WINTER 2001

Winter 2001 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 1

Look closer . . .Look closer . . .

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1815 WASHINGTON ROADUPPER ST. CLAIR, PA 15241

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2 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Winter 2001

I t ’ s W h a t Y o u ’ v e B e e n W a i t i n g F o r !

Exciting custom carriage homes and patio homes, all featuring first floor master suites andtwo car attached garages. A variety of floor plans are offered, and can be customized tomeet your needs. Homeowners association provides lawn and landscape care, snow removal andexterior maintenance. On-site amenities include tennis and sport courts, recently completedpool and fabulous clubhouse.Pricing starts at $235,000.North Strabane Township, Low Washington County Taxes.

For Information Call Bonnie Byrnes or John Geislerat 412-344-0500 x210 or x222

www.waterdamfarms.com

Open Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Route 19 South, Left Waterdam Road, 1 mile to plan on right.


Winter 2001 • Volume 7 • Issue 4

Features andAround the Township

Cover24 This cover of the UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is underwritten

by Blackstone Fine Jewelers. Featured on this cover is Upper St. Clairresident and store manager Jon Donner (center) with his staff FrancesStangroom, Henry Koszarsky, Janet Gaber, James Boyle and Kathleen Belt.

9 Handling the Dirty Deals of LifeJim Meston shares his thoughts on coping with tragedy.

12 It Was a Long Hard Ride—Bicycling the C&O CanalRetired USC teacher Jim Reeves and friends pedal and patch up the trail.

14 Daytrip—Looking for AnswersFamily and friends have special meaning to Bev Pini.

20 Winning Youth Programs Takes a Total Team EffortUSC Athletic Association has a team spirit.

88 Boyce Gardens Celebrate 25th AnniversaryA colorful harvest picnic and judging ended another year!

30 Day of Remembrance—How We Coped as a School DistrictDr. Pope addresses our nation’s crisis in our schools.

34 PSBA Legislative UpdateBarb Bolas, President of the PSBA, updates us on what’s happeningat the state level.

36 Meet People in the School DistrictLet us introduce you to School District personnel and their accomplishments.

47 A Place Where Students are TeachersThe High School Nursery School program has a lot to give.

49 USC Hosts the Middle Level InstituteDr. Clark Remington reports on the first annual institute heldfor local middle school personnel.

School District

Township60 Police Department

Training and education are high priorities for our Police Department.Also, beware of a Canadian sweepstakes scam!

63 Tree SelectionWalter Jarosh suggests the right tree for the right location.

64 Winter Storm EmergenciesPublic Works is ready for snow!

66 LibraryPages and Top Readers highlight our Library.

88

16

47


UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a non-partisan Township, School District and communitymagazine. Political advertising and political commentary are not accepted. The publishers ofthis magazine reserve the right to reject advertising or articles inconsistent with the objectives,image and aesthetic standards of the magazine.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is published and bulk-mailed quarterly to residents andbusinesses in Upper St. Clair.

Extra copies of the magazine are available at the Township of Upper St. Clair Municipal Buildingand the Township Library. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, please call 412-831-9000.

The next issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY will be published in the Spring of 2002. Articlesthat were submitted but not published in this issue are on file for consideration in upcomingissues. Articles and announcements may be sent to: Editors, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY,1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

Subscription InformationIf you know someone living outside the Township who would enjoy receiving UPPER ST.CLAIR TODAY magazine, please send $12 to cover mailing and handling for the next fourissues with name and address, including zip code.

A special thanks toCindy Kane

for her assistance and contributionsto the magazine.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a community magazine that is dedicated to promoting theTownship and School District of Upper St. Clair by recognizing the gifts and contributions of thepeople who live and work here.

The twenty-eighth issue of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine is made possible through thecombined resources of the staff and volunteers of the Township and School District of Upper St.Clair. Thanks are extended to the staff and volunteers for their enthusiasm and efforts on thiscontinuing project.

Printed by Pentagon Printing Corporation18 West Steuben Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15205

412-922-0422 • Fax: 412-922-2922

Publishers

The twenty-eighth issue ofUPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY is a joint

publication of the Township andSchool District of Upper St. Clair.

© Copyright 2001 All rights reserved.

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY1820 McLaughlin Run Road

Upper St. Clair, PA 15241School District: 412-833-1600

Fax: 412-833-5535Township: 412-831-9000

Fax: 412-854-0773

Advisory CommitteeThomas A. Labanc, School District

Coordinator of Community Partnerships andCommunications

Dina J. Fulmer, School Board Director

Mark Mansfield, Assistant Township Manager

August Stache, Township Director of Finance

Vince Yevins, Accounts

Dr. William A. PopeSuperintendent of Schools

Douglas A. WatkinsTownship Manager

StaffNancy Barnard, photographer

Debbie Blazek, volunteer writerCande Day, volunteer writer, artist

Lynn Dempsey, advertisingSusan Depe, advertising

Sandy Goldstein, volunteer writerJohn Kotzuk, Senior Site and volunteer writer

Dawn McQuillen, administrative assistantJim Meston, volunteer writerMary Etta Nader, advertising

Bev Pini, volunteer writerJim Render, writer

Deadline for Articles and Advertisingfor our Spring 2002 Issue is January 10, 2002.

Article InformationHarla Brown 412-831-9000, extension 232

Advertising InformationDawn McQuillen • Lynn Dempsey • Susan Depe • Mary Etta Nader

412-833-1600, extension 2284 or fax 412-833-5535

EditorsHarla M. Brown, Editor-in-Chief

Paul K. Fox, Managing Editor

Linda Dudzinski, Associate EditorSuzanne G. Vernon, Associate Editor

School Board Directors

Angela B. Petersen, PresidentLisa M. Marsh, Vice President

Barbara L. BolasAlbert E. Ferrara, Jr.

Dina J. FulmerClark R. Nicklas

William M. Sulkowski, D.M.D.Mark G. Trombetta, M.D.

Township Board of Commissioners

Frank E. Marsh, President, Ward 5Robert W. Orchowski, Vice President, Ward 3

Edward S. Long, Ward 1Gloria S. Smith, Ward 2Cheryl S. Bayne, Ward 4

Bill Bates, At LargeBrad Tupi, At Large


1820 McLaughlin Run Road • Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

School District of Upper St. Clair412-833-1600Fax: 412-833-5535http://www.uscsd.k12.pa.usemail: [email protected]

Township of Upper St. Clair412-831-9000

Fax: 412-831-9882http://www.twpusc.org

email: [email protected]

Dr. William A. Pope Douglas A. Watkins

The Township and School District of Upper St. Clair are proud to present the 28th edition ofUPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY.

Our thoughts and prayers go to the victims, families and friends who were touched so tragically lastSeptember in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Somerset, Pennsylvania.

We are really not surprised about the courage, self-sacrifice and good will exhibited during the entirecatastrophe... from the unhesitating heroism and dedication of the New York firefighters, policemenand current rescuers/recovery workers... to the generosity of citizens who have donated more than 60million dollars in relief. All of this is what it means to be an American!

Conquering our fears, we march on with pride and conviction in order to help make our homes, insti-tutions and communities safe, achieve health and happiness, meet our goals and fulfill our dreams.

Countless random acts of kindness are displayed daily by local Upper St. Clair residents, modelingthe time-honored values of selflessness, charity, ingenuity and resilience. We are most thankful forour civic-minded volunteers who assist the fire department, library, parks, schools, senior and youthorganizations and government. Upper St. Clair is indeed a wonderful place to live, work, learn andrear children.

Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season.

Sincerely,

Dr. William A. PopeSuperintendent of Schools

Douglas A. WatkinsTownship Manager



Happenings

Organizations

Activities

Volunteers

Support Groups

Announcements on this page are for non-profit groups and must be received by January 10, 2002,for the Spring 2002 issue. Please submit updated information with a maximum of 35 words, includ-ing a phone number that will be published to: Happenings, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine,1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or fax 412-854-0773.

St. Clair Hospital needs volunteers for clerical, courier,escort, television, information desk, supportive visiting andLifeline. Senior volunteers must be at least 18 years old.Junior volunteers—14 years. Call 412-344-6600, ext.1650.

Family Hospice seeks volunteers to sit with patients.Training offered. Needed immediately: volunteer barbers,beauticians and office workers. Call 412-572-8806.

LifeSpan, an organization serving older adults, is seekingvolunteers. Call Darcy Garda at 412-343-6050.

Chartiers Mental Health/Mental Retardation Centerneeds volunteers to assist with filing in the Medical Recordsand Billing Departments. Days/evenings flexible. Also helpis needed with recreational, social and cultural activities. Call412-221-3202, ext.118 for information.

Pittsburgh Vision Services—To learn more about PVS or howyou can help the blind and visually impaired, please call412-682-5600.

Young Writers Guild invites High School and Middle Schoolstudents to write for UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazine.IB students earn credit for community service. Adult coordi-nators are also needed. Contact Paul Fox at 412-833-1600,ext. 2235.

Animal Friends—Volunteers can help with dog walking,cat socializing, pet therapy, humane education, and specialevents. Call J. Moore at 412-566-2103, ext. 229 to inquire aboutage requirements, volunteer orientation and registration.

USC Volunteer Fire Department needs volunteers to as-sist in providing emergency services to the community.Volunteers are also needed to perform various administra-tive tasks. For more information contact Fire Chief RayTomnay at 412-835-0660.

November is National Hospice Month. FamilyHospice provides care to patients with life-limiting illnessesand helps them remain comfortable in their own homes.Also offered are discussions on coping with grief and theholidays. Call 412-572-8800.

The Brookside Women’s Club meets the second Tues-day of the month, September through June, in members’homes, at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome! Meetings usually in-clude lunch and a program or a field trip. Contact PeggyEgan at 412-833-7932.

Delta Zeta Sorority Alums meet once a month, Septem-ber-May in the South Hills. Call 412-833-2796 for moreinformation.

USC Coterie—Social group with membership open to USCwomen. We offer monthly luncheons with programs, day trips,bowling, golf, bridge, and gourmet cooking and investing. Welike to have fun! For information, call Jo at 412-831-9508.

USC League for the Arts is open to all Township resi-dents. Meetings and classes are held in the Township Building.Members exhibit in Spring Show, Sugarplum Shop, Libraryand Post Office. Contact Ned Garnhart at 412-835-7640.

USC 1830 Log House Association—Pioneer lifestyleof USC historic landmark preserved for future generations.Volunteers, memberships and general Township uses encour-aged. All communities and schools are welcome. ContactMary Lynne Spazok at 412-221-3534.

League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organi-zation that encourages citizens to take an interest in government.We work toward influencing public policy through educationand advocacy. For information, call 412-831-3448.

Upper St. Clair Historical Society—Collecting from Yes-terday, Preserving for Tomorrow. Would you like to help usTODAY? Please call Jean Brown at 412-833-2323.

The Upper St. Clair Lions Club supports PittsburghVision Services, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Meals on Wheels,Children’s Institute, South Hills Hospice, Upper St. ClairLibrary and others. Contact Wes Hurst at 724-941-8329 formore information.

USC-BP Morning Rotary meets Tuesdays from 7-8 a.m.at the Holiday Inn on Fort Couch Road. South Hills Busi-ness residents interested in community service should contactJohn Yanak at 412-221-3932 or Dave Hicks at 412-221-3720.

Bethel-St. Clair Rotary—Community service minded?Visit the Bethel-St. Clair Rotary meetings every Thursdayevening, 6-8 p.m. Holiday Inn, Fort Couch Road. For infor-mation, please call 412-833-4396 or 412-835-4510.

South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) is a non-profitagency located in Bethel Park. SHIM offers food, clothing, house-hold items and counseling on a sliding scale and many interfaithprograms. For more information, please call 412-854-9120.The Graduates of Upper St. Clair is a social organizationopen to residents residing in the Township over two years.Activities include luncheons, bridge, book club and golf. Formembership information, call Ann Kravitz at 412-221-5016.

USC Citizens for Land Stewardship is dedicated to theconservation of natural areas and open spaces in USC. We pro-mote environmental education and activities that create harmonybetween people and nature. For information, call 412-831-3289.

Welcome Wagon provides women residents with socialand service opportunities on a monthly basis. Friendship andinteresting programs plus sports activities. For information,call Ellen Banta at 412-835-4542.

Upper St. Clair Athletic Association, a non-profit organi-zation, administers year-round recreational sport programs forthe youth of the community. For information, call 412-835-4499.

