuesdayDate June 25Session 1 - 9:00-10:30 a.m. Session 2 - 6:00-7:30 p.m.Ages 7 & OverInstructor Cliff Hopkins, Hopkins

Entertainment, LLC

Does your child want to learn a few magictricks to amaze family and friends? Wouldthey like to master a few easy tricks with aregular deck of cards, coins, and other common household objects? If the answer isYES, then look no further! Our Magic Campis taught by the outstanding Magician CliffHopkins! Receive hands-on instruction froma full-time pro. Your child will learn magictricks that they can do while building presen-tation skills and self-esteem. Best of all, theywill learn all they need to know to put on afantastic mini-magic show for family andfriends! Minimum of 15 registrants & maxi-mum of 25 per Session. Parents are encour-aged to stay and attend class with their child.

COMPETITIVE CHEER CLINIC Fee FREE**Site Fairview High School CafeteriaDay Monday & WednesdayDate June 17 thru July 31*Time 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.Ages Grades 5 thru 8***

Practice will focus on skills, jumps, motions,stunting, standing and running tumblingalong with stretching and conditioning. Thisclinic is to help prepare a child for tryouts fora season of Competition Cheering only. Thisprogram will not cheer for Basketball games.*Tryouts for Competition Teams will be August 2, 2013 at 5:00PM at the FHS. All girls will be placed on a team suited totheir abilities. **There will be a $75.00 Registration Fee for tryouts payable to theFPRA. Other fees during the year will include uniform, shoes, warm-ups, and competition fees. All of which will be discussed at a parent meeting following tryouts. ***The girls on this team cannot also be on the 7 & 8 grade FMS team.

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ACTIVITIES for CHILDREN and ADULTS

14 West County

Fairview Parks and Recreation: Summer 2013 Program

NEW!

OPEN RECREATIONAL SWIM

Family Pass $75.00Individual Pass $30.0055/Plus Pass $27.00Per person $3.00Days Monday & Thursday Time 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

(6/27 swim will end at 3:30 p.m.)

Date June 17 thru August 22 (No open swim July 4)AND

Days Tuesday Time 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.Date June 18 thru August 6

(No open swim July 23)

HOOPNOTICA (Level 1)Fee $40.00 per SessionSite Avonia Beach Park

101 Avonia RoadFairview, PA 16415

Day WednesdayTime 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.Date Session 1- June 5 thru 26

Session 2- July 10 thru 31Session 3- August 7 thru 28

Ages 13 and upInstructor: Casandra Bardsley,

Certified Hoopnotica Level 1 Instructor

What was made popular by Wham-O (remember the Hula Hoop?) has transitioned into a non-impact, fat-burningworkout that strengthens your core andcalms your mind. The stress of the day begins to melt away as you lose the ability to focus on anything other thankeeping the hoop up! In doing so, you are strengthening your core and burning up to 600 calories per hour. The class requires an “Adult Size” hoop. If you haveyour own hoop, bring it! If not, hoops will be available for rent at $2 per class or purchase for $35 (cash/check only).Recommended clothing: cotton workoutpants/tops are suggested (hoop does not “cling” well to synthetic fibers). Bring yourown water.

BEGINNER DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHYFee $75.00 per Session (includes all

supplies except camera and flash drive)Site Fairview High School Computer Lab Day Tuesday & ThursdayTime 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.Date Session 1- July 9 thru 25

Session 2- July 30 thru August 15Ages 16 and upInstructor Nicole Daley, Fairview High

School Teacher

This workshop is designed for studentswith little or no experience in photography.This course will cover all the basic photographic skills, both technical and aesthetic. You will learn photographic camera operation, functions, and settings,exposure, lighting techniques, and AdobePhotoshop software. You will have accessto a computer lab with scanners and printers, including unlimited printing. Wewill edit and critique photos as we work.There will also be on location shooting atour local parks and beaches. You must provide a camera and a flash drive to saveyour work. A camera with interchangeablelenses and manual settings is ideal, but any digital camera is acceptable for thisworkshop.

BELLY DANCE Fee $50.00Site Avonia Beach ParkDay WednesdayTime 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.Date July 10 thru 31Ages 10 & overInstructor Carla Fleming, ATS and

SSSBD CertifiedBelly Dance makes joyful creative move-ment for kids and adults, while learning anexciting ancient dance form and fitnesstool. Classes focus on FUN while maintain-ing a foundation of posture and techniquethrough stretches, drills, and mini choreo-graphies that get you dancing right away.Laugh, move, and groove to uplifting bellydance music and play with sample propssuch as scarves, fancy fans, and fingercymbals. Dress comfortably as for any exercise/dance class. Hip scarves availablefor lend. Instructor Carla Fleming is thefounder/director of Lake Erie Belly Dance(LEBD) and The Fleming School of the Arts(FSA). Minimum of 4 participants neededto hold the class. Class will be held insidethe Brugger house if bad weather permits.

FREE OUTDOOR WALKING/JOGGINGFee FREESite Keck Track Field Day Monday thru SundayTime 6:00 a.m. until sundown

(When not in use)Date June 10 thru August 25

(No walking July 4)

This is available for the community to use.There is a turnstile you must use to gain ac-cess to the track. Please be courteous anddo not use the field if athletics are going on.

DABBLING IN THREAD ARTSFee $50.00 + $25.00 material feeSite Fairview Presbyterian Church

Adult Lounge Day Tuesday, Wednesday & ThursdayTime 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.Date August 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22

We will explore various thread techniques of yesteryear (3D Embroidery, Silk Ribbon, Cross Stitch, Candlewicking, Depression Lace, Needle Felting, Table Looms). Materials will be provided.Bring scissors.

Bathing caps required for shoulder length hair, no cutoffs or t-shirts allowed. Pool users must be 10 yearsof age and able to swim one length ofthe pool unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Walk-ins encouraged; you must sign in everyday; payment due at every class &exact change is appreciated! Please be respectful of school property and do not throw and/or leave itemsin/around the pool.

Passes may only be purchased at the pool. Evening open swims will take place immediately after summer swim meets.

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BASKETMAKING WORKSHOPS Fee $15.00 + $10.00 material fee*Site Fairview Presbyterian Church

Adult Lounge Day Tuesday, Wednesday & ThursdayTime 1:00-3:00PMAges 16 and upInstructor Charles Elliott

Session 1 Garden BasketDate June 4, 5 & 6 Get ready for the bountiful harvests of the summer garden by hand weaving a traditionalgarden basket with a strong oak handle.

Session 2 Herb/Flower Gathering BasketDate June 18, 19 & 20This low-sided basket is long enough for thestem roses and flowers you pick throughout thesummer and fall. Great for picking herbs fromthe garden.

Session 3 Patriotic BasketDate June 25, 26 & 27Using colorful dyed reed, this basket will make a great napkin holder for the summer picnics and trips to the beach. A great 4th ofJuly hostess or family gift.

Session 4 Wicker BasketmakingDate August 6, 7 & 8Using round reed, this basket will make a wonderful bread or cracker basket for servingfamily and guests. Wicker involves manyunique weaving designs that are fun to work up.

Session 5 Nantucket Lightship Style Basketmaking

Date August 13, 14 & 15The Nantucket Lightship Baskets are a trueAmerican heirloom basket from the 19th century. Basket materials were readily availablein the forests and ports along the New Englandcoastline. The baskets have a wooden basefrom which staves extend. You will learn how to prepare the base and shape the staves usedto weave the basket. You will learn how startand add new weavers, shape the basket, andlevel and rim the basket. The history, design,construction, and care of Nantucket basketswill be discussed. *There will be a $15.00 material fee for this class.