Newcomers of Upper St. Clair welcomes women tomonthly coffees and dinners. Join this wonderful social andcivic organization that provides fun interest groups and ac-tivities. Call Julia Zaitz, President at 412-851-8643.

Woman’s Club of Upper St. Clair—Monthly luncheons,gardening, book groups, music, bridge, special events, newfriends, and more! Membership is open to all women in USCand surrounding communities. Call 412 854-4955 or 412-835-9607 for more information.

Laureate Epsilon Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi is aninternational social, service and cultural women’s organization.Meetings are held in members’ homes on the first and thirdThursdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. from September to May.For additional information, call 412-563-4797.

Mt. Lebanon Jr. Women’s Club—meets at 7 p.m., thirdTuesday of each month, Unitarian Church on Sunnyhill Driveand Washington Road. Join other women across the South Hillsin civic, philanthropic and social activities. Call 412-886-1221.

Also seeServing Upper St. Clair

on page 76.

Movers and Shakers meet every Wednesday atWestminster Presbyterian Church. Exercise 5-6 p.m., din-ner and speakers for those with Parkinson’s or similardisabilities. Call 412-835-6630 for 6 p.m. dinner reservations.

Families in Transition Classes—Are you dealing withseparation, divorce, or becoming a stepfamily? Parents canget help from a class at Parent and Child Guidance Centeron Banksville Road. Call 412-343-5698.

Chartiers Mental Health/Mental Retardation Centeroutpatient services and aftercare is open Monday throughThursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expe-riencing conflict in your life, depression, parent/child issues,divorce, etc.? Need to talk? Call 412-221-3302.

South Hills Crisis Pregnancy Center—Contact PamHart at 412-531-2112 for more information regarding SouthHills CPC’s services.

Family Hospice offers two bereavement groups. Afternoon,1-2:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at SouthminsterHouse and third Monday at the Unitarian-Universalist Church,7-8:30 p.m. Call 412-572-8807. Pre-registration not required.

Familylinks, formerly Parent and Child Guidance Centerand The Whale’s Tale, offers many valuable programs deal-ing with successful parenting through separation and divorce.PARENTLINE is a call-in service where callers may remainanonymous. Call 412-343-7166.

NAMI Family to Family Education Course is for familiesof the mentally ill. A twelve-week series of free classes is limitedto twenty participants. Registration required. Call 412-366-3788.

Southwestern Human Services is a non-profit outpa-tient mental health clinic across from South Hills Village Mall.SHS provides mental health services to adults, adolescents,and children. For information, call 412-831-1223.

Allegheny County Court Appointed Special Advo-cates (CASA)—Learn how you can help abused andneglected children in court. Discover ways that volunteersfrom all walks of life can make a tangible difference in thelives of our most vulnerable citizens. Contact Sara Henningat CASA 412-594-3606 for information.

Looking for School Districtand Township information?

CheckUPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

Residential GuideFall 2000

on the Township websitewww.twpusc.org

Now through December 30—The Frick Art Museum—Classical Folk Art by Elie Nadelman. More than 70 worksin bronze, marble, wood, ceramic and plaster. Call 412-371-0600 for more information.

Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1—SouthHills Chorale presents A Holiday Celebration. Call 412-429-9501 or see page 78 for more information.

December 2—1830 Log House Silver Anniversary—1 p.m.to 3 p.m.

December 2—Handel’s Messiah at Westminster Presby-terian Church, 7:30 p.m. The performance will includemembers of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Saturday, December 15—Santa visits USC on a fire truck!For a schedule, see twpusc.org.

Saturday, December 15—Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra.Call 412-278-2326 or see page 69 for more information.

January 5-March 3, 2002—Masterworks from theAlbertina at the Frick Art Museum. Call 412-371-0600for more information.


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Do you wonder who people who don’tbelieve in God blame when a tragedy orsomething painful occurs that affects themor their loved ones? A common responsefrom some who do believe in God is some-thing like, “How could God let this happen?”God is often blamed when planes explode orcrash, a drunk driver kills a loved one, a ran-dom shot kills a child, children kill theirparents, parents kill their children or class-mates kill classmates. Many children are bornwith genetic diseases, and God is challengedas to why He lets that happen. Some peoplenever get over blaming God for the miserythese occurrences have cost them. Some evenstop believing in God and join the ranks ofunbelievers. Many remain depressed and un-productive for the rest of their lives. Theirgrief and hatred retards their ability to ad-just, heal and move on.

People who don’t believe in God take adifferent approach in dealing with their griefand loss. They blame the people or the con-ditions that caused the disaster. Some justaccept the fact that bad things happen, andfrequently to good people. God isn’t on theiravailable list of fall guys. Many anguish overhow life could be so cruel.

We older people will always rememberwhere we were and what we were doing whenwe heard of the assassination of PresidentKennedy. God’s cruelty was challenged fre-quently on that occasion. Another tragedy wasthe explosion of the space shuttle Challengerwith eight people on board, including aschoolteacher. That stunned the nation asmillions of persons watched it live on TV. Howcould God let that happen? We learned laterthere were vastly contested differences of opin-ion about the effect the cold weather wouldhave on the valves connected to the fuel boost-ers. Ultimately, after heated arguments, seniorofficials overruled many of the technicians tolaunch the craft. What the scientists fearedwould happen, happened, and all onboard per-ished in the explosion. A man-made disaster.God must have been deeply disappointed inthe arrogance of his creatures.

Airline crashes capture our attention be-cause so many people are killed, resulting inmuch pain and suffering. We see pictures ofthe grieving families and vivid photos of thecrash scene when the crash occurs on land. Sur-viving family members frequently holdmeetings, grieving together and consoling eachother. They seek reasons for the cause of thecrash, and investigations try to provide specific

answers. It is not uncommon after months oreven years of investigation that specific causesremain undetermined. The reality is, the causeof all of these crashes is faulty human designor construction, human atrocities or humanerror. God doesn’t do it. Human beings do it,and God doesn’t interfere. God didn’t direct thecaptain of the Titanic to hit the iceberg, norwas it God who designed the hull of the ship.

When young people kill their classmatesin large-scale slaughters, we are horrified anddeeply saddened. We relate to the grief of theparents and classmates of those who wererandomly killed. Some were singled out forassassination, but most of the victims wereaccidentally caught in the line of fire. Thereis no answer as to why some soldiers arekilled in an assault while others survive.There is no answer as to why someone’s planecrashes while someone else’s does not. I don’tbelieve God orchestrates catastrophes.

If God doesn’t make decisions about whathappens, then what does he do? If you be-lieve in God, you believe He is all-powerfuland can stop anything from occurring. I don’tbelieve He works that way. If we humans aregoing to design faulty equipment that breaksdown causing accidents, He lets it happen. Ifpeople choose to get drunk and drive reck-lessly, He lets that happen also. If our societyallows wide distribution of firearms and satu-rates our culture with hideous movies, youngpolluted minds will act out outrageous andviolent fantasies. He also lets that happen.He must consistently be disappointed in thebehavior of many of his creations.

There resides in most of us a strong de-sire to seek revenge when we feel we havebeen wronged. Hatred is also a pervasivehuman trait. The survivors and families ofvictims of accidents or crimes frequentlyseek revenge against anyone who causestheir suffering. Justice is a legitimate re-course. The drunk or reckless driver shouldbe held accountable for whatever grief heor she has caused. Manufacturers should beheld accountable for faulty design or manu-facturing. Certainly, people are entitled toseek remedies allowed by law. But to healand recover from a loss, it is vital to acceptthat loss. People must move on and try tomake the most of the time they’re blessedto have left.

The other human option available to all ofus is forgiveness, but the act of forgiveness isdifficult. Too often hatred lingers long after theevent occurs. Hatred consumes and retards the

grieving survivor from accepting a loss. He hasdifficulty adjusting to life after the event, un-able to live a healthy and productive life. Manyunhealthy behaviors can consume someonewho has experienced a tragic loss. Excessivedrinking, lingering depression, loss of generalenthusiasm, self-pity, perpetual anger and a to-tal loss of optimism about the good in the worldare just a few of the debilitating conditions.Frequently people ask, “Why did this happento me?” God takes the rap for the tragedy aspeople look for someone to blame.

People who think they’ve been singled outto experience tragic loss or suffering aren’tpaying attention. We must know that badthings happen to everyone at some point oranother. You may say if God doesn’t interferein our lives, then what good does prayingdo? But if you believe in God, through prayer,coupled with faith, you can increase yourstrength, your wisdom and your understand-ing to accept whatever life dishes out. Dealwith it and move on. You have to take re-sponsibility for your own coping and healing.God or others can’t do it for you. People andcircumstances collide to create life’s dramas,good and bad. That’s the reality of things,whether you believe in God or not.

We have all heard the saying, “God helpsthose who help themselves.” When life handsus a dirty deal, whatever our religious belief,it’s critical to use all of our mental and physicalabilities to accept what has happened as a real-ity of life. We must adjust to our loss and resolveto live our life as productively as possible.

We can learn from everything thathappens to us. We are given numerous op-portunities to initiate change and makeimprovements. Learning from our eventsshould drive us more forcefully than hatred,revenge or self-pity. Learning takes courage,determination and perseverance, but we arebetter for it. We have the capability to sur-vive to life’s traumas, but no one said it’s easy.God knows that, too. �

Editor’s note: While Jim wrote this article priorto the terroristic attacks of September 11, 2001,his message about dealing with a catastrophicevent aptly addresses this national tragedy. Hepoignantly triggers us to question our own per-sonal philosophies as he shares his thoughts ofcoping with tragedy.

Handling the Dirty Deals of LifeReflections From a Curbstone PulpitJim Meston


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mmOn Friday afternoon, June 15,2001, six guys from the South Hills leftfor Washington, D.C., to bicycle the his-toric C&O Canal Towpath. This bicycleadventure was four months in theplanning, and the anticipation level wasrunning high. The plan was to bikefrom Washington, D.C., to Cumberland,Maryland, a distance of about 200 miles.Those participating were George Pitcairnand Chuck Buhman of USC, Gary Navoneyand Jeff Leonhardt, teachers in Upper St.Clair School District, Ben Kramer of Mt.Lebanon and me, a retired USC teacher.

I’m not going to bore you with how wehad to rent a truck to transport our bikesand gear to D.C. and why we had to rent acar to get ourselves to D.C. I’m going tospare you the details of why we had to renta trailer and have a van parked inCumberland in order to get all of our stuff,and our sorry hides, back to USC once thetrip was completed. Suffice it to say, thelogistics of putting this trip together werechallenging. Bicycling the 200 miles, wethought, would be the easy part. It wasn’t!

Day 1, SaturdayWashington, D.C.,to Harpers Ferry,West Virginia

We awoke to a “tropical downpour.”These are two words that bicyclists do not

want to hear, especially on the first day ofa journey along a dirt road. Before we couldeven find Milepost 0 of the C&O Trail, Igot my first flat tire. This was to be myfirst of three within 24 hours. But this wasjust the beginning. The dirt road was a seaof mud and puddles. It was raining so hardthat none of us even thought about put-ting on our rain gear. We knew it woulddo no good.

Fifteen miles into the ride, the tow-path seemed to come to an end. We hadto carry our bikes, heavily laden with ourgear, over slippery rocks for a distanceof 100 yards or so. I slipped andwrenched my back. By the time we com-pleted the 70 miles to Harpers Ferry, Ihad my second flat tire, George had touse duct tape to repair a blown tire, Garyfell off his bike and bloodied his leg, Jeffhad to reattach his rear supporting rackwhich fell off from the constant jarring,and Ben decided to go face first over hishandle bars for no apparent reason. Bythis time, the six of us were separatedand riding in pairs.

When we finally arrived at the Hill-top House in Harpers Ferry around 8:30p.m., the tropical downpour was aboutover, but we had to hose the mud off ofourselves outside before we could regis-ter inside. At last, we were off of thebikes, in a dry safe place, and the food

served in the dining room was outstand-ing, especially the crab cakes.

We all agreed that on the first day, itwas a long hard ride.

Day 2, Sunday(Father’s Day)Harpers Ferryto Hancock, Maryland

We awoke to a beautiful morning fullof promise for a great day ahead. We ate awonderful breakfast buffet but could notbegin our bike ride until after 10 a.m. be-cause that was when the local bike shopopened. Chain lube, inner tubes and otherbiking supplies had to be replaced beforewe could get back onto the towpath. AsGeorge was coasting down the hill to thebike shop, a couple of spokes snapped onhis rear wheel, causing it to look like apretzel. Not to worry, he simply left hisbike at the shop and rented another tocontinue the ride. He was not about to beleft behind.

As the rest of the guys were perform-ing last minute adjustments outside thebike shop, I came drifting down the hilland said something like, “Come on youslackers, let’s get going!” No sooner didthe last word come out of my mouth thanmy front tire responded with a resound-ing “Pssssst”—my third flat in 24 hours.I now had to purchase three inner tubes—

It Was A Long Hard RideBicycling the C&O CanalJim Reeves

Chuck Buhman using a dollar bill to fix a flat tire.Jeff Leonhardt in background.

Jeff Leonhardt, Chuck Buhman, Gary Navoney, Jim Reeves and Ben Kramer—ready for the last day of biking. (George Pitcairn already hit the trail.)

m


one for immediate use and two more forbackups. So much for getting this day offto a good start.

But by 11 a.m., we were back on oursaddles and on the road again towardHancock, Maryland, just 70 miles ahead.The skies were blue, the sun was bright,and all was well. We were on the move,that’s all that mattered. We pedaled all ofsix miles before Chuck had a tire failure.By now, we were tire-changing experts sothis was just a minor setback. For the next45 miles, we kept a good pace and enjoyedthe scenery—turtles, rabbits, ground hogs,muskrats, a four-mile detour, minimalmud, sundaes at a general store, and shadywoods. We were also beginning to noticeother things, like how sore our posteriorswere becoming. But I digress….

By the time we arrived in the town ofWilliamsport, Maryland, Chuck had aserious bubble on the sidewall of his rear…tire, that is. We still had 20 miles to go toHancock. Not to fear, George, the McGyverof the group, could fix anything. He founda popsicle stick on the ground, and pro-ceeded to press it against the bubble andwrap about one fourth of the tirecircumference with duct tape. The onlytrouble was Chuck had to disengage hisrear brake pads so that the tire could ro-tate at all. And so, for the last 20 miles, hehad to endure the rubbing and thumpingof each tire rotation against his brakes.Somehow, the patchwork held up, al-though it did take its toll on Chuck. Hewas exhausted. As for the rest of us, wejust wanted to get off of those bike seats.

We consumed four large pizzas at thelocal Pizza Hut before checking into theEcono-Lodge. We had been on the trail forten hours and… it was a long hard ride!Just ask Chuck and George.

Day 3, MondayHancock toCumberland, Maryland

It was another spectacular day of sunand blue skies. While our spirits were soar-ing, our backsides, where the sun nevershines, were just plain sore. After an okaycontinental breakfast, we again had to waituntil ten for the local bike shop to open soChuck could purchase a couple of newtires. He wasn’t about to try riding on thepatched up tire from yesterday. Meanwhile,George left on his own 90 minutes earlierbecause he was having trouble getting anykind of rhythm going on his rental bikeand felt like he needed a head start. (He

Mile 0 of the C&O TowpathGeorge Pitcairn, Jim Reeves, Ben Kramer, Gary Navoney, Jeff Leonhardt and Chuck Buhman

Jim Reeves near Harpers Ferry

later discovered that he had a brake padrubbing against his rim.)

We finally got underway around 10:30a.m. and had a fairly uneventful ride forabout 40 miles to the Paw Paw Tunnel. Witheach passing mile, however, every little root,stone or bump in the road became an event.It seemed as if every little imperfection onthe road was accentuated and magnified ahundred fold by the time it was felt… youknow where. It was as if our gel pads hadsuddenly disintegrated and our paddedshorts were rendered useless.

When we had to dismount our bikesand walk through the 3,000 feet long PawPaw Tunnel, there were no complaints. Thewalk offered a welcome relief from the bike

seat, and the cool air in the tunnel offeredsome relief from the hot air outside. Be-sides, we now had a reason to use theflashlights we packed just for this purpose.

After taking a side trip to the town ofPaw Paw, West Virginia, for a 12-inch steakhoagie, and repairing a final flat tire forGary, we rode triumphantly into the townof Cumberland.

As the sun was setting and we wereloading the trailer and van, we all felt asense of accomplishment and comaraderie.We were dirty, sweaty, tired, sore and hun-gry. Not necessarily in that order, but allperfect ingredients for reminding us “It wasa long hard ride.” �


Daytrip—Looking for AnswersThis was supposed to be aDaytrip to Berlin, Ohio—to theAmish shops there and in the neighboringtowns. I had about ten people lined up toaccompany me on what was to be my finalDaytrip. One last time I was pushing thedeadline, and, yet once again, my editorwas generous and was not threateningme with termination. But the events ofSeptember 11, 2001, turned my plans of apleasant trip in the autumn sunshine intodried leaves and blew them away.

I was born in 1945. The last major worldconflict was winding its way to an ugly con-clusion in Japan, and my Dad was still inthe Philippines somewhere, unaware that Ihad been born. I don’t remember theKorean “Conflict” at all. I just know that ithappened. Vietnam was my generation’swar. Unlike the two World Wars before it,it brought out the worst in Americans in-stead of the best. All these years later, westill have open wounds. Now, as I write this,we are going to war once more. As you readthis, you will know where that “going towar” has taken us. My emotions are on mysleeve and my thoughts, like yours, rangefrom disbelief to terror to hope and back toterror again. We are all searching for an-swers. In my last Daytrip for this wonderfulpublication, I’d like to share with you whereI am looking for mine.

I am not an intellectual, yet I am fairlybright and can think on my feet. I am nota saint, yet I am good and kind and honest(but just mildly modest). I am not versedin the workings of the government, yet Iknow good government when I see it andI sure do know bad government when Ismell it. I am a normal, average, middle-aged American woman. I love my family,my friends, my neighbors, my community,my state, and my country. And it is therethat I will find my answers.

America is my home. It is where every-one in every nation in the world wishes heor she had been born. We are exactly “theland of the free and the home of the brave.”We do not all live the same, nor do we havethe same, nor do we even want the same.But we have the choice. We have thechoice. How wonderful to be born in thisgreat land at this time in history!

Pennsylvania is my home. I was bornin Allegheny General Hospital to a Welsh-English-French Canadian beauty with sev-eral generations of Americans in herlineage and to a handsome Hungarian withwonderful brown eyes whose mother andfather arrived here shortly before he wasborn. They traveled to the hills of westernPennsylvania looking for a job in the steelmills and a future for their family. Theyfound both. My two grandfathers wereproud, hard-working men who were de-voted to their families. They put down deeproots. They were not alone. Men withstrong hearts and strong backs built ourregion. Their roots still hold. We do notleave. We are “Fam-I-Lee!” How wonder-ful to grow up in western Pennsylvania inthe 1950s and 1960s!

Upper St. Clair is my home. We movedhere the year my daughter was born becausewe wanted to rear her in the best place inthe world. And we did. We have lived inthree neighborhoods in USC. The first wasLong Drive. Our neighborhood was veryshort on children, but our daughter hadplenty of entertainment. The neighborsdoted on her, and she loved them all. Onher first day at Eisenhower, we discoveredsome children who lived nearby, and theywere wonderful playmates for her for years.Their parents are still our dear friends.

Our second neighborhood was the in-tersection of Kent Drive and TopsfieldRoad—“Little Girl Heaven.” I think at onepoint there were 17 little girls between theages of five and twelve in the neighbor-hood. I recall eleven of them selling GirlScout cookies at one time! They had “TheUnicorn Club” and played “town” and had“Miss America” parties and sang Christ-mas Carols door to door and had a hundredcamp outs and sleepovers and a hundredfights. It was grand. It was simply the bestplace in the world to be a little girl. It was,and remains, a cluster of homes filled withkind, loving families who are involved witheach other and who care beyond measure.We love them all.

After our daughter went off to college,we sold the home out from under her (shestill reminds us of this) and bought a condoon Pineview Drive. USC has very few

condos, so we were lucky to find oneavailable. Once more we were welcomedand quickly became a part of a friendly,caring community.

Upper St. Clair has been great to me andfor me. I have deep affection for the teach-ers and administrators who have made ourSchool District among the best in the coun-try. I have worked with many of them andhave great admiration for what they do andhow they do it. The Girl Scout organizationin the community was outstanding duringmy time with them. Though I am now re-tired, my seven years in scouting left mewith great memories and many, manychuckles. Writing for the UPPER ST. CLAIRTODAY has been such fun. You all have beenkind enough to read my very tongue incheek words, issue after issue, and not writenasty letters to my editor. (Well, if you did,she didn’t tell me.)

But most important, my friends are here.Not just people I’ve met who live in USC,but my best and dearest friends. There arelots of them. I’ve been lucky. I love themall. How blessed I have been to live in thiscommunity for the past 22 years.

Where am I on that list? Ah, yes. Myfamily. Family is personal. Everyone is the“best.” This past September 11th, Iwatched hundreds of people trying to findloved ones. It was the worst thing I haveever seen in my lifetime. I cannot imaginethe pain. I am so grateful—that I still havemy parents to make me be a good girl andnot wear tennis shoes without socks; thatI have a daughter who keeps me humbleand who brings me great joy; that I have amother-in-law and a father-in-law whoreared a wonderful man and then gave himto me; that I have a brother-in-law and asister-in-law and family whom I adore; thatI have a brother- in-law and niece whom Iseldom see, but love very much; that I haveaunts and uncles and cousins who are alldear friends and much loved.

So, you ask, where is my answer to thischaos? Can I change the mind of a mad-man? Can I change the course of a war onceset in motion? Can I stop the world andget off? No, all I can control is me. I willget up each morning and face the day witha song in my heart. Some days the song

Daytrip—Looking for AnswersBev Pini


might have a somber beat, and some daysnot, but it will be my song. You have justread all the verses to it. I will sing my songloudly and boldly in the face of adversityand, regardless of what happens, I knowmy song, and I will prevail.

So, dear readers, once again I thank youfor indulging me. This will be my last con-tribution to UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY as Ihave other demands that need my atten-tion. There is a great Daytrip to Berlin,Ohio, just waiting for the right person tocome along and volunteer. All you need isa way with words and someone to go withyou. Just don’t take yourself too seriously.

Happy Traveling—and God BlessAmerica! �

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Hearing so much about CostaRica for the last few years from a nephew,who journeyed to Costa Rica annuallysparked our interest to make the trip. Thedecision to go was postponed a coupleyears, mostly as a result of concerns of trav-eling with our young children, Alexandra,eleven, and Julia, five. After all, Costa Ricais positioned between Nicaragua andPanama, and these were not countries wewould venture close to with small children.

After our nephew, Cyrus Jack Lemmon,relocated to Costa Rica to start a land de-velopment business and married a CostaRican woman, Odalis, we gained valuableinsight from a local’s perspective and feltwe were ready to move forward with theadventure. Our trip included the capitalSan Jose, Puerto Viejo on the CaribbeanCoast and Quepos on the Pacific Coast.

When landing in San Jose, you are over-whelmed with a strong internationalpresence. Americans are certainly present,but the ratio struck us as less than twopercent at the extremely busy internationalairport. Costa Rica is a developed thirdworld country and the airport reflectedthose standards—not something you seein America or a popular vacation spot, butcertainly with all the necessary airport ac-commodations.

Our first night was spent downtown incentral San Jose. Several hotels are avail-able, but the popular downtown hotels arenot your best choice, as we learned. Mostfolks spend one night in San Jose when

arriving at Costa Rica and another nightprior to departing since the airport is anaverage three hours from either the Pacificor Caribbean Coast.

Our suggestion is to head to the SanJose Marriott from the airport and grabthe hotel shuttle into town for a fewhours. It runs frequently, and the San JoseMarriott is now one of our favorites froma long list of resorts and hotels. The otheralternative is to stay at a small inn.

One of our choices was Vista del VallePlantation Inn—it was wonderful withseparate bungalows influenced by tradi-tional Japanese architecture. The groundsare beautiful, with huge bamboo trees and

water ponds, in the middleof a coffee plantation, andexquisite meals are servedon a deck by the pool, over-looking a deep river canyonon a cliff. It really is special.

Our first venture beyondSan Jose took us to the Pa-cific Coast. We headed toManuel Antonio NationalPark, about a three-hourdrive. With my nephew atour side (his wife, Odalis,was in California), we ven-tured with a private driver forour entire visit in Costa Rica.The traffic is what you mightexpect in any major city, nogetting around that! The de-cision not to rent a car wasalso based on the terrain. Itis not easy driving when oneis headed to the coasts sinceyou have to deal with getting

in and out of mountain ranges. San Jose ismid-range and once you get past it, youstill have to deal with the local drivers, typi-cally not fun in any foreign country.