Session 6 Kentucky Rib BasketDate August 20, 21 & 22The rib or egg basket has an unusual shape thatallowed children to carry eggs in from the henhouse without breaking them. This basket has a rounded base and we use beautiful twistedseagrass to weave the basket.

CHAIR CANING AND SEAT WEAVINGFee $50.00 + $15.00 per chairDay Tuesday, Wednesday & ThursdaySession 7 June 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 & 27Session 8 August 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22

We specialize in antique chair restoration,specifically chairs that have woven seats. In theyard sales of the summer we may have found achair that needs a new seat. Chairs woven withwicker, cane webbing, fiber rush, herringbonecane, flat reed, and, of course, chair caning willbe represented in these courses.

KNITTING & CROCHET WORKSHOPSMaterial lists will be provided the first day ofeach session.Fee $15.00 per Session*Site Fairview Presbyterian

Church Adult Lounge Day Tuesday, Wednesday & ThursdayAges Age 9 to adult (children must be

accompanied by a guardian)Instructor Florence Elliott

Session 1 KnittingDate June 4, 5 & 6 Time 10:00 a.m - 12:00 noonLearn the basic stitches for knitting. Bring a pair of size 8 or 10 knitting needles. Practicematerials will be provided on the first day.

Session 2 CrochetDate June 4, 5 & 6 Time 1:00 - 3:00 p.mLearn the basics for crochet. Bring a size G, H,or I crochet. Practice yarn will be provided onthe first day.

Session 3 Fine Thread CrochetDate June 18, 19 & 20Time 10:00 a.m - 12:00 noonThis class covers intermediate and advancedlevels, with special techniques thrown in. Project work is the norm in this class. Basicskills are assumed but will be reviewed asneeded. Bring small steel crochet hooks and scissors. *There will be an additional $10.00 material fee for this class.

Session 4 A Look at Tatting

Date June 18, 19 & 20Time 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.You will learn the basic tatting techniques to make rings and picots, which are the foundation units for tatting. We will work with three different methods of tatting: shuttle, needle, and Cro-Tat. Students will need to bring a tatting shuttle (plastic recommended), tatting needle, and a Cro-Tat hook (if possible). *There will be an additional $10.00 material fee for this class.

Session 5 Knit and Crochet in the RoundDate June 25, 26 & 27Time 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noonUsing your basic knitting and crocheting techniques and tools, we will learn how to create items working in the round. You willneed circular knitting needles and any size crochet hook you are comfortable using.

Session 6 Quilting: Basics in Lap QuiltingDate June 25, 26 & 27Time 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.We will talk about how our ancestors wouldhave put the layers together and take a look at designs used during the Civil War for transportation in the Underground Railroad.We will examine a variety of quilts, borders,knotting, and finishing techniques. Vintage fabric squares, batting and notions will be provided for day one. *There will be an additional $10.00 material fee for this class.

KNITTING & CROCHET Fee $50.00Site Fairview Presbyterian Church

Adult LoungeDay Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayTime 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noonDate August 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22

Be ready to learn a lot and to make wonderful gifts and wearables after completing the class. We will complete a project of your choice: mug rug/coaster, dishcloth, scarf or other item you’d like to try. This class covers basic stitches and extra techniques. If you already knit and/or crochet but need help with patterns, we dothat, too. Come ready to relax, learn and have fun.

Material list can be found at www.fairviewtownship.com under Program Schedule

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ACTIVITIES for ADULTS

Fairview Parks and Recreation: Summer 2013 Program

16 West County

GOLF FOR ADULTSFee $55.00 per SessionSite ELK VALLEY DRIVING RANGEDay Wednesday

(Rain dates will be scheduled as needed)Time Early Class 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Late Class 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.Date Session A - June 5 thru 26

Session B - July 10 thru 31Instructor: Tom Peterman, Elk Valley Golf

Teaching Professional

Each session consists of 4 classes plus one rain date. A minimum of 3 golfers willbe needed for each class. Please specifySession A or B and Early or Late class when registering. Only paid registrationswill be accepted first come-first served.

ADULT BEGINNER TO ADVANCED SWIM CLASS Fee $50.00 per SessionSite Fairview High School Pool

& Lake ErieDay ThursdayTime 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. (Class will run

7:30 - 9:00 p.m. on 6/27 only)Date Session 1 - June 20 thru July 18

(No class July 4)Session 2 - July 25 thru August 15

Coach: Fred Evanoff; NCAA & AAU Certified Coach

Learn new skills, refine, or regain lost skills and confidence. All levels welcome.Instruction will be skill level appropriate.Weather permitting, an open water swim will take place in Lake Erie on the last class of each session for those interested.

MORNING YOGA at the BEACH Fee $40.00 per SessionSite Avonia Beach Park

101 Avonia RoadFairview, PA 16415

Day ThursdayTime 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.Date Session 1 - June 6 thru 27

Session 2 - August 8 thru 29Instructor: Cathleen Norris, RYT, CYT

Start your day at Avonia Beach Park and increase your flexibility and strength, create a positive mood and a great feeling of well being through yoga. You will connect with nature by hearingbirds sing, breathing fresh air and listening to the water… awakening youphysically and mentally. This will provideyou with an awareness to your mind,body and spirit to begin your day. Thisclass is relaxing yet energizing and is designed for those of any level of fitness.Dress comfortably and bring a yoga matand water. A minimum of 4 studentsneeded to hold the class. Class will beheld inside the Brugger house if badweather is forecasted.

TAI CHI on the LAKE Fee $40.00 per SessionSite Avonia Beach Park

101 Avonia RoadFairview, PA 16415

Day ThursdayTime 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.Date Session 1- June 6 thru 27

Session 2- July 11 thru August 1Session 3- August 8 thru 29

Instructor: Amy Eisenberg

Enjoy learning the Yang Long Form of Tai Chi: a series of slow, graceful movements developed in China to promote relaxation, increase flexibility,improve balance and enhance overallgood health while being surrounded bynature. Beginners are encouraged to attend.Minimum of five students needed to hold the class. Class will beheld inside the Brugger house if badweather is forecasted.

YOGA at the BEACH Fee $40.00 per SessionSite Avonia Beach ParkDay TuesdayTime 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.Date Session 3 - June 4 thru 25andDay MondayTime 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.Date Session 4 - July 1 thru 22

Session 5 - July 29 thru August 19Instructor: Cathleen Norris, RYT, CYT

Experience the peaceful space at AvoniaBeach Park where you can enjoy thesights and sounds of the water and sundown while releasing stress and stiffness in your body from a busy dayand week. Not to worry if you are “flexiblychallenged,” we will perform yoga posesthat are for those of any fitness level thatwill rejuvenate your body and mind. Dresscomfortably and be prepared to releaseyour stress and tension while connectingwith nature. All levels of yoga welcome.Please bring your own yoga mat andwater. A minimum of four students areneeded to hold the class. Class will beheld inside the Brugger house if badweather is forecasted.

*In cases of financial hardship scholarshipapplications are available upon request.*

ADULT TENNIS CLASSESFee $40.00 per SessionLocation Chris Batchelor Tennis Courts at

Fairview High SchoolDays WednesdayTime 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.Date Session 1- June 19 thru July 17

Session 2- July 24 thru August 21

All levels are welcome! See “Junior Tennis Program” description for further details.

ERIE COUNTY TENNIS TOURNAMENTWill be held at the Chris Batchelor Memorial Tennis courts at the FairviewHigh School July 18 thru 21, 2013. Visit www.fairviewtownship.com for registration form and more details or call the FPRA office at 814-474-5077.

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SHANNON TEETER’S MEMORIAL NIGHT LIGHT 5K RUN/WALK

Saturday, September 7, 2013

SPONSORS NEEDED!Sponsorship levels start at just $25.00!For more information or if youwould like to be a sponsorplease contact Jim Cardman at 814-392-6224, the FPRA office at 814-474-5077 or visitwww.fairviewtownship.com.