Once on the Pacific Coast, we stayedat the Hotel Si Como No. This was ratedin Frommer’s as one of the best spotsclosest to the Manuel Antonia NationalPark. We were quite pleased with thisproperty. It is on a cliff, as most of thehotels are on this side, with great views,great food and great service. There areno phones or television—a bit surpris-ing for this pricey hotel. There is oneroad up the mountain and one road downinto a small town. It felt very remote. Thepark—a quick shuttle ride down to theother side of the mountain— dead endsto gorgeous beaches, fauna, flora, mon-keys, lizards and other fun exoticanimals. Alexandra and I rode horses onthe beach, which was a great experienceand a fond memory.

After the Pacific Coast, we headed tothe Caribbean Coast. With traffic, it was aten-hour drive.

We heard about the Caribbean sinceJack is a land developer in Costa Rica andhis first properties were in the jungle onthe Caribbean Coast. Our Caribbean des-tination was Puerto Viejo, only an hourfrom the Panama border. The hotel had oneof the most scenic, remote locations pos-sible, but looking back, we would havebeen fine to pass on this side of the coun-try, especially with the children.

Central Costa Rica

Pacific Hotel—The Mackewich familyLeft to right: Julia, 5 and Alexandra, 11

and wife Cheryl.

Costa Rica-Michael Mackewich

Is this the Cancun, Mexico,of 30 Years Ago?


The remote location where we stayedhad a road put in just six months prior. Itmay have been our perception, but dueto the location, you really would not havehad any recourse if an emergency oc-curred. This reality hit us as we werewalking through the jungle to Jack’s oldhouse in a tree, where he had lived fortwo years developing a property. He hadsold it six months earlier and moved toSan Jose for easier access to both coastsand other properties.

During our walk through the jungle,Jack shared experiences such as the wormsthat lived in his leg and the rare tick bitehe got that could have killed him. We werehit with the reality that we really were inthe jungle.

We left the Caribbean Coast two daysearly, partially as a result of the accommo-dations and the combination rash and sunpoisoning picked up by both Julia and Alex.The kids had had enough, and you thoughtthey struck gold when we checked back intothe San Jose Marriott.

We had a fabulous trip and would behappy to answer any questions for those ofyou considering this adventure. �

In the mountains—local merchant and Alexandra

Poas Volcano

To contact Michael, write to—MichaelMackewich, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAYMagazine, 1820 McLaughlin RunRoad, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

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When Vince Lombardi said “winningisn’t everything, it’s the only thing,” he was re-ferring to professional football, not youthprograms, at least not the ones in Upper St.Clair. The athletic programs for young peoplein our Township are under the direction of TheUpper St. Clair Athletic Association (USCAA).This organization is made up of volunteers fromour community who devote their time and en-ergy ensuring that all sports activities for ouryoung people are conducted within the bound-aries of the code of conduct that they havedeveloped and communicated to all players,coaches and parents.

We have all read some story of immaturebehavior exhibited at youth athletic events, notby the players, but by parents. There have beenhighly publicized incidents of violence betweenparents and umpires, parents and parents andparents and coaches. Serious injuries and evendeath has occurred in some instances, as theyoung players watched and absorbed it all. Thatbehavior is appalling, destructive and unaccept-able. Our Athletic Association has workeddiligently to ensure outbursts like these don’thappen here. Since its inception in 1957, theUSCAA has developed not only written codesof conduct for players, coaches and parents butalso detailed policies and procedures outlininghow each program will be conducted. Thishasn’t always been the case.

The Early YearsThe youth programs were organized by a small

group of men who wanted to provide organizedtraining for young people in two sports—base-ball and football. There were only a few fields andno funds or support available from the Townshipor School District. There also were no printedrules. It was, however, a successful effort to beginearly athletic experiences for young people. Theassociation had to find ways to maintain the fields,purchase equipment and communicate to poten-tial players and parents.

As an early member of the association, I canattest that some of the coaches did reflect a VinceLombardi mentality. If a little league coach feels thathis self worth is enhanced by beating the other team,he often oversteps the desired behavior of teachingfundamentals and encouraging young people tolearn about competition, doing your best andlearning and growing from experiences. We had afew like that and no rules to do much about it.Fortunately, the Lombardi “wannabes” were inthe minority.

Then, as now, the members of the associa-tion had a high degree of commitment toprovide the best opportunities for our youngpeople to engage in healthy physical exercise.The young participants experienced a level oftolerable competition. They learned the valueof individual contribution to total team effort.All players were then, and are now, encouragedto do their best, to continue to work forimprovement, and to learn how to be goodsports, win or lose.

Building on the PastOver the years, the youth programs ex-

panded and the structure and efficiency of theUSCAA evolved. The current USCAA Boardconsists of 19 members who direct six differ-ent sports. The parents of the communitydonate their time to coach all the sports.

Participation now includes both boys’and girls’ sports: boys’ football, basketball,baseball, soccer and wrestling and girls’ bas-ketball, softball and soccer. There areapproximately 3600 participants in theseactivities today.

The USCAA now has the full support of theTownship in maintaining the fields. Both Town-ship and School District fields are saturated withover 5300 events (games and practices) a year.The USCAA works closely with the Townshipand the School District to maximize field usage.The use of the High School stadium has been agreat help for both youth football and soccer.

With the ever-increasing demand of the ex-isting fields and gyms, more are needed. BillBarnard, current president of the USCAA says,“We have come a long way, but we need addi-tional facilities in order to provide adequatefields and gyms for the youth of the Township.”

The Value of VarietyYouth league experience is not about pre-

paring young people to become high schoolathletes. Some do go on to participate insports in high school, but many do not.Youth programs provide young people withnumerous opportunities to have experiencesin as many sports as they wish to play. Withthe proper coaching and encouragementfrom both coaches and parents, a young per-son can experience the thrill and satisfactionof improved performance and the realizationat a young age that perseverance and prac-tice will produce improvement. They learnthat they will not always have immediatesuccess and that hard work is essential. Theyalso learn they win some and they lose someand to acknowledge and congratulate oth-ers who have played better on that day. Manyvaluable experiences are clearly related toreal life situations.

There seems to be a growing tendency bysome parents to begin grooming their child forone particular sport at a very early age, exclud-ing participation in all other sports. Parentsshould encourage their children to participatein whatever sports they choose during theiryounger years. Whether a young person con-tinues to participate in sports at an escalatedcompetitive level in high school or to pursueother activities, he or she will have had the ex-perience of being exposed to different sportsand will have a knowledge and appreciation ofthose sports forever. Kids clearly remembertheir childhood sports careers. My kids do. Ido. The kids I’ve coached do, and I’ll bet youdo, too.

Winning in Youth ProgramsTakes a Total Team Effort Jim Meston


The baseball/softballsign ups will be:

February 21, 7-9 p.m.

February 22, 7-9 p.m.

February 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

USC Athletic AssociationSeated: Bob Gerlack, Bill Barnard, Mike McGroarty and Rick Murray

Standing: Bruce Stutzman, Chuck Roth, Bill Littrell, Chris McNally, Craig Howie, Luke Walker, Tom Burke,Dan Buker, Jeff Conn and Tony Reda

Not shown: Roseanne Geyer, Dave Murray, Steve Zemba, Joe DeMarco and Paul Whiteside

USCAA Football Commissioner Joe DeMarco and

Boys’ Basketball Jeff ConnConcession Commissioner Roseanne Geyer and

Baseball Commissioner Dave Murray

USCAA ProgramReminders for Parents

All of our athletic programs are, first andforemost, recreational programs. They aremeant to give our children the opportunityto engage in and enjoy healthy physical ex-ercise. We welcome and rely, to a very greatextent, on the hard work and dedication ofthe many parents without whom our pro-grams could not succeed. We thank you forthat support, and ask that you keep the fol-lowing guidelines in mind as you relax andshare these all too fleeting moments in yourchild’s life:

1. Emphasize improved performance overwinning. Positively reinforce improved skillsin your child and other children as well.

2. Be positive, encourage good sportsmanship,and keep your own emotions undercontrol. Treat all players, coaches, officialsand other spectators with respect. Avoidabusive language and unkind remarksabout any player, coach or official.

3. Be a good role model; do not engagein verbal dissent from decisions by theofficials. Often these officials arechildren themselves not much olderthan your child and are just beginningto gain experience in officiating. Theycan make mistakes, and often theircalls are matters of judgment to whichthey are entitled.

4. Promote a drug-free and alcohol-freesports environment and refrain fromtheir use at all youth sports events.

5. Most of all, make sure your child knowshe/she has your love—win, lose ordraw—regardless of performance. Say so!

If we all follow these few simple rules ofcommon sense and good manners everyone—players, parents, coaches and officials—willhave the good time our programs are intendedto provide. Thank you.

The Board of Directors of USCAA

Maintaining the Success of the ProgramIn addition to having detailed rules and regulations covering the specific activities of each

sport, the USCAA also developed a printed “Code of Conduct for Managers and Coaches,” clearlyspelling out what is expected of coaches in their leadership roles and the necessity for them tobehave maturely. The coaches are expected to provide leadership and encouragement to theirplayers. Arguing with umpires or referees is strictly prohibited. They are expected to be positivein dealing with their players, and to be a role model of dignity and good sportsmanship. There isa formal procedure for removing coaches and managers who do not consistently comply with thecode of conduct.

The USCAA has also developed printed reminders for parents. It clearly states the vision ofthe program. (See side bar.)

We can all be grateful and proud of the diligent efforts of the USCAA board of directors toprovide the leadership for the success of our youth programs and for the contribution theymake to the growth and development of the young people in our community. It is also evidentthat the parents of the young athletes are outstanding role models of what supporting parentslook like. A total team effort is ongoing here. �


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Senate of Pennsylvania

Senator Tim Murphy TIMOTHY F. MURPHYSTATE SENATOR

37TH DISTRICT

SENATE BOX 203037ROOM 460, MAIN CAPITOL BUILDING

HARRISBURG, PA 17120(717) 787-5839

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(412) 344-5583FAX (412) 429-5092

WWW.LIBERTYNET.ORG/[email protected].

In recent weeks, our already weaken-ing national economy has continued tostumble under the weight of the attack inNew York City. However, history tells us thatimprovement will come, so this is not a timeto panic. Instead, all of us—governmentofficials included—have to focus our ener-gies on building upon our economicstrengths and charting prudent courses ofaction. In Pennsylvania, that’s been ourmantra for almost a decade, and it has servedus well. In 1991, Pennsylvania was a fiscalmess. Spending was out of control, taxeswere raised to record levels and the Tax In-crease Prevention Fund, also known as theRainy Day Fund, was emptied.

Over the past seven years, we have laida strong foundation for Pennsylvania’seconomy by cutting job killing taxes, im-proving the functioning of governmentagencies and restoring optimism. Duringthis time, we have been able to maintain asurplus budget that allowed us to cut taxes,which in turn further stoked the fires ofour economic success. At a time whenmany other states were finding it difficultto enact balanced budgets, Pennsylvaniawas able to move forward because of theprudent decisions that had been made inthe past and continue to be made by theGeneral Assembly. However, we also un-derstand that economies move in cycles.There are good times and bad times.

Current estimates project a $130 mil-lion shortfall in state tax revenues from Julythrough September 2001. If this trend con-tinues, the Commonwealth will certainlyface a budget shortfall by the end of thefiscal year—June 2002. At this point, theGeneral Assembly will have three op-tions—reduce spending, raise taxes or dipinto the Rainy Day Fund. There is currently$1.2 billion in the Rainy Day Fund. Overthe years, there have been repeated at-tempts to spend this money on a wide range

of projects, but, to its credit, the Legisla-ture has protected the fund for its intendedpurpose. It was designed to allow theCommonwealth to keep operating withouthaving to raise taxes at the very time whenpeople need to keep their own money.Depending on the circumstances, the Fund,coupled with a spending reduction, will bein a position to safeguard us against a taxincrease in the near future.

Despite the pressures to reduce spend-ing, there remains one critically importantdemand for potential help. We will need tocarefully examine our police, fire, paramed-ics and other emergency services anddetermine what they have and what theyneed in terms of equipment, vehicles, per-sonnel and training. Once we understandtheir need, then we must locate fundingsources to make sure that they areadequately prepared for emergencies. Thisis an issue the General Assembly will cer-tainly wrestle with in preparation for thenew fiscal year. Emergency services will cer-tainly need more funding, and I want toencourage everyone to contribute to theirlocal fire and EMS departments.