Run/Walk thru Pleasant Ridge Park and surrounding areaDay of Registration opens at 7:00 p.m.Run/Walk starts at 7:45 p.m on a candle-lit courseOpen to children, adults & friendly pets on a leashPig roast and social gathering to immediately follow the raceBYOB & bring a dish to shareNEW! Free T-shirt & glo necklace for all participantsDiscount for early registration. Event held Rain or Shine

West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 17

Fairview Parks and Recreation: Summer 2013 Program

EVENTS at PLEASANT RIDGE PARK

TOUR DE WEST COUNTY 2013Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Pleasant Ridge ParkA family friendly bike ride and expo that promotes healthy lifestyles and supports emergency services in our region and makes a donation to the LIVESTRONG Foundation. This unique event offers participants the opportunity to help at a local level so friends, neighbors and loved ones dealing will all kinds of illness, disease and injuries receive the critical emergency care and a chance to help

support cancer patients on a global level through the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Registration forms available atwww.emergycare.org/tour-de-west-county. This non-competitive event provides four scenic ride routes ofvarying distances. Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. Families andrecreational riders may choose the 5, 12 or 25 mile routes whilethe more experienced riders or those who want to challengethemselves have a 50 mile ride option. All ride routes are

monitored by EmergyCare’s trained medical professionals and water/snack stations are strategically placed to make sure riders can rest and refuel. The day’s festivities also include a silent auction, refreshments and plenty of fun for kids and adults thru 2:00 p.m.

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18 West County

In applying for registration in the program and facility, the following agreements must be endorsed: (1) I agree on behalf of myself and in behalf of my minor children to release and discharge the Fairview School District, Fairview Township, Fairview Parks and Recreation Authority, its officers, representatives, and employees from any and all liability and claimsarising out of or in any way connected with any program being operated by the Fairview Parks and Recreation Authority. The applicant hereby assumes all risks of injuries or damages to the person on behalf of myself and any minors to which I am a parent or guardian which might occur as a result of participation in the program of the Fairview Parks and Recreation Authority.

(2) I agree to abide by the regulations for operation of the facilityused for the program, and regulations for the registered individualactivity.

(3) I further hereby agree to indemnify and save harmless theFairview School District, Fairview Parks and Recreation Authority,Fairview Township, its officers, representatives and employees, from any and all liability that may occur to myself or members of myimmediate family in any Fairview Parks and Recreation Authorityprogram. This indemnification is to include and is not necessarily

limited to any and all cost of litigation, medical expenses, judgment, or subrogation interests.

(4) I acknowledge that passes and registrations may not be loanedor transferred; the permit and privileges associated with it are nottransferable and will be lifted, if presented by any other person thanthe one to whom issued. We will consider your application for registration as acceptance of the above items. THE SIGNATURE OF PARENT, GUARDIAN OR ADULT PARTICIPANT INDICATESACCEPTANCE OF THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITYAND INDEMNIFICATION.The waiver and release of liability must be signed before participation by adult participants or by a parent or guardian on behalf of minors. The Fairview Parks and Recreation Authority,Fairview Township and its Supervisors and the Fairview School District assume no liability for injuries that may be suffered as a result of participation in these activities as well as and includingtransportation to and from any class or program.

If you have read, signed and agree to the waiver and release of liability, fill out the registration form to include all necessary information (name, address, telephone number, class, etc.).

REGISTRATION AND WAIVER FORM - FILL OUT COMPLETELY

PARTICIPANT NAME AGE ACTIVITY SESSION LEVEL TIME FEE

T-SHIRT SIZE S__ M__ L__ XLG__ Youth or Adult CHECK # TOTAL

GUARDIAN HOME PHONE E-MAIL

ADDRESS WORK HOME

CITY, STATE, ZIP CELL PHONE

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE WAIVER/RELEASE FORM

SIGNATURE DATE

READ AND SIGN THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY INDEMNIFICATION

MAKE YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO: THE FAIRVIEW PARKS AND RECREATION AUTHORITY and mail to 7471 McCray Rd, Fairview, PA 16415

Fairview Parks and Recreation: Summer 2013 Programs

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West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 19

This issue is also

available online

Page 22: IN West County

4th of July – IN WESt CouNty

The West County celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a 2 hour Millcreek Parade on West 12th Street.

Fairview events will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 7050 West Ridge Road (Automation Devices Property). Local bands arescheduled to play during the afternoon. There will be activities forchildren including Big Kev’s Bouncers, jugglers and magicians, with additional events yet to be scheduled. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from community organizations andlocal vendors.

Evening activities will be at Girard High School from 7:30 to10:30 p.m. with a spectacular West County Fireworks display starting at 9:45 p.m. The football stadium and grounds will be available for parking or shuttle service may be provided from

local community event locations. Zambelli Fireworks Companywill simultaneously coordinate a county wide aerial display withthree other areas in Erie City on the Bay Front Park, Eastern ErieCounty at Mercyhurst - Northeast, and Southern Erie County at the Waterford Fair Grounds.

This fantastic schedule of events would not be possible withoutthe generous support of sponsors, volunteers, communitypartners and the Perry 200 Commemoration Commission.Those wanting to be part of this memorable event may contacteither Janet Kuhns at 814-474-3029 or Jeannie Miller at 814-774-5703. Sponsorships and donations will be published in the West County Journal.

This is a unique, once in a lifetime event for everyone to experience. Every 50 years we rediscover our local heritage surrounding the construction of Commodore Perry’s fleet

and great naval battle to secure the freedom and independence that we all enjoy today.

Back row: (l to r) Joe Kujawa, Tom Gido, Pete Kraus, & John Steiner Front row: (l to r) Jeanne Miller, Janet Kuhns, Sharon Christopher & Bettie Stephens Missing from the photo are: Tony Mitcho, Ralph Heidler & Rebecca Baumgardner

20 West County

Committee for the Perry 200 4th of July Celebration in West County

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MILLCREEK FOURTH OF JULY PARADE:10:00 a.m. on West 12th StreetThe Fourth of July Celebration in West County will begin withthe 48th Annual Millcreek Fourth of July Parade. Entry/viewinginformation can be found at The Millcreek Township Parade.com.Entries are welcome from all of West County.

FAIRVIEW FESTIVITIES:3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Automation Devices on Rte. 20 Main Stage— 3:00 - 4:45 Music by Earthquakers

5:05 - 5:40 Magic Show Featuring Cliff Hopkins6:00 - 7:00 Music by Earthquakers

Concessions, dino-jumps, petting zoo, dunking booth, strolling magician, face painters, Fairview Historical Society Display, vendors, and more.The Fairview Legion cannon will be on sight and fired at 4:00, 5:00 & 6:00 p.m.This is a family event for everyone and you are welcome to bringyour own picnic and lawn chair and enjoy the festivities!

GIRARD EVENTS:Swimming at Community Pool---1:00 - 8:00 p.m. sponsored byElk Creek Recreation and Leisure BoardBattles Museum of Rural Life and White and Yellow Houses openfor tours sponsored by Erie County Historical SocietyHistory Walk---7:30 p.m. Conducted by Stephanie Wincik. Meetat “Old Fire Hall” social room. Free coffee & donuts following walk which is about 1 mile long. Sponsored by HazelKibler Museum.Girard High School Football Stadium 8:00 p.m.---Concessionsand performances by Loose Change and Ischabaha sponsored byGirard Township

GRAND FINALE FIREWORKS:9:45 p.m. Seating at the Girard football and soccer stadiums.

SPONSORS AND DONORS NEEDEDAfter the contribution from the Jefferson Educational SocietyPerry 200 Commission and the ECGRA, the cost of fireworksand Fairview Festivities is approximately $26,000.