Finally, in the interest of saving moneyand improving communication between myoffice and voters, I have created an “e-news-letter.” This newsletter will be sent tointerested constituents via email. It will in-clude the same information provided in thenewsletters that are currently mailed to areahomes, as well as regular updates on legis-lative action. By using electronic mail, I willbe able to provide more frequent communi-cations from my office for a fraction of thecost. Anyone interested in this newslettercan simply send his or her email address tome at [email protected]. They will beadded to our distribution list, which is com-pletely confidential and will not be releasedto the public. �


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JoAnn PelinoRick RegaJohn RossJack ShawBill Smoyer

Mark TowardBob WardleKelly WardleJudy Woods


MResidents of the South Hills haveanother connection to the heinousatrocity that took place in this country onSeptember 11. Navy Commander PatrickDunn, 39, husband of Stephanie RossDunn, lost his life in the line of duty,serving our country at the Pentagon.Stephanie is the daughter of Jim andMartha Ross. Stephanie attended UpperSt. Clair High School in 1985-86 and is a1988 graduate of Mt. Lebanon HighSchool. Before retiring to New Bern, NorthCarolina, in January 1999, Jim was withthe H. J. Heinz Co., and Martha was theExecutive Director of the Three RiversAdoption Council.

The Dunns were married less thantwo years ago at the Navy Chapel inWashington, D. C. Patrick, ExecutiveOfficer of the USS LaSalle, an amphibi-ous command ship in the 6th Fleet wasthen stationed in Gaeta, Italy. Stephanieand Patrick returned to the United Statesthis past Christmas, and he began hisservice on February 1 at the Pentagon as

Pentagon TragedyTouches Close to Home

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a surface warfare officer in the U.S. NavalCommand Center. Tragically, Patrick’soffice had been moved to the doomedsection of the building only three weeksbefore the attack. He and his co-workerswere in the Command Center watchingin disbelief as the two airliners crashedinto the World Trade Centers, neverknowing that they, too, were to meet thesame fate.

Stephanie says that her husband dieddoing what he loved. Patrick was a“gadget guy,” and the Naval CommandCenter was the biggest gadget in the worldto him. He longed to see changes in theway people feel about each other and thiscountry that he loved. That seems to be asilver lining in this horrific black cloudwe are all under. Stephanie concludes thatPatrick’s heart must be very warm indeedright now.

Cmdr. Dunn was from Fords, New Jer-sey. He was also a volunteer firefighter,serving local departments wherever he wasliving during a given tour.

Funeral services were held in theNavy Chapel at Annapolis, Maryland, onSeptember 26, and burial was at Arling-ton National Cemetery the followingafternoon.

Stephanie is pregnant with their firstchild. A fund for Stephanie and her un-born child has been set up for anyonewishing to make a contribution. Dona-tions can be made payable and sent toGrace Episcopal Church, 319 W. Sy-camore St., Pittsburgh, PA 15211. Pleasemake a notation on your check that itis for the Stephanie Ross Dunn Fund.Thank you for your compassion andgenerosity. �

M


Helping the South Hills sparklefor over 11 years, Blackstone Fine Jewelerswas one of the Galleria’s original tenants.Three years ago, after having establishedthemselves as a “destination store” in theGalleria, Blackstone decided it was timeto relocate its expanding business.Realizing the importance of a goodlocation, Blackstone decided to check out

BlackstoneF i n e J e w e l e r s

a promising old building on Route 19,outside South Hills Village.

Although the new location offered vir-tually no “foot traffic,” the propertyboasted much greater visibility. “We hadsuch confidence in our existing clients, thelack of foot traffic wasn’t a concern,” saysJon Donner, Blackstone General Managerand Upper St. Clair resident.

However, the building needed a lot ofwork if the vision of Blackstone’s new homewas to be realized. To help him find theright architect, Donner called his oldfriend, Charles Franklin of CharlesFranklin Consulting. After interviewingmany prospective firms, the perfect archi-tect for the job turned out to be right herein Upper St. Clair. Blackstone chose Up-per St. Clair resident and CMU graduate,Lucian Caste.

Caste’s concept for the new store’s ex-terior—Venetian plaster in subtle tones ofgreen and beige—was designed to compli-ment its surroundings, not stand out fromthem. Inside, the new store is elegant, butcasual, turning a simple visit to a retail storeinto a relaxing stroll through a world ofexquisite porcelain, crystal and jewelry.

But what really makes a visit toBlackstone special is the staff. “Our staff issecond to none,” says Donner. “We havea total commitment to customer service.”The combination of the people and thesurroundings make the comment “thisstore just makes me feel good” a commonlyheard phrase. And the fact that you canwatch a ball game while your wife or girl-friend shops doesn’t hurt either.

Blackstone is well known as the largestindependent dealer for Lladró porcelain inPennsylvania. Lladró is handcrafted por-celain made in Valencia, Spain. In 1995,and again in 1998, Blackstone was chosenfor the prestigious honor of holding sign-ing events with Lladró family members.Juan Lladró, the eldest founding brother,and his daughter Rosa made appearancesin 1995 and 1998 respectively. And in1999, Blackstone received the MillenniumDealer Achievement Award in Valencia,Spain. When Lladró found out aboutBlackstone’s new store concept, they wereeager to get involved. Working with LucianCaste, Lladró designed and built a galleryto showcase their magnificent figurineswithin the store.

But Blackstone offers more than porce-lain and Waterford crystal. Its jewelryselection is impeccable. “Every piece, andI mean every piece, is hand selected by meor my staff for design, quality and value,”says Donner. “All the jewelry that leavesthis store carries with it our reputation,which is also our best form of advertising.”Donner says that while they sell some veryexpensive jewelry, they also have an im-pressive selection of unique jewelry that isaffordable. “Sometimes you just need a

Jon Donner and Kathleen Belt

Cover photograph, inside photographs and information provided by Blackstone Fine Jewelers.


little ‘pick me up,’ and you shouldn’t haveto strain your budget to do it,” says Donner.But regardless of price range, Donner wantspeople to have fun buying jewelry. Andonce you buy it, Blackstone encouragesyou to keep your jewelry looking good bybringing it in for cleaning.

Known for their ability to acquire rareand exotic gemstones, Blackstone is aworld of color. “We all love color here, es-pecially those pieces you just don’t seeanywhere else.” says Donner. “It’s a pas-sion for us.” In 2000, Blackstone was thenumber one account in the country forKrementz Gem Stones, a company re-nowned for fine and rare color stones.

In honor of the September 11 tragedy,Blackstone has put together a “Let Free-dom Ring” display. The display featuresLladró porcelain depictions of the Statueof Liberty, a Fireman, a Policeman, GeorgeWashington, Martin Luther King, Jr., AChild Praying, and a Proud Dove. Totalretail value of this collection is $4,490. Thedisplay will be auctioned or raffled off inits entirety, excluding the case. The pro-ceeds of the auction or raffle will bedonated in full to the September 11 reliefeffort.

“Whether you’re just browsing or mak-ing a purchase, stop by and enjoy a stressfree shopping experience,” says Donner.

Rosa Lladró with Blackstone clients.

Juan Lladró and daughter Angie at a signing event.

Whether you have a budget of $200 or$20,000, you can be right on time with thepurchase of a fine Swiss watch. “We fea-ture great selections from Tag Heuer, Ebel,Raymond Weil, Concord, and Tissot,” saysDonner. “And we stand behind everythingwe sell.”

Serving the community is also impor-tant to Blackstone. More than 14 groupsbenefit from Blackstone’s generosity.Donner serves on the Board of Directorsfor Outreach Teen and Family Services,a community-based counseling servicefor young people and their families. Thefocus of Outreach is to respond to a widerange of problems including adolescentdepression, drug and alcohol abuse, delin-quency, and family turmoil. As the majorsponsor of their annual fundraiser,Blackstone has helped them raise well over$40,000 in the past four years.

“We take special orders and make privateappointments. And if you stop in to dosome holiday shopping during the monthof December, you can enjoy delicious re-freshments on Saturday and Sunday andcomplimentary gift wrap.”

With over 90 years of combined expe-rience, Blackstone’s staff is activelyinvolved with the Gemological Institute ofAmerica. Blackstone is a member ofJewelers of America, The Better BusinessBureau, and the Jewelers VigilanceCommittee—“the Industry’s Guardian ofEthics and Integrity.”

“All of us at Blackstone wish you HappyHolidays and join you in saying God BlessAmerica.” �

Let Freedom Ring DisplayMartin Luther King—I Have a Dream,

George Washington—Father of Our Country, A Child’s Prayer,Statue of Liberty, Peace Dove, Fireman and Policeman—On Patrol


Upper St. Clair School District

Board of School Directors

Angela B. PetersenPresident

412-831-7182

Dina J. Fulmer412-831-8664

Albert E. Ferrara, Jr.412-835-2709

Lisa M. MarshVice President412-831-5318

William M. Sulkowski, DMD412-221-9516

Mark G. Trombetta, MD412-831-8543

Barbara L. Bolas412-833-9841

God Bless AmericaGod bless America, land that I love,

Stand beside her, and guide her,Through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,To the oceans, white with foam,

God bless America, my home sweet home.

School District information regarding the terroristattacks of September 11, 2001, went home daily to the parents ofstudents in our community. Below is copy of Dr. Pope’s lettersent home on September 14, 2001.

Dear Parents and Guardians,In response to our President, George W. Bush, proclaiming

today as a national day of prayer and remembrance for thevictims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, we as aSchool District did the following:

At 1:30 p.m. today we stopped classes for a brief periodand had all students and staff pause to remember the victimsof these sad events and give thanks for those who are helpingour people and our nation at this time. Students remained withtheir teachers in their classrooms as the school’s principal read,via the public address system, a statement that I prepared.The statement for our elementary students differed slightly fromthat for our older students to ensure we were sensitive to thedevelopmental needs of our children. A copy of what wasread by your child’s principal is copied on the reverse side ofthis letter. (This letter is shown to our readers below.)

Sincerely,

William A. Pope, Superintendent of Schools

National Day of Prayer and RemembranceSeptember 14, 2001

A message from Dr. Popeas read by the principal in each school:

Our President, George W. Bush, has declared today as anational day of prayer and remembrance. We are takingthis time along with many people throughout our countryto remember those who have died and to thank everyonewho is helping us now. We offer our sympathy to all of thepeople who have been touched by the sad events. We givethanks to the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, doc-tors and nurses and volunteers who are helping those whoare injured. We give thanks to all the people who are

A Day of RemembranceHow We Copedas a School DistrictDr. William A. Pope, Superintendent of Schools

Clark R. Nicklas412-831-1027


working to clean up the buildings andthe cities that were badly damaged ordestroyed. We give thanks for the lead-ers of our country who are keeping theUnited States safe and strong. We givethanks for our families and schools andall those who are helping us know thatwe are cared for and loved. We live ina very special country and we will al-ways be proud to call America ourhome. Please pause for a moment toremember and give thanks.

We will now say the Pledge ofAllegiance followed by the songsGod Bless America and My Country‘Tis of Thee.

This week will always hold some ofour most vivid and dreadful memories.Let us focus on the courage and brav-ery of the people who disregardedtheir own safety to help others whowere at greater risk as well as the im-ages of Americans from every part ofthe country eager to offer their help topeople that they have never met andto cities that they have never visited.That is the America I know and love.That is the image of America I chooseto remember today. God bless every-one who has been touched by thistragedy and also to those who are de-termined to help us rebuild and restoreour way of life.

We are proud to be Americans. Godbless our country today and forever.

The Pantheon and Chanteclair choirs singing God Bless America.

Planning for the Futureof Upper St. Clair Schools

All after-school activities and sportingevents scheduled for Friday, September 14,2001, were postponed.

The High School football game againstCanon McMillan was rescheduled the fol-lowing night when the Pantheon andChanteclair choirs sang God Bless Americaaccompanied by the USCHS MarchingBand to pay tribute to all Americans.

Thank you to the PTAs and the PTSOwho spent many hours making red, white

and blue ribbons for each child and staffmember in our School District as a way ofwearing our “Pride in America” on ourchests. We have certainly witnessed patrio-tism in our community.

May your hearts continue to feel pas-sion for all that has happened regardingthis national tragedy and may you find in-ner peace and healing over the comingmonths. �

Dr. William A. Pope, Superintendentof Schools has announced that plansare currently underway to collect datawithin our community in order toformulate plans and priorities for theSchool District as we move forward.Chairperson for this effort will be Dr.Timothy Steinhauer, Principal at FortCouch Middle School who will be as-sisted by Mrs. Beverly Krill, Principalat Streams Elementary School and theirfirst efforts will be directed this fall atgathering community input. Withinthe next month, please watch for asurvey which will be offered on linefor those with internet access(www.uscsd.k12.pa.us) or availablefrom the School District Central Office,1820 McLaughlin Run Road. Pleasewatch Channels 7 and 19 for furtherannouncements.

This planning process will build on theaction areas identified in the currentChapter 5 Regulation Plan which wascompleted during 1995-96 coveringSeptember 1996–September 2002. TheDistrict is proud to report that theprogress with action plan goals has beenextensive in the areas of curriculum, com-munication, technology, structuringschools for the future, the high schoolfacilities project, professional develop-ment and induction of new staff members.It is anticipated that the process will be-gin in January with an informationalreport to the Upper St. Clair Board ofSchool Directors based on collected sta-tistical information. Once priority areasand goals for the District are formulatedby the School Board, it is anticipated thatsubcommittees will be structured to de-velop a recommended plan for 2002-2007.

This process follows a rich tradition ofprudent future planning and additionalinformation will be provided as theDistrict works toward meeting thetarget of a completed and approved planby September 2002. �


One of the most exciting but chal-lenging responsibilities that I face at thebeginning of each school year is decidingwhat to say to the staff on the first day.While you have always been polite to me,I honestly give this speech a great deal ofthought so as not to take advantage of yourconsiderate nature.

Today, I am going to share several ideas,where they can be found, what they meanto me and perhaps to you. First, I wouldlike to recommend a book to you, GungHo written by Ken Blanchard and SheldonBowles. You may remember Ken Blanchard.He wrote The One-Minute Manager. Yes, Iremember the book reports that we usedto hear in speeches in the beginning ofyears past, but indulge me a bit.

The secret of Gung Ho is a revolution-ary technique to boost enthusiasm andperformances and usher in astonishing re-sults for any organization. The threeprinciples of Gung Ho are:

• The Spirit of the Squirrel

• The Way of the Beaver

• The Gift of the Goose

Now, before you run out and buy thisbook or blow it off, let me point out thatthis book outlines a clear game plan onhow to boost enthusiasm and performance.

The Spirit of the Squirrel: WorthwhileWork—Squirrels work hard and purpose-fully. They do important work. Likesquirrels, all of your work with children isworthwhile, and, knowing that because ofyou, the world is a better place creates self-esteem, an emotion as powerful as love andhate. Trust each other and work to supporteach of us and the goals we each share. Re-member—goals are set; values are lived.

The Way of the Beaver: In Control ofAchieving the Goal—Beavers live in com-munities and each has a specialized rolethat is clearly directed at a goal, but eachbeaver respects the roles other beavers play.Like beavers, we can only be in controlwhen the organization supports us andvalues us as persons. That means yourthoughts, feelings, needs and dreams willbe respected and acted upon. You will bechallenged but made able to learn and doyour best. Like the beaver, we are individu-ally unique but collectively a team incontrol. We know what the goal is and wewill work together to accomplish it.

That leaves The Gift of the Goose:Cheering Each Other On—Squirrels andbeavers have a way of communicating witheach other about their goals, but commu-nication of the goose has a different role.Geese are noisy. All of that honking is reallytheir way of congratulating each other andencouraging them to achieve their sharedmission. There cannot be too muchhonking, and we can never overdo con-gratulations. They must, however, beTRUE—Timely, Responsive, Unconditionaland Enthusiastic. We must be more likegeese and cheer progress, looking for thingsthat go right and stop focusing on problems.

That is the secret of Gung Ho—how toturn on the people in any organization.That is one of my hopes for us this year.

The second part of my remarks todaycame from a wedding ceremony I attendedas a guest this past July. The wedding washeld at St. Mary of the Mount on Mt. Wash-ington. The priest who married the youngcouple said that for the first 30 years of hispriesthood, the church insisted that thesame words be recited at each Catholic

Dr. William A. Pope, Superintendent of Schools

Opening Day Speechto the USC StaffAugust 27, 2001

70 Fort Couch RoadUpper St. Clair

412-833-6166

Keep yourteeth for alifetime.

There’s nothing worse thanhaving to repeat dental work

to have it done right. We takethe time to help you plan for

long term success.Dr. Steven R. Crandall does itright the first time-saving youtime, money, pain and, most

importantly, your teeth.


marriage ritual. Only recently did “TheChurch” permit the future bride and groomto add his and her own personal remarksto the traditional ceremony. The priest waspleased with the church’s decision.

The ceremony became even more beau-tiful when both of the about-to-be-marriedcouple were able to add a bit of themselvesand their relationship to the dignity of theceremony. As I sat there, I kept reflectingon that marriage ritual and I was deter-mined to somehow share that experiencein my next public address. Then it cameto me. This way of delivering and exchang-ing the marriage vows was celebrating thebest of the old and the new, the traditionand the progress, the past and the future.

Like the wonderful faculty that ispresent before me today, whether you havebeen here for many years, a few years orwere just hired, you have the distinctionof being the best. The veteran staff hasproven over the years that you are thestrength of the Upper St. Clair educationalprogram. If you exercised the same talentsand skills for the next 50 years we wouldstill be the best, but now we can even bebetter. We can take our success to a newlevel. We now have hired the best newteachers and one administrator who willprovide the raw material to take us to thatnew level, the one beyond the impressiveone we are at now. Like the new marriage

vows were to that couple about to be mar-ried, let us meld together to become one“Super Team.” Take only the best of ourtradition and our past and add it to newenergy and new ideas thus becoming stron-ger, sharper and more passionate.

And please cheer for each other.Remember the advice from Gung Ho. Goalsare for today, this semester, this year.Values are for life. Let us live our values.Let everyone know that who we are is whatwe are. Together, whether we have 30 yearsof working with children or this comingWednesday, August 29, 2001, is our firstday when 4100 students arrive back inclass, we value the same qualities, the samefeelings and the same principles. Yes, letus live our values, all of us together, veter-ans and rookies, the experienced and theinexperienced. Welcome to our family.

Lastly, I found this fortuitous sugges-tion in a fortune cookie at a local Chineserestaurant this past summer. It was bothinspiring and prophetic:

“Working with childrenhas a miraculous effect on your spirits.”

I could not have asked for a happierthought. I hope that as you reflect on ourchosen profession you feel the same. GungHo, friends. God bless you and the mis-sion we all share. Thank you. �

Upper St. Clair School DistrictMission Statement

Developing learned and responsible citizens for a global society is the mission ofthe nationally recognized Upper St. Clair School District, which is served by a

responsive and innovative staff who, in partnership with the community, provideslearning experiences that nurture the uniqueness of each child and promotes

happiness and success.

Dr. William A. PopeSuperintendent, Winter 2001

The entire USC School District staff gathered on the football field during the opening day ceremony flankingthe eleven Blue Ribbon award flags earned by the District since inception of the program.

The Blue Ribbon program was established by the United States Department of Education in 1982to recognize outstanding schools.


Whenever legislation is passed theeffect of the implementation is not immedi-ately known. Such was the case withPennsylvania’s Charter School Law (Act 22of 1997). The law states, “Independent pub-lic school established and operated under acharter from the local board of school direc-tors and in which students are enrolled orattend. A charter school must be organizedas a public, non-profit corporation. Chartersmay not be granted to any for-profit agency.”Early on PSBA supported the concept of char-ter schools because it created choice withinthe public school system. In fact, PSBAparticipated significantly in the debateleading to the passage of Act 22.

However, execution of the law hasultimately led to unintended consequences.For example, PSBA’s research found that char-ter schools have imposed a hugeburden on school districts and taxpayers. Theper-pupil payments under the Charter SchoolLaw exceed the instructional costs for stu-dents in traditional public schools, resultingin net expense for the districts. When a fewstudents from one district transfer to a char-ter school, there is no concomitant reductionin the overhead for the district. Act 22 stipu-lates that a formula-driven amount be paidfor each student enrolled in a charter school,regardless of the actual cost. Districts are notpermitted to take into account the fiscalimpact of a charter school when consideringan application.

Furthermore, Act 22 envisioned thatcharters would be granted to schools locatedwithin the boundaries of the district that gavethe approval. If multiple districts were in-volved, the law intended that a regional charterschool application for each district affectedwould be required. In reality, only one ap-proval is needed before a charter school opens.In most instances, districts have no authorityto access records of the charter school sincethey had not granted the charter. In addition,most school district budgets are set in June ofeach year as required by law. A charter schoolcould open after the budget is set. In such in-stances, a district would have no advancewarning of its financial liability.

The creation of Cyber Schools (deliveryof curriculum via electronic communica-tions) has led to escalation in the problemsinherent with the Charter School Law.

Cyber-Charter Schools may enroll any stu-dent from across the Commonwealth.Disputes have occurred over who has theauthority to monitor and review perfor-mance. Questions have come up as towhether or not a local district (funded bylocal tax dollars) has the right to accessrecords when the district is paying the bill.Furthermore, the funding for cyber schoolsis likely to exceed actual costs incurred.

Other questions regarding Cyber-Char-ter Schools need resolution. Does “virtualattendance” from home count for mandatedschool attendance? Did the Charter SchoolLaw envision only “bricks and mortar”schools? (Since it requires a description ofthe “facility” and limits admission of stu-dents on a “space available” basis.) Shoulda cyber school be required to organize as aregional charter school approved by eachschool district of residence of all enrolledstudents? What types of fiscal and program-matic standards need to be established toensure proper accountability? How can“windfall” profits be prevented?

Legislative and legal relief has been sought.Currently there are two bills before the Gen-eral Assembly. PSBA has proposed that cyberschools either be required to enter into agree-ments with all affected districts or that theseprograms be conducted as a state level initia-tive. In addition, PSBA has filed an amicuscuriae lawsuit seeking clarification of the Char-ter School Law as it pertains to cyber schools.Cyber-Charter School education has the po-tential of negatively impacting every schooldistrict’s budget and subsequently local tax-payers’ pocketbooks. �

Legislative Updatefor the PennsylvaniaSchool Boards AssociationBarbara L. BolasPresident of the PSBA and USC School Board Director

Upper St. Clair Officefficef

Suite 2112581 WW Road

Upper St. Clair,r PAPAP 15241(412) 831-8089

Jeffersonfferson f Hospital OfficefficefSouth Hills Medical Building

Suite 209575 Coal ValleyValley V Road

Jefferson Borough, PAPAP 15025(412) 469-7010

Bethel Park OfficefficefMetro Pr Building

Suite 3002414 LytleL Road

Bethel Park, PAPAP 15102(412) 835-8090

Family Practice MedicalAssociates South

Matthew C. Portz, M.D.

Peter J. Gagianas, M.D.

Louis M. Komer, M.D.

Daniel J. Crable, M.D.

John (Sean) Barrett, M.D.

Richard S. Urban, M.D.

Nupur Dashottar, M.D.

Dawn Minyon-Sarver, D.O.

Jennifer Darkowski, PA-C

Dana Motika, PA-C

Dawn Bocianoski, CRNP

Southpointe OfficeSt. Clair Medical Suite

501 Corporate DriveCanonsburg, PA 15317

(724) 746-3369


40 Years Lending Experience2 Hour Loan ApprovalPurchase and RefinanceResidential and CommercialNo-income LoansAll Credit Types

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Parents are requested to register their kindergarten aged children at the elemen-tary school located in their attendance area. All children five years of age on or beforeSeptember 1, 2002 are eligible to register.

School Area DateStreams ........................................................................................................... Tuesday March 5Baker ........................................................................................................ Wednesday March 6Eisenhower ................................................................................................. Thursday March 7Times for All ....................................................................................... 9-11 a.m., Noon-2 p.m.

A special evening session for all elementary schoolsTuesday, March 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the High School Library.

It is not necessary that the student accompany the parent at this session.

Readiness EvaluationSchool personnel are available to screen students whose parents wish additional

help in making a decision on entrance into kindergarten. Individual dates will be estab-lished during registration.

Special TestingParents of four-year-olds with birth dates between September 2, 1997, and January

31, 1998, may request school personnel to test their child to determine readiness forearly admission to kindergarten. The final decision on a child’s readiness for school willbe made by school personnel.

Admission PeriodsThe admission period for kindergarten is limited to the first two weeks of the school year

unless the child’s family transfers to Upper St. Clair from another school district where thechild was enrolled in a kindergarten program. Questions regarding kindergarten readinessshould be directed to Eloise Stoehr, Director of Pupil Services at 412-833-1600, ext. 2214.