VOLUNTEERS, VENDORS, EXHIBITORS ANDCONCESSIONS ARE STILL NEEDED

Donation Levels as follow: PATRIOT DONOR up to $99.00BRONZE DONOR $100.00 to $499.00SILVER DONOR $500.00 to $999.00 GOLD DONOR $1,000.00 to $4,999.00COMMODORE $5,000.00+

CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED AS OF SUBMISSION OF ARTICLEBRONZE DONOR:Taradoodles, $100.00 Girard Township, $200.00 Yardmaster of PA, LLC $250.00, Girard, Lake City Chamber of Commerce $200.00SILVER DONOR:Burton Funeral Homes, $500.00 GOLD DONOR:Fairview Community Council, $1,000.00; Fairview Parks and Recreation Authority, $1,000.00COMMODORE: Millcreek Township, $10,000.00; Fairview Township, $5,000.00

REFUSE SERVICE DONATED BY Waste Management

Please visit the Perry 200 website at www.perry200.com fordetails on the next 4 months of events presently scheduledthru the September 7th Grand Finale.

Learn more about our local heritage and Oliver Hazard Perrythrough the following books:“Battle of Lake Erie” by Captain Walter Rybka, “War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie” by Cornell Green – recommended for school age students, and “After the Glory” by David Frew through the Jefferson Education Society, 3207 State Street, Erie PA 16508 Ph: (814) 459-8000.

SCHEDULE DONORS

West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

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E-WasteFairview Township is researching a way for residents to handle the disposal of electronic items now that they can no longer be includedwith residential garbage service. We have talked with other Townshipsin Erie County as to what they are doing. This is a new practice and there are numerous avenues being implemented. Waste Management isoffering to include e-waste in their contract for a small fee, approximately$3 a billing, and we are investigating some businesses that are offering topick items up for free. We welcome your thoughts and comments as asolution is needed soon.

Municipal Page

22 West County

Vandalism/CameraRecent acts of vandalism at Township owned properties have resulted in unnecessary repair cost

and the restriction of access to buildings. In past years wehave enjoyed a respect for public property that has allowed

for open access to our Pleasant Ridge Pavilion. Then last year we were forced to close all but the restrooms during park hours.

We had significant damage done in one of our restrooms recentlythat initiated the need for installation of cameras on the outside of ourbuilding and also in the seating/dining area. Fairview Township can be

called anytime that someone sees activities that raise question.Township facilities at our parks and at our municipal buildingneed watchful care from all of us.

SidewalksThere is a push for more emphasis on pedestrian traffic routes within municipalities. One of the key components of our 2012Fairview Township Comprehensive Plan is to develop a structuredand well maintained sidewalk system. We are talking with propertyowners on the north side of McCray Rd, from Route 98 to Kell Rd,about increasing the right of way for sidewalk. This project will helppromote more pedestrian activity within our Township as it providesaccess to our schools and the remainder of our sidewalk system.There will be discussion this year in our workshop sessions on developing a sidewalk ordinance.

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West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

Township Drop-Off Recycling If you have an old cell phone, used ink cartridgeor retired flag, we offer a place in the foyer of ourmunicipal building to dispose these items. TheParks and Recreation Authority manage the cellphones and ink cartridges and the Townshiptakes the flags to Fairview’s American LegionPost 742 for proper retirement. In the past we accepted old batteries and have decided to nolonger provide that service. The alkaline batteriesare acceptable household waste and your lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries can be recycled at a local recycling business. On another note, it would help control the amountof curbside recyclables that blow out of theWaste Management vehicles if the recyclableswere placed in a see-through plastic bag. Thank You!

Erie County Gaming Revenue AuthorityAwards $65,000 for In-Vessel ComposterThe Millfair Compost & Recycling Center wasawarded $65,000 in grant funds from the ErieCounty Gaming Revenue Authority for thepurchase of an enclosed in-vessel composter forprocessing food and grass waste. With 35% ofthe waste stream coming from organics likegrass and food, it became apparent to bothMillcreek and Fairview Townships that a largecomponent of the waste stream was being overlooked in Erie County. The proposed in-vessel machine will break down organics inapproximately two months, cutting off almost10 months of decomposition through the current windrows-style composting method.The in-vessel composter is projected to reach at least 130 degrees. Any bacteria within food waste will be broken down and odorseliminated. While food and grass drop-off isstill NOT YET open to the public, Millfair willbegin a pilot program with local grocery storesand schools to test pilot the program for severalyears. Millcreek and Fairview Townships wouldlike to thank ECGRA for supporting Millfair’sefforts to achieve zero-waste goals.

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24 West County

Girard Township Municipal Pages

Elk Valley Garden ClubElk Valley Garden Club has another busy year coming up. They start off with the clean-up of Wells Park inGirard Borough with help from the Girard High School Honor Society students and then on to repottingplants from their own personal gardens for the annual Garden Mart that will be held on May 17th-18th in the center of the Park.They have many exciting trips planned including Phipps Conservatory in Oakland, Bremecs in ChesterlandOhio with 15 acres of greenhouses and nurseries to wander, a guided tour of the Erie Zoo and an overnighttrip to the Buffalo Garden Walk at the end of July to name a few. Besides all the trips, they will be makingMother's Day corsages at Pleasant Ridge West for all the mothers living there; working with the kids in theLife Skills program at the Girard High School and tending to their own gardens.The Garden Club is always looking for new friends. If anyone is interested in joining them, even just for the day, give President Irene Smith a call at (814) 756-0425 for more information.

UPDATEWith great honor, the Girard School District (GSD) Foundation announced its 2013 Class of Distinguished Alumni who were inducted into the Girard School District Hive of Fame at the second annual Girard School District Hive of Fame Celebration and Induction Ceremony on April 20,2013 at the Bel-Aire Clarion Hotel. The honorees included Army Lieutenant Colonel Bonnie Roney Lowe, Navy Commander Alan Kuntz (Retired),Curt Miller, Fire Chief Lori Miller (Retired), Navy Captain Erika Sauer, and posthumously, Harry Joslin. Each of these individuals has achieved great success in his/her career, displaying outstanding leadership and representing our small town well. An additional category was added this year and that was for a team/organization. This year’s Hive of Fame class included the Boys Football and Basketball teams from 1943 – 1946. These teams had many of the same players on both for all four years and had very successful programs.All Girard School District alumni are encouraged to register with the Girard School District Foundation. A link to the GSD Foundation may be found on the Girard School District website. The registration forms are on the GSD Foundation website. Once a sizeable alumni base is created, the Girard School District (GSD) Foundation will use this to notify all alumni of events and news releases.The Girard School District (GSD) Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to award grants for innovative education opportunities otherwisenot funded. Additionally, the GSD Foundation is able to provide for funding, development and future growth of student scholarships. With pride theGSD Foundation announces that $2,025 was awarded in grants in 2013 and $4,750 in partnered scholarships will be awarded at the 2013 GirardHigh School graduation. Donations including bequests are appreciated and may be sent to the GSD Foundation at 1203 Lake St, Girard, PA 16417.

Submitted by Geoffrey Domowicz

From August 1st – 4th, the community of Girard will once again celebrate Dan Rice Days. The 48th Annual Dan Rice Days will again include all sorts of family activities and free entertainment.

In 1965, a group of historically minded individuals decidedto plan a celebration to commemorate the dedication ofthe Civil War Monument that still stands in Wells Park onMain Street Girard. The monument, paid for entirely byDan Rice, was erected as a tribute and memorial to the officers and soldiers from Erie County who died in defense of their country. The monument was dedicated inNovember of 1965 with a grand celebration covered byHarper’s Weekly, an American political magazine based in New York. The weekly journal featured foreign and domestic news, fiction, essays on many subjects, andhumor, alongside illustrations. It carried extensive coverageof the American Civil War, including many illustrations of

events from the war. Guests from all over the country attended the dedication ceremony of one of the country’s first memorials to the fallenmen and women of the Civil War.

Organized by a dedicated group of volunteers, the festival has been held on the first full weekend in August. It has grown from one day tofour days and now encompasses not only all of Wells Park, but severalancillary locations such as Girard Boro Park, The Battles Museums ofRural Life, Hazel Kibler Museum, The Rice Avenue Community Library,Dobler Hose Company, Battles Village, Battles Field, Girard MethodistChurch, Girard Middle School, plus the area’s restaurants and shops.

The 2013 Dan Rice Days will include some popular events as well assome new ones. On tap again for this year will be the Merchant’s Auction. Every year, area merchants decorate an item (this year it is a firewood storage box) and then they are auctioned off during the festival. The box measures 32” long by 22” wide and 17” high and couldbe used to store a variety of items.

Mark your calendars for this year’s event. The entire schedule can be found at www.danricedays.org. There is something for everyone of all ages!

Cover photo from‘Dan Rice Old TimeCircus Songster.’

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West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

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Welcome New RoadmasterGirard Township would like to introduceyou to our new Roadmaster, Ray

Branthoover. Raystarted with theTownship in December aftermany years working with and driving heavy equipment.He was raised

in Girard Township, graduated from Girard High School and currently resides here with his wife Melissa andthree daughters, Taylor, Lauren andMorgan. He will be more than happy to speak with you about any road related questions or issues you mayhave. Welcome, Ray!

Farm to Table DINNER (Saturday August 17, 2013) Presented by: by PNC Bank andMercyhurst UniversityThe Erie County Historical Society’s Farmto Table Dinner will take place on Satur-day, August 17, 2013. The evening willfeature a cocktail reception and a bluegrass band as well as a delicious rusticdinner served on long tables in the mid-dle of a grassy field. The venue will be thehistoric Rush Battles Farm House (YellowHouse) located in Girard. Almost all ofthe ingredients will be sourced throughMercyhurst University’s organic farm lo-cated in Girard. Chef Marc Beraducci willsource any other ingredients needed forthe dinner within Erie County. Chef Bera-ducci recently returned to Erie after 20years of cooking in Tuscany, where hisspecialty was cooking with locally grownorganic foods.

Tickets can be purchased in advanceuntil the end of June for $75 and then$100 thereafter. They can be purchasedonline at: www.eriefarm.com or in per-son at the following locations: Erie His-tory Center – 419 State Street in Erie,Frankie and Mae Grocer at West 12thand Peninsula in Erie, Courtyard Wineryin Girard and North East, Presque IsleWinery in North East.

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26 West County

The Elk Creek Recreation and Leisure Board is comprised of appointed members from the municipalitiesof Girard Township, Girard Borough and Lake City Borough as well as members from the Girard SchoolDistrict and one Member at Large. A paid Director is in charge of running the programs. The focus of theBoard is to coordinate and facilitate programs for youth as well as adults in the area to participate in.These programs include a wide variety such as basketball leagues, soccer leagues, dance, gymnastics,swimming lessons and swim teams, as well as special events such as Cabin Fever and National NightOut. The Elk Creek Recreation and Leisure Board meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the GirardBorough Building at 7pm. and can be contacted at (814) 774-3519.

ELK CREEK RECREATION & LEISURE BOARD

PAINTING CLASSCost: $60/PersonSite: Main Street ArtDay: WednesdaysTime: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.Dates: June 12 – July 24, 2013Explore Painting, Watercolor, and AcrylicInstructor: Eliza WolfeSign Ups: May 16, 2013: 6 - 7 p.m. @ GHS CAFETERIA

LITTLE/MINI GRIDDERS CHEERLEADINGCost: $65/New (includes uniform) $45/ReturningSite: Little Gridders FieldDay: Wednesdays (Practices) Sundays (Games)Time: 6 – 7 p.m. (Practices)Time: 1 – 3 p.m. (Games)Dates: June - October 2013Age: K – 2nd – Mini’s & 3rd – 4th – LittleInstructors: Tammy Makay – Little GriddersDonna Foriska – Mini GriddersSign Ups: May 23 & 30, 2013 6 - 7 p.m.@ GHS CAFETERIA

SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTSSite: GHS Softball FieldsDay: WeekendsDates: June 28, 29, & 30, 2013Interested teams please contact Bob Sydow @ 572-8696

CROSS COUNTRY Cost: $35/First Child $25/Second ChildSite: Various County LocationsDay: Mondays & WednesdaysTime: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.Dates: August 19 – October 30, 2013Age: K – 4th GradeDevelop strong mental skills and build an improved sense ofdiscipline towards running. Maintain a high level of fun andenjoyment throughout the program. Program Coordinator: Donnelle SuperSign Ups: June 19, 2013: 6 - 7 p.m. @ GHS CAFETERIA

TENNIS LESSONSCost: $40/11 years and older

$30/10 years and underSite: GHS Tennis CourtsDay: Mondays & WednesdaysDates: July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, & 24 Time: 9 – 10 a.m. 10 years and under

10 - 11:30 a.m.11 years—17 years5:30 – 7 p.m. 18 and older

Instructor: Jerome Simon, Head Tennis Coach MercyhurstUniversitySign Ups: May 16, 2013: 6 - 7 p.m. @ GHS CAFETERIA

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West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

GOLF LESSONSCost: $55/Adults $45/JuniorsSite: Elk Valley Golf CourseTime: 6 - 7 p.m. or 7 - 8 p.m.Day: Adults/Tuesdays Dates: Session 1: June 4, 11, 18, 25

Session 2: July 9, 16, 23, 30Day: Juniors/Thursdays Dates: Session 1: June 6, 13, 20, 27

Session 2: July 11, 18, 25, August 1Instructor: Tom PetermanSign Ups: May 16, 2013: 6 - 7 p.m. @ GHS CAFETERIA

GATOR SWIM TEAMCost: $80/ChildSite: Girard Borough PoolTime: 8 – 11 a.m. (Depending on Age)Day: Monday – FridayDates: June 10 – July 26, 2013Coaches: Megan Carrig & TBASign Ups: May 14, 2013: 6-7 p.m. @ GHS CAFETERIA

SUMMER SWIM LESSONSCost: $45/ChildSite: Girard Borough PoolDay: Monday - ThursdayTime: 11 – 1 p.m. (1/2 Hr. Lessons; times depends on level)Dates: Session 1: June 17-20 &

June 24 -27Session 2: July 8 – 11 & July 15-18Session 3: July 22-25 &

July 29 – August 1Swim Coordinator: Becca TurnerSign Ups: Session 1: May 29th @

GHS Cafeteria 6 - 7 p.m. Session 2: June 28th @

Girard Borough Building 2 -3 p.m.Session 3: July 19th @

Girard Borough Building 2 -3 p.m.

SOCCER CAMPCost: $100Age: 5-15 Years OldSite: EVES Soccer FieldsDay: Monday - FridayDates: June 24 – 28, 2013Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mon. – Thurs.

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. FridayProgram Coordinator: John Melody, MercyhurstSign Ups: May 30, 2013 6 - 7 p.m. at GHSCafeteria

Expert physical therapy at sixconvenient locations.

When a bad fall resulted in shoulder surgery for Vicki, she was

determined to get back to her new hobby – kayaking. To help her

regain strength and motion, she chose UPMC Centers for Rehab

Services.We offer some of the latest treatments and specialized

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

To schedule an appointment at one of our six Erie locations,

please visit UPMC.com/ErieCRS or call 814-480-8806.