School Health Immunization RegulationsThe Allegheny County Health Departments (ACHD) Board of Health has enacted a

revision to the School Health Immunization Regulations for children in Allegheny County.Beginning in August 2002, all students entering school for the first time at kinder-

garten or first grade must have the following immunizations completed prior to enteringany public, private or parochial school:

• At least four doses of diphtheria/tetanus vaccine(one dose must be on or after the fourth birthday)

• Three doses of polio vaccine• Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine• Two doses of measles vaccine, preferably as MMR vaccine• One dose each of mumps and rubella vaccine, preferably as MMR vaccine• Vericella immunity, either from vaccination, history of having chicken pox or

laboratory testing.

Since 1983, Allegheny County Regulations have allowed provisional status only for stu-dents who transfer from another state. Students transferring from out of state may be enrolledprovisionally provided there is evidence of having received at least one dose of each antigenand provided there is a plan to complete the required immunization within eight months.

Families are encouraged to obtain the needed immunizations from their physicians.However, the ACHD does offer the required vaccines free of charge. To obtain informa-tion about clinic location and times, interested persons should contact the ACHDInfectious Diseases Program at 412-578-8060.

Provisions for this regulation do not apply in cases where extenuating medical orreligious factors are involved. If there is any reason why a child should not be fullyimmunized, parents must submit a physician’s certificate explaining the circumstances.

Parents are also required to provide written documentation if they disapprove ofimmunizations for religious reasons. These documents will be accepted in lieu of acertificate of immunization.

Registration PacketsRegistration packets will be available at each elementary school after February 25,

2002. Parents are encouraged to pick them up during school hours and return thecompleted forms at the time of registration. �

Kindergarten News


Did

You

Know?

Clark Nicklas was named to fill the

School Board vacancy created by Bruce

Gabler who resigned his position this

past summer. Clark is a 23-year resident

of USC. He received a BSME from

Clarkson University and an MBA in

finance from Wayne State University. He

is employed as CEO/owner of Vista

Resources, Inc., a natural gas exploration

and production company.

Tim Olack was recently namedthe USCHS Track Coordinator.He is responsible for overseeingand coordinating the boys’ andgirls’ track and cross countryteams at the High School.He is also responsible totransition Fort Couch’s trackprogram readying its athletes forthe High School sport.Tim continues to coach thegirls’ cross country team.

Meet Dr. Mike Ghilani, ournew Vice Principal/Dean ofStudents at the High School.He’s seen here with students(left to right) Taylor Marsh,Will Clarke, Ryan Jenny, MaryTator and Matt Laukaitis in theHigh School Nutrition Center.Also see an article about Mikeon page 39.

Dr. Sharon Suritsky, Director of

Special Education for the District,

recently received the 2001 Leadership

and Service Award from the Penn State

College of Education Alumni Society.

This award is given to graduates of the

College of Education who demonstrate

service and leadership in their profes-

sions. Congratulations, Sharon!

Congratulations to Fran, Tom andBill! Receiving a “Top Ten” plaqueare USC MS Chairpersons FranMcElroy, USCHS nurse and TomLabanc, Coordinator of CommunityPartnerships and Communicationsfor the District for raising over$7500 for the MS Walk held thispast April.Dr. Pope received a silver medalfor personally raising $2400.Congratulations for your efforts andcommitment to this cause.Dr. Pope was selected as one oftwo National MS Society 2001 AreaIV Achievement Award Recipientsand is one of 12 finalists nationallyfor the 2001 MS NationalAchievement Award.

Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know?

Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know?

Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know?Did You Know?


DidYou

Know?

Cheryl Ellison, Debi Bakowski and Donna Faccenda

Familiar Faces, same great service, different responsibilities at the School DistrictCentral Office (412-833-1600). Cheryl Ellison (ext. 2202) has taken over theresponsibility of School District Central Office receptionist as well as providingsecretarial services for: Thomas Labanc, Coordinator of Community Partnershipsand Communications; Dr. John Bornyas, Director of Middle Level Education/Instructional Principal; Dr. Patricia Dunkis, Director of Elementary Education/Instructional Principal.

Debi Bakowski (ext. 2286) was named secretary for Jean Toner, Director ofHuman Relations. Donna Faccenda (ext. 2218) is the secretary for Dr. CatherineLuke, Deputy Superintendent, and has oversight responsibilities for the District’scurriculum leaders and takes care of permits issued by the School District.

Colleen Knack was namedthe Special EducationCurriculum Leader for theDistrict. Colleen spends hermornings at Fort Couch andis at Central Office in theafternoons.

Sue Hughes was named the

High School Social Studies

Curriculum Leader for the

District. She is seen here with

Patrick Manion who was

promoted from aide to social

studies teacher at the HS.

Did

You

Know?


On October 24, 2001, Eisenhower Elementary School was formally presentedwith the Blue Ribbon Award, a Nationally Recognized School of Excellence, earnedduring the 2000-01 school year. Attending the ceremony in Washington, D.C.,were Eisenhower Principal Patricia Smith, fourth level teacher Nancy Muha andDeputy Superintendent Dr. Catherine Luke. Upon receipt of this award theDistrict, which now flies blue ribbon flags at all of its schools, is among only fiveschool districts in the nation to achieve this honored distinction. �

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Upper St. Clair High School studentswere welcomed to the start of their school year bya new Vice Principal/Dean of Students. Dr. Michael(Mike) Ghilani, Ringold HS Class of 1990, spentten years of study and preparation beyond highschool before accepting this administrative posi-tion in USC. His college education began atWashington and Jefferson where he majored in psy-chology and social studies. This was followed bya master’s degree in school counseling at theUniversity of Pittsburgh in 1996. That same year

Mike began working in the Plum School District as a high schoolcounselor and served as principal of Plum’s evening alternative school.

Duquesne University was the next stop along Mike’s learning path.In the spring of 2000, Mr. Ghilani became Dr. Ghilani having completedhis work in the Doctoral of Education program. With goals and aspira-tions still to achieve, he immediately entered Carnegie Mellon Universityand a year later, earned certification as Principal in the Commonwealthof Pennsylvania. This certification was completed in the EducationalLeadership program at CMU. Within a short ten-year span Mikeacquired nearly every education degree obtainable, proving himselfremarkably ambitious.

For relaxation, Mike likes to hunt, fish and lift weights. We may haveto wait to hear about the “ones that got away,” but his muscular physiqueleads one to believe that he’s achieved success in the fitness department.He is living proof that brains and brawn can, and do, go together.

Mike speaks proudly of his wife, Dana, who is a pharmacist for CVS.What do the Ghilanis do in their spare time? In preparation for the daychildren will join their home, they raise, train, and enjoy three ChineseSharpei dogs.

All the best to Mike and Dana for long and successful careers inUpper St. Clair. �

USCHS WelcomesDr. Mike GhilaniJim Render

Senior Kara Mikula sang the National Anthem beforethe start of the WPIAL Sectional Golf Championships held atSt. Clair Country Club on Monday, September 24. Kara wasinvited to sing by the High School golf team, received a teeshirt and became an honorary member of the team. Kara is amember of both the Pantheon and Chanteclair choirs. �

Left to right: Ted Flynn, assistant boys’ golf coach,Kara Mikula and Jim Fusetti, varsity boys’ golf coach


There are many great treasureshidden in our fair city. One I recentlystumbled onto for children was the Pitts-burgh Civic Light Opera Academy (CLO).When my family went to see the Pittsburghproduction of Beauty and The Beast, myhusband noticed an ad for the children’sacademy in the program. The next morn-ing I was on the phone gathering all sortsof information about the academy’s sum-mer program. It is one of the best phonecalls I ever made!

Once my husband and I decided that theacademy was the right decision for ourdaughter, Amelia, I solicited parents of chil-dren who had expressed an interest in theArts. Before I knew it, we had five childrenfrom the South Hills Area going to camp atthe CLO. Angelina Castelli, Amelia Hanna,Kevin Ridge, and Peter Rosati are all stu-dents at Streams Elementary. Rachel Martinattends school in Peters Township. The par-ents were more than happy to carpoolrealizing that, while busy, we would not behearing, “Mom, I am so bored!” at all thissummer. To top it off, our kids were goingto not only learn about acting, but they weregoing to perform the play Annie from be-ginning to end. All of this was scheduled tobegin in 17 short days!

Then the big phone call came. Wouldthe children be interested in starring withChita Rivera in the upcoming play Casper?Would they ever! It took all of two sec-onds for each one of them to say “yes.”And believe me, you have never seen suchexcited children. They were going to workwith a real star and get a taste of Broadwayand Hollywood all at once. My only ques-tion was, “Where do we sign up?”

Rehearsals got underway in June, dur-ing the last week of school. With a bit oftrepidation, the children entered the acad-emy. I could see panic in their faces, “Whathave we gotten ourselves into?” they said.Everything was abrupt and quick, andwithin an hour the dance and song routinewere memorized. I was amazed at the pro-ficiency of the staff at the CLO and the kidssuddenly felt reassured that this was a ter-rific experience. It is a very seriousorganization where the kids get down tobusiness—nonsense unacceptable.

The week of the show was grueling. Upat 7 a.m. and out the door by 7:45 a.m. torehearse for Annie. The kids got home at 4p.m., only to turn around at 6:45 p.m. andmake their curtain call forty-five minuteslater for Casper. They finally got homearound 11:30 p.m., falling right into bed.Such a schedule would have sent most ofus into a tizzy, but our five kids were elatedand ready for it all. They loved being onstage and enjoyed all of the other actorswho were friendly and warm. Actor PaulTiesler played Casper. He made an effortevery night to spend time with the kids.And then there was Chita!

Like all star struck groupies, the kidswaited after every performance to see Ms.Rivera, get her autograph and take pictureswith her. She was always welcoming andwarm, embracing the children every timeshe saw them. She was so genuine that shecaught me off guard a few times. No won-der why the children sought her out everyperformance. She was as graceful as a but-terfly, both on and off stage and herperformance in Casper was electrifying.

With all professional performances,flexibility is a must. The kids experiencedacts that were cut, costumes that were sud-denly not needed and from this theylearned the art of patience. They also metother children from around the Pittsburgharea, making many unforgettable memo-ries. Most of all, these five children becamegreat friends and isn’t that one of life’s mosthidden treasures? �

Standing: Amelia Hanna and Peter RosatiSitting: Angelina Castelli

Kneeling: Rachel Martin and Kevin Ridge

The Stage Offers GreatRewards for Local KidsKelly Hanna


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A Tribute to a Job Well Done

Mrs. Kathy Robinson

M rs. Robinson puts in many hours a day.R egulating duties in a professional way.S ecretary supreme at Eisenhower School.K nowledge of everything is her special tool.A nswering each question that does arise.T ackling each problem so there is no surprise.H appily conversing with whoever may call.Y ears of experience make her stand tall.R unning errands that never seem to end.O rganizing each thing so they will blend.B right, enthusiastic, accurate and upbeat.I nstilling energy into each person she’ll meet.N ever easing up ’til her work’s finally done.S urely you’ll agree she’s our number one.O penly we’ll tell you one thing that’s so true.N ow you can never leave, for what would we do?

This poem, written for Kathy Robinson, Eisenhower Elementary School secretary,recognizes her dedication to her job. It was written by Jay Walsh, custodian at Eisenhower,and presented to Kathy by the Eisenhower staff.

InMemoriam

Prayers and

Condolences go to

the Families of

Jean Meili,Board of School Directors

1985 to 1993

Dr. Niles NormanSuperintendent

and Supervising Principal

1964 to 1979

Faith SullivanFaith worked for the School District

for 20 years in various capacities

including secretary for the Superintendent

and central office receptionist.

She retired in March 1999.




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The Allegheny LandTrust and the Upper St. ClairCitizens for Land Stewardshipcelebrated at Wingfield Pines property. TheLand Trust is hoping to purchase the 78-acre parcel forpreservation. Artist Nat Youngblood helped unveil six of hispaintings being auctioned to raise funds for the property.Senator Tim Murphy, Representatives Maher and Pippy andmany other interested dignitaries, students and residentsattended the affair. For information, please call 412-831-3289or email us at [email protected] �


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Walk through the doors of the High School at9:20 a.m. on a school day and you may wonder if the age andheight of high school students has dramatically decreased.A 40-pound four-year old eagerly moves around you, scurriesdown the hall and disappears behind a wall into a classroom.Out of curiosity you peek into the room and, to your surprise,find it filled with high school students and young nursery schoolaged children gathering together for learning and playing.