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28 West County

Beth Racine, Executive Director of the Therapeutic Riding Equestrian Center (TREC) in Fairview, was happy to welcome Fetterman and his daughter to their team. Volunteers are utilized by TREC to help out with lessons that are given to riders, both children and adults with special needs, whether physical, emotionalor mental. But you’ll never hear Fetterman referring to the riders as having “special needs”. Instead, he prefers the term “special abilities”. Because, over his ten years with TREC, he says that he has learned something from every rider.

When they first started volunteering at TREC, Fetterman and daughter Brean quickly “learned theropes”. Some of the many duties that need to be donebefore the students even arrive include getting the necessary equipment out of the tack room, such as saddles, bridles and pads. Volunteers are also responsiblefor getting the horses ready for the arena, cleaning theirbuckets and getting them fresh water. During the lessons,helpers are needed to spot and lead the riders by walking infront of or alongside the horse.

A typical lesson at TREC may involve just one rider, or in some cases up to five riders, often coming from group homes.Their clients have included individuals with multiple sclerosis,muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, cognitivechallenges, and anger management.

TREC’s director Beth Racine explains why horseback riding provides a therapeutic experience for special needs individuals. “It gives the rider a sense of freedom they wouldn’t normally have,”says Racine. “The individual can grow once they get atop a horse.”

According to Racine, sometimes they take the riders on trail ridesthrough paths into the surrounding wooded area. For their students who may be wheelchair bound this provides a unique and wonderfulopportunity being able to go somewhere they might not otherwisehave the opportunity to experience. “They can hear the sounds ofthe woods and see the animals and the leaves,” says Racine. “Thingsthey may not get to do normally.”

Helping others to have such experiences was extremely rewardingto Fetterman. But, in March of 2009, his volunteering had to

come to an abrupt stop, when he contracted a rare virus thatcaused his autoimmune system to attack his nerves. Itstarted as a back pain that wouldn’t go away and withinweeks progressed to episodes of falling down. Fetterman was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a

disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. It is a verypainful condition that causes the muscles to atrophy. The

progression of the disease can happen very quickly starting withnumbness and weakness in the extremities. It can then lead to paralysis as it did in the case with Fetterman.

He spent the next five months in a wheel chair. “It was very frustrating,” said Fetterman, “There is no known cure for GBS. There are only treatments for the symptoms and the first methods of treatment were not working.”

Eventually his doctors tried a treatment involving the administration of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg), which was effective for Fetterman. Slowly he began to improve and

Thomas Fetterman always considered himself to be a cowboy at heart.But he never had a horse of his own. So it didn’t take much for a small ad in a local paper looking for volunteers at a horseback-riding center to catch his eye. Coincidentally, he had been looking for an opportunityfor his daughter Brean and him to do volunteer work together, so this certainly seemed like the perfect fit.

By Aimee Nicolia

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with the help of physical therapy he was soon able to walk again. Prior to theillness he had been an avid runner, so it was a huge milestone forhim when he reached the point that he was able to run again. But the recovery has been a long and difficult process in which he has had to relearn many of the things we take for granted. He still experiences some residuals of the GBS, like numbness and tingling,which may never go away.

As Fetterman gradually regained some of his strength, the Therapeutic Riding Equestrian Center became an important aspectin his life. Despite the difficulties he was experiencing in his own life,it was still important to him to help other people. In addition, hewanted to get back to as many of the things he had done previously.“It was like my life was a jigsaw puzzle that I was trying to put back together,” explains Fetterman. “One of the pieces of the puzzle was TREC.”

At first he came back to TREC for very short lengths of time, because he would tire quickly. Gradually he was able to stay forlonger periods of time and take on more responsibilities. In a sense, it was therapeutic for him to be helping the riders who were there for their own therapy. Having been in a wheelchair, gave him an appreciation of what it is like for their wheelchair bound clients – likeAlivia, a young rider who comes to TREC once a week. But perhapsas important, knowing that he could make a difference in someoneelse’s life has made him feel better.

The staff at TREC wasequally happy to haveFetterman back. TREC’s director Racine said, “We’re family. When he was gone somethingwas missing. Everyone was excited whenhe came back in because we knew what a longjourney it was for him.”

They look forward to the plate of brownies that hebakes every week and brings in to share with the staff. It isthe simple things like the brownies that are so special now. “I don’t take anything for granted anymore,” he says. “It humbles you and changes what is really important to you. Now I see each day as a gift.” If you would like more information about volunteering at TREC,

please visit their website at www.trecerie.org.

The Therapeutic Riding Equestrian Center (TREC) relieson the knowledge and skill of its instructors who arecertified through PATH, Professional Association ofTherapeutic Horsemanship. They also count on the dedication of their volunteers. But as TREC ExecutiveDirector Beth Racine is quick to point out, the real starsof the show are the horses.

According to Racine, horseback riding creates such aunique and wonderful environment for therapy becauseof the very nature of the horses. “They are very intuitiveanimals,” she explains. “They can feel the emotion ofthe person when they enter the arena. For example, ifthe person is angry or has had a bad day, a horse canpick up on it.”

She goes on to explain that the sheer size of a horse can be intimidating

at first to a student. But in no time at all the gentleness of the animal simply melts the student’sheart. It is not unusual for her to see a rider with angermanagement issues to come in for a therapy sessionand to soon become relaxed in the presence of thehorse. “By the end of the session they are hugging the horse,” says Racine.

The motion of the horse is calming to a rider, as is the warmth of the horse. TREC uses English riding saddles, which bring the rider closer to the horse than aWestern style saddle would. So it helps to relax therider. In addition, there are several volunteers alongsidethe horse to assure the student’s safety.

TREC currently has ten horses that are use for therapypurposes. As with most therapeutic riding centers, thehorses are donated to the program for various reasons.In some cases the previous owners may have outgrowntheir horse either in size or interest. Some horses maybe retired competitors. Still others may be donated fora tax credit.

Danielle Clark, who has been involved with TREC both as an instructor and volunteer, explained that thedonated horses must first meet the therapeutic ridingcenter’s needs and pass a trial testing period beforebeing accepted into the program. Because of these requirements, most are not accepted.

According to Clark, some of the physical attributes thatare necessary for a therapy horse include being ofsound mind and body, and having a size of 14 to 16“hands”, such that the horse can accommodate childrenand adult riders while not being so tall that human volunteer side-walkers would be uncomfortable. In addition, the better the body mechanics of the horse, the more useful he will be.

The temperament of the horse is of course crucial. Atherapy horse must have a quiet disposition as well as a high tolerance for external stimuli such as loudnoises and movements. As Clark explains, the sessionsoften include the use of props like beach balls and hula-hoops, so it is important that the horse is able tostay focused and calm despite these distractions.

“A good therapeutic riding horse is worth his weight in gold, “ says Clark. “They have a difficult job, oftencarrying asymmetrical or off-balanced riders as well as riders with unpredictable behavior. Carefully selected and well-trained horses are the mainstay of a safe and effective program, and their health, safetyand comfort receive equal importance to that of theclients they serve.”

The Real Stars

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30 West County

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Fairview School

District Newsletter

Fairview Summer Pa

rks

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SPECIAL: Fairview Real Estate Section

West CountySUMMER 2013

Fairview Township

Newsletter

Elk Creek

Recreation Program

s

F E A T U R I N G

See page 20 for det

ails

in West County

Page 33: IN West County

Real estate is a big part of our lives. For the vast majority of us it is the biggest purchase we will ever make, aswell as the largest investment. Not to mention the fact that our purchase is “our home”…the place we laugh,

cry, raise children, share timeless memories with friends and family and so much more. So it is very importantthat we understand every aspect of the selling and purchasing of a home. is includes mortgage and finance

information, curb appeal, new housing developments and new ways to look for homes.

S P E C I A L S E C T I O N

IN WEST COUNTY

CURB APPEALCurb appeal is a well-known term that refers to the attractiveness of the interior and exterior of a home. While the term seems overused, it is a very real phenomenon. The old saying goes, “You only get one chance at a first impression.” This phrase perfectly explains the importance of curb appeal. When someonepulls up to a house for the first time, things like paint, landscaping,carpeting and light fixtures, just to name a few, make a huge difference in the person’s opinion. It is much harder for most people to envision the potential of a home when unattractivenessabounds everywhere they look. Most people looking at a homemake a snap judgment the moment they enter the property. Sure, these snap judgments can be changed with other positive attributes, but why take the chance when adding curb appeal canbe so easy and cost-effective.

Curb appeal can be accomplished by any number of methods including exterior decorations, repainting, extensive attention to

the landscaping, timely grass cutting, new or even recently professionally cleaned carpeting, new hardware on the kitchen cabinets, new stain on a rear deck, new exterior and interior lightfixtures and de-cluttering of the interior of the home.

Always think of curb appeal when marketing your home or looking at a new home. It may not sell your home on its own, or entice you to buy a home on its own, but it does make a difference. You won’t be sorry because it is worth the time and relatively low cost.

STAGINGSelling a home requires more than a “For Sale” sign. Competition is fierce, and if you want the best offers and your home to sellquickly, home staging is essential. Staging involves cleaning, de-cluttering, and decorating a home so it appeals to buyers. Never confuse decorating for staging. Décor is an expression of a particular style, while staging is a strategy.

According to www.globalspan.net, there are five basic steps to staging your home.#1 - Clean. Your home must sparkle! To achieve this level is often only feasible by hiring a cleaning crew. In fact, having a cleaning service return weekly while your house is for sale is probably a pretty good investment. Get your windows professionally cleaned inside and out too.#2 - Fix. Got a dripping faucet or a cracked tile? These will send the wrong message to potential buyers.

West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

continued on page 32

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#3 - Eliminate Clutter. The “50% Rule” requires that you eliminate the clutter in your home by at least half. This may be thehardest rule of all! We love our clutter – it reflects our memories,hobbies, and values. But it doesn’t sell homes! Clutter makeshomes seem smaller and disorganized. (Have you ever noticed thatthe really expensive stores seem to have an expansive, clutter-freelayout, while “cheap” stores are often a jumble of merchandise?)Even the ancient practice of Feng Shui has as a central focus theelimination of clutter.#4 - Go Executive Neutral. Neutral colors sell. It’s a fact. Try to convey an image of quality and neutrality. Potential buyerswalking through your home want to imagine themselves as the owners. If you use styles or colors they would never select, you’vejust turned them off. Staying high-quality, but neutral is safest.#5 - De-personalize. Remove objects that your potential buyers won’t be able to identify with. For example, political and religious items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because theycannot “imagine” your home as their home. Buying a home is anemotional decision, and you want potential buyers to make anemotional connection with your home by being able to “see” themselves in it.

REVERSE MORTGAGEAccording to www.consumer.ftc.gov, if you’re 62 or older – andlooking for money to finance a home improvement, pay off your current mortgage, supplement your retirement income, or pay forhealth-care expenses – you may be considering a reverse mortgage.It’s a product that allows you to convert part of the equity in yourhome into cash without having to sell your home or pay additionalmonthly bills.

In a “regular” mortgage, you make monthly payments to thelender. In a “reverse” mortgage, you receive money from the lender,and generally don’t have to pay it back for as long as you live in your home. The loan is repaid when you die, sell your home, orwhen your home is no longer your primary residence. The proceeds of a reverse mortgage generally are tax-free, and many reverse mortgages have no income restrictions.

There are three types of reverse mortgages:Single-purpose reverse mortgages, offered by some state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations.Federally-insured reverse mortgages, known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).Proprietary reverse mortgages, private loans that are backed bythe companies that develop them.

Single-purpose reverse mortgages are the least expensive option.They are not available everywhere and can be used for only one purpose, which is specified by the government or nonprofit lender.For example, the lender might say the loan may be used only to pay for home repairs, improvements, or property taxes. Most homeowners with low or moderate income can qualify for these loans.

HECMs and proprietary reverse mortgages may be more expensive than traditional home loans, and the upfront costs can be high. That’s important to consider, especially if you plan tostay in your home for just a short time or borrow a small amount.HECM loans are widely available, have no income or medical requirements, and can be used for any purpose.

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A FRESH APPROACH TO NURSING CARE AND SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION

Our new neighborhoods are the first of their kind for the Erie area. We’ve transformed our community with a “person-centered care” approach that encourages resident choice in all aspects of daily living.

This feels like home. 64 new residences in four neighborhoods

Private bedrooms and baths with European-style showers

Neighborhood living rooms with fireplaces and flat-screen TVs

Neighborhood kitchens, library, chapel and activity room

And coming soon, our dedicated 14-bed short term rehabilitation unit

To learn more or to schedule your stay, contact Manchester Commons at 814-838-9191

or [email protected].

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Senior Living Update

The value of person-centered careIf you have been considering options to the worry of home maintenance and future health care needs, you mayhave read about a concept known “person-centered care.”And if you have visited one of the three PresbyterianHomes communities in the region – Elmwood Gardens inErie, Manchester Commons in Fairview or OakwoodHeights in Oil City – you have seen first-hand the value of this approach.

“Quite simply, person-centered care refers to our focuson the individual values and choices of each resident,” explained Bobbie Gray, Presbyterian Homes senior director. “It’s about actively involving residents in decisions that affect their day-to-day lives.”

Gray noted that for many years, organizations that served older adults ran on schedules that were very efficient, but did not take into consideration each person’spersonal preferences, such as when to wake up each morning, when to eat meals or what activities to enjoy.

“When you choose to live at one of our communities,you are choosing to make it your home,” said Gray. “Our job is to help you live life as fully as possible by providing the support and services you need to live life the way you desire.”

“Person-centered care is at the core of everything that we do,” added Gray. “All of us are committed to choice, dignity, respect and purposeful living for each of our residents.”

To learn more about person-centered care at Manchester Commons in Fairview, contact Dan Meyer at(814) 838-9191 or [email protected].

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Before applying for a HECM, you mustmeet with a counselor from an independentgovernment-approved housing counselingagency. Some lenders offering proprietary re-verse mortgages also require counseling. Thecounselor is required to explain the loan’scosts and financial implications, and possiblealternatives to a HECM, like government andnonprofit programs or a single-purpose or proprietary reverse mortgage. Thecounselor also should be able to help youcompare the costs of different types of reversemortgages and tell you how different paymentoptions, fees, and other costs affect the totalcost of the loan over time.

You can visit HUD for a list of counselorsor call the agency at 1.800.569.4287. Mostcounseling agencies charge around $125 fortheir services. The fee can be paid from theloan proceeds, but you cannot be turned awayif you can’t afford the fee.

How much you can borrow with a HECMor proprietary reverse mortgage depends onseveral factors, including your age, the type ofreverse mortgage you select, the appraisedvalue of your home, and current interest rates.In general, the older you are, the more equityyou have in your home, and the less you oweon it, the more money you can get.

The HECM lets you choose among severalpayment options. You can select:A “term” option – fixed monthly cash advances for a specific time.A “tenure” option – fixed monthly cash advances for as long as you live in your home.A line of credit that lets you draw down theloan proceeds at any time in amounts youchoose until you have used up the line of credit.A combination of monthly payments and aline of credit. You can change your paymentoption any time for about $20.

HECMs generally provide bigger loan advances at a lower total cost compared withproprietary loans. But if you own a higher-valued home, you may get a bigger loan advance from a proprietary reverse mortgage.So if your home has a higher appraised valueand you have a small mortgage, you may qualify for more funds.

Reverse mortgage loan advances are nottaxable, and generally don’t affect your SocialSecurity or Medicare benefits. You retain the title to your home, and you don’t have tomake monthly repayments. The loan must be

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West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

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Saint Mary’s Home of Erie has served the Erie Community formore than 128 years. As a Catholic Continuing Care RetirementCommunity, Saint Mary’s is proud to offer faith-based care. TheCarriage Homes at Asbury Ridge and our Residential Living areoptions for seniors who wish to maintain their independenceand free themselves from the maintenance of home ownership.Visit Saint Mary’s online or call one of the convenient locationsto get more information.

Saint Mary's at Asbury Ridge4855 W. Ridge Rd., Erie, PA 16506 • (814) 836-5300www.stmaryshome.org

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Your home. Your belongings. Your peace of mind. Protect yourself with State Farm Renters, Home, or Condo Insurance.State Farm helps you save on your homeowners insurance by offering a host of discounts for everything from multiple-linepolicies to everyday safety items like deadbolts and fire extinguishers.

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At Manchester Commons, you can live the way you want in aninviting community of neighbors and friends. Choose from our affordable residential options in independent living, personal care or skilled nursing. Manchester Commons offers the services and amenities you want – from healthy dining and worry-freehousekeeping services to an onsite beauty shop and diverse recreation program.

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repaid when the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or no longer lives in the home as a principal residence.

In the HECM program, a borrower can live in a nursing home or other medical facility for up to 12 consecutive months before the loan must be repaid. If you’re considering a reversemortgage, be aware that:

Lenders generally charge an origination fee, a mortgage insurance premium (for federally-insured HECMs), and other closing costs for a reverse mortgage. Lenders also may charge servicing fees during the term of the mortgage.The lender sometimes sets these fees and costs, although origination fees for HECMs currentlyare dictated by law. Your upfront costs can be lowered if you borrow a smaller amount through areverse mortgage product called “HECM Saver.”

The amount you owe on a reverse mortgagegrows over time. Interest is charged on the outstanding balance and added to the amount you owe each month. That means your total debt increases as the loan funds are advanced to youand interest on the loan accrues.

Although some reverse mortgages have fixedrates, most have variable rates that are tied to a financial index: they are likely to change with market conditions.

Reverse mortgages can use up all or some of the equity in your home, and leave fewer assets for you and your heirs. Most reverse mortgages have a “nonrecourse” clause, which prevents youor your estate from owing more than the value ofyour home when the loan becomes due and thehome is sold. However, if you or your heirs wantto retain ownership of the home, you usually mustrepay the loan in full – even if the loan balance is greater than the value of the home.

Because you retain title to your home, you areresponsible for property taxes, insurance, utilities,fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. If youdon’t pay property taxes, carry homeowner’sinsurance, or maintain the condition of yourhome, your loan may become due and payable.

Interest on reverse mortgages is not deductible on income tax returns until the loan is paid off in part or whole.

FINANCING AND INTEREST RATESThere is both good news and bad news when it comes to home financing and mortgage interest rates. The great news is that interestrates are still extremely low. According to

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bankrate.com, the interest rates on 12/26/12 were 3.59% on a 30-year fixed rate, 2.87% on a 15-year fixed, 2.77% on a 5/1 ARMand 4.07% on a 30-year jumbo.

However, the bad news is that, due to new mortgage lawsadopted after the nation’s foreclosure crisis of several years back, it is more difficult to get a mortgage than ever before. Credit scoresare even more scrutinized and debt-to-income ratios are morestrict.

There is an infinite number of loan types out there, and lendersare constantly coming up with creative ways to wrangle in new homeowners. The type of home loan you choose can make orbreak you as a borrower, so make sure you fully understand it before making any kind of commitment.

Most prospective homeowners these days seem to be interestedin 100% financing, generally because they don’t have the assets necessary for a down payment. Unfortunately, the proliferation of these types of home loan programs have increased the numberof high-risk borrowers in the United States at an alarming rate.

But if you take the time to educate yourself on the many homeloan types out there, you’ll effectively decrease your chances of defaulting on your mortgage. That said, let’s talk about the manydifferent loan types and programs available today.Below is a list of the types of loans available to potential homeowners.

CONFORMING LOANS AND NON-CONFORMING LOANSOne way home loans are differentiated is by their GovernmentSponsored Enterprise (GSE) eligibility. If the loan meets requirements set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it is considered a conforming loan. If the loan does not meet all the underwriting requirements set forth by the pair of GSEs, it is considered “non-conforming.”

The main guideline that determines whether a mortgage is conforming or not is the loan amount. Generally, a mortgage with aloan amount below $417,000 is considered conforming, whereasany loan amount above $417,000 is considered a jumbo loan. However, in Alaska and Hawaii the conforming limit is $625,500.Note that the conforming limit may change annually, and has risenquite a bit in the past few years as housing prices skyrocketed.

A jumbo loan may meet all of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’sloan underwriting guidelines, but if the loan amount exceeds theconforming limit, it will be considered non-conforming and carry a higher mortgage rate as a result.

If your loan amount is on the fringe of the conforming limit,sometimes simply dropping your loan amount a few thousand dollars can lower your mortgage rate tremendously, so keep this in mind anytime your loan amount is near the limit.

HOME PLANS THAT FIT TODAYAnother trend Barista sees is “home plans that work for today’sbuyers,” he says. In other words, homes designed to accommodatethe ways people live today and use their homes.

CALL ME TODAY.

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West County | Summer 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

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Working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Titusville, Maria Taylor is constantly walkingor standing. For a while, her legs were in extreme pain and her bulging, gnarled veins wereunattractive. Due to the pain, Maria said she would have trouble sleeping, would take daysoff of work, and standing was unbearable.

“It was never about the appearance, I just didn’t want to be in pain,” Maria said.

She called her insurance company, UPMC Health Plan,and explained her situation and mentioned she justfound out about a laser treatment for varicose veinsand wondered if it was offered in UPMC’s system. The concierge suggested UPMC Hamot and gaveMaria the information for the Heart Institute at UPMC Hamot’s Flagship CVT Surgeons.

Maria’s first appointment was scheduled for her vein mapping. Vein mapping is completedthrough an ultrasound which shows the origin of the varicose vein.

This determined that she was a good candidate for EVLT, or endovenous laser treatment. It is an outpatient procedure that takes one hour to complete through laser surgery.

She scheduled her first leg for EVLT in October 2012 and the second leg in January 2013.“The difference is night and day, as far as pain is concerned,” Maria said.

Before the procedure, Maria’s right leg had discoloration below the knee. “I didn’t expect it to go away. I’m 66 years old. I knew my legs wouldn’t look like a 20-year-old’s. But the procedure exceededmy expectations.”

She saw results right away in her one thigh and stated the pain was gone.

Maria was able to resume regular activity the same day as her treatment. To avoid getting a blood clot, the physician assistant suggested that she should bewalking and not sitting. She took a few days off of workbecause she knew standing was not good for her veins.

This is not out of the ordinary, the recovery time for this procedure is short; most patients are able to resume normal activity the same day as their appointment. It is recommended that the patient waitsa day or two before resuming any rigorous activity.With EVLT, most patients notice long-term results andtreated veins are unlikely to become varicose again.

“I am sorry that I suffered for so long. If I would haveknown about the procedure, I would have gone insooner.”

To learn more about EVLT and other procedures completed at the Heart Institute atUPMC Hamot, please call 814-877-5600 or visit UPMCHamot.org.

Less Pain, Better Appearance

EVLT, or endovenous laser treatment, is an outpatient procedure that takes one hour to complete through laser surgery.

Before After

38 West County

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40 West County

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