Let me introduce you to the elective: High School Child CareClass. It is made up of Child Care I and Child Care II High Schoolstudents as well as three-year old and four-year old preschool chil-dren. Before the preschoolers enter the classroom, the High Schoolstudents receive a crash course in “everything you need to knowabout the development of the preschool child but were afraid toask.” Beginning the first day when the preschoolers arrive, the pro-gram runs like a typical nursery school program, with free playtime,opening circle time (including calendar, weather and “plans for theday”) planned learning activities, games, music, snack and story time.Daily themes are developmentally appropriate, covering conceptssuch as colors, numbers, holidays and community helpers. Eventslike Beach Day, Western Day, Teddy Bear Picnic, a Mother’s Day teaand the annual trip to the zoo are held throughout the year.

The class is available to High School students in grades tenthrough twelve. While the enrollment is mostly female, severalmale students also take the class each year. The students enjoybeing around children, which is evident upon observation. Manyof the students taking this elective are considering a professionalcareer in child development. Some decide this atmosphere worksfor them while others realize this is not a good career choice. Butall the students agree that they are more equipped and will be farbetter parents after taking this course.

The preschoolers call the students “teachers.” These “teach-ers” are required to prepare bulletin boards, plan activities andteach lessons based on the themes in the curriculum. They alsolead opening circle story time and organize and distribute snacks.They are taught techniques for guiding behavior and are expectedto handle various problems that arise throughout the day. Eachstudent selects one child to observe throughout the school year.In April, nearing the close of the program, a development paperis written describing the child’s physical, motor, social and emo-tional development as well as changes they’ve observed in thatchild during the year. “The biggest difference between our

preschool and other preschool programs is the High Schoolstudents,” said Mrs. Karen Momeyer, the Family and ConsumerScience teacher at the High School in charge of this program.“They [the students] have so much fun with the young children,actually developing strong bonds of friendship.”

The following are some comments from a few of the childcare students:

Lindsay Burke—“I want to be a child care and development major incollege. Before this class I wasn’t sure, but now I know that it’s for me.”

Stephanie Murray—“I have learned about their (the children’s) dif-ferent levels of ability, all about their favorite things and their families.”

Alyssa Remington (talking about planning a lesson)—“Eventhough the topic may not be hard, it’s tough to explain it in simpleways so that the kids will understand.”

Julia Hoffman—“I learned that patience is the number one key withchildren.”

Mike Boss—“As the year went on I became very close to a lot of thechildren and I will miss all of them.”

Katie Martin—“I love working with the little kids. It’s such a goodfeeling when you realize that you’re helping them to learn and grow.”

Kristen Hupp (the most memorable time)—“The zoo field tripwas great because I was able to really interact closely with the kids.I had a sense of responsibility which made me see how challengingchildren can be to take care of.”

The program debuted at the High School in 1985. “Over theyears I have seen many of the children I taught in preschool againwhen they reach ninth grade,” said Karen. “I currently have thechildren of former teachers enrolled in the program. I believestrongly in preparing future parents for the most important jobthey will ever have. Most new parents have a limited concept ofwhat to expect from children, what is normal development, aswell as how to guide them to desired behaviors,” she added.

This program enables the students to learn all of this. Theadded benefit of this program allows these students the opportu-nity to teach others as well. The positive results are apparent.Stand clear in the halls of the High School as the eager preschoolersquickly make their way to “their” classroom excited for whatthey are about to learn today. �

Spring 2001 Child Care II Class with the four-year oldsSpring 2001 Child Care I Class with the three-year olds

A Place Where Students Are Teachers


Bobbi Leskovich, the Spanish teacherat Baker Elementary, initiated an overseaspen pal correspondence five years ago be-tween students in the District and studentsfrom Salinas, Spain. In 1997 Bobbi took asix month sabbatical, traveled to Salinas,met Principal and English teacher MiguelRodriguez and formulized the pen pal ex-change. Last year over 125 students fromFort Couch’s IB program under the direc-tion of Fort Couch Spanish teacher ConnieMontgomery and Pam Petrarca’s fourthlevel room, Rosie Cross’ third level roomand Pam Dillie’s second level room at BakerElementary enjoyed corresponding withstudents from Salinas.

Students not only shared letters but alsoexchanged music, small holiday packages,personal photos, magazines and email.“Our students wrote in English and their

Holding the Spanish flags (the Castrillon School District flag,Spain’s national flag and the Asturias Province flag) given toUSC by Mayor Francisco Arias of Castrillon are Katie Riley,

Mrs. Bobbi Leskovich, Steve Yanoskyand Mrs. Connie Montgomery.

Hello faculty and students of Manuel Alvarez Iglesias!

Dear friends:

I think about all of you often and I have very fond memories

of my visit to your school last year. I hope that with our

continued correspondence I will have the opportunity to visit

your school again.

My students are so happy with their pen pals! Your letters have

brought them a lot of joy! This has been such a wonderful

learning experience for us all! I find it very difficult to

believe that it has been five years since we have been writing

to our friends in Salinas. And, I hope that we will continue our

letter exchange for many years to come.

All My Love,

Bobbi Leskovich

USC Pen Pals Go Overseaspen pals wrote back in Spanish,”said Connie. “The students en-joyed reading the letters written inthe foreign language they arestudying, truly understandingwhat they’d read,” she added. “Thewhole program has been excitingand beneficial to every studentinvolved and we hope to continueit for many years to come,”said Bobbi.

Last year Bobbi had the oppor-tunity to visit Salinas again, talkwith students from the corre-

sponding school and meet the town’smayor. As a gesture of kindness she waspresented with three Spanish flags from themayor to take back home with her. Theseflags are currently displayed at Fort CouchSchool. Bobbi presented their mayor withthree flags from our country: our nation’sflag, our state flag and our District flaggiven by Senator Tim Murphy, Represen-tative John Maher and Dr. Tim Steinhauer,principal of Fort Couch.

The following letter from Bobbi waspublished in the Colegio Publico De Sali-nas 2000-01 yearbook from the ManuelAlvarez Iglesias School in Salinas. Bobbiand Connie are photographed on the coverof this wonderful yearbook. Behind themis the United States flag, formed in theshape of our country. �


On August 15 and 16, 2001,middle school staff members from UpperSt. Clair School District offered a MiddleLevel Institute for the induction of newmiddle school administrators and teach-ers from school districts in AlleghenyCounty. Because of a successful grant pro-posal written by Dr. John Bornyas, Directorof USC Middle Level Education, the FrickFund of the Buhl Foundation providedfunds for establishing what should now bean annual institute. Seventy-five educatorsfrom fifteen school districts attended thetwo-day workshop.

The themes covered during the Institutewere predicated on the PennsylvaniaDepartment of Education’s (PDE) recom-mendation for effective middle school staffdevelopment and scholarly research pub-lished by the National Middle SchoolAssociation (NMSA). The PDE recom-mends that staff development (1) increaseadministrators’ and teachers’ understandingof the developmental needs of youngadolescence, (2) enable educators toprovide challenging, developmentallyappropriate curriculum that engagestudents in integrative ways of thinking, and(3) prepare teachers to use research-basedteaching strategies appropriate to theirlearning objectives and students. The NMSAreports, “accumulating evidence suggeststhat, when the essential elements of an ex-emplary middle school are thoroughly andeffectively implemented, the outcomes arealmost always positive.”

In accordance with these goals, vari-ous Boyce and Fort Couch School staffmembers researched and presented

Middle Level Institute—Keeping the Candle LitDr. Clark Remington, Coordinator of Special Projectsfor USC Middle Schools

A group of attendees in a breakout work session.

sessions on the middleschool philosophy, teaming,age characteristics, instruc-tional techniques, advisertime and interdisciplinaryinstruction. Additionally,principals from the Pennsyl-vania Middle SchoolAssociation (PMSA) partici-pated in a roundtablediscussion on bullying,scheduling, developingteacher leaders and parent

participation for new middle school ad-ministrators.

Keynote remarks were made by Dr.Connie Moss, Director of the Center for Ad-vancing the Study of Teaching and Learningat Duquesne University, and Dr. KenBorland, the Executive Director of PMSA.With a humorous and light touch Dr. Mossaddressed the various roles teachers needto play in 21st century schools. Dr. Borlandimpressed on the attendees that goodschools design their programs based onwhat is best for kids, not what is easy.

Pennsylvania is somewhat unique inthe United States because it does not offera specialized middle school teacher certi-fication. Therefore, most Pennsylvaniacolleges and universities do not provideprograms for undergraduates who wish topursue a career in middle level education.The Institute was designed to fill this needfor specially trained middle leveleducators. Post-institute evaluations byparticipants cited the paucity of availabletraining and indicated very favorablethoughts regarding the value of the Insti-tute. One local school district principalcommented on his way out, “Good forUpper St. Clair for keeping the candle lit!”

A new grant proposal is being preparedand plans are already being made for thenext Institute. The 2002 Upper St. ClairMiddle Level Institute will have an induc-tion level and an advanced level.Collaborations with the PMSA andDuquesne University will continue withhopes for additional participation from theSouth Hills School District Association(SHASDA) and our local PTA. �


Upper St. Clair School District’sOpen Mike originated in the late 1970s,a take-off from KDKA radio personality,Mike Levine’s Open Mike talk show. Mr.Levine would encourage his listeners to callin and talk about various topics over theairwaves. His listeners loved the idea andOpen Mike soon became a popular talkshow, focusing on the exchange of ideasand thoughts.

And so launched the idea of Open Mikein USC when Dr. Robert Furman, theprincipal of Baker Elementary School, ad-vanced this idea to our school system.He applied the philosophies used inMr. Levine’s talk show to encourage paren-tal involvement in the School District.He established informal gatherings withBaker parents to discuss various topics ofinterest. He held these meetings in thehomes of the school’s families, an inviting,non-threatening environment.

The Open Mike was so successful atBaker that it soon was introduced to theDistrict’s two other elementary schools.When Dr. Furman later became principalat Boyce he carried this program with him,introducing it to the fifth and sixth levelmiddle school. Fort Couch Middle Schooleventually picked it up in the 1980s whenformer principal Tom Harshman realizedthe program’s benefits. It continues toflourish at all of these schools today.

So what’s an Open Mike anyway? Ac-cording to Dr. Tim Steinhauer, principal atFort Couch Middle School, “It’s a tradition

where administrators and teachers go intoparents’ homes and discuss items of gen-eral interest with a group of parents. I ama true believer in the Open Mike. Goinginto the community is a great way for meto get my message out. It provides an openforum whereby we receive both construc-tive criticism and positive feedback fromour parents.”

“The Open Mike is an extremely effec-tive communication vehicle,” said StreamsElementary School Principal Beverly Krill.“These sessions provide parents the abil-ity to discuss general issues and to askquestions they are curious about. With aconversational approach, not a presenta-tion, peers are more supportive of eachother allowing for open discourse.”

Open Mike focuses on instructional is-sues and general “life of the school” topics.It does not deal with specific issues. Par-ticular issues, which are better handled in

a one-on-one situation, are not part of theprogram. Seasoned school age parents aswell as parents entering the School Districtfor the first time attend these sessions. “Amix of lots of questions from our noviceparents added to questions from those par-ents with more experience in our schoolsmakes for interesting and informative dis-cussions,” said Mrs. Krill.

Open Mike, a PTA sponsored activity,is certainly well attended. Fort Couch andStreams continue to hold these discussiongroups in the parents’ homes. Fort Couchconducts a total of six Open Mikes per year,

What’s An Open Mike?

Left to right: Barb Lloyd, Tom Keil, Aggie Scarton, Patty Marsolino, Dr. Tim Steinhauer—principal,Paulette Godla, Temma Lipsitz and Cindy Cafaro met in a family’s home.


devoting one for each of the six teams atthe school. “We get about a dozen parentsattending each session and have always hadgood results,” said Dr. Steinhauer. Baker,Eisenhower and Boyce Schools hold theirsessions at their schools or at the USCRecreation Center and Library classroomsto accommodate attendance. Boyce holdsfour discussions per year, with the wintersession focusing on sensitive issues whereschool counselors are present to helpanswer parents’ questions.

The fall and spring sessions get up toone hundred persons per session. Thesesessions are devoted to answering ques-tions about academic choices and generalcurriculum. “This is not a duplication ofthe middle school orientation,” stated Dr.John Bornyas, Director of Middle LevelEducation in Upper St. Clair. “We get par-ents who want general knowledge aboutthe options available to the students andthe Open Mike is a great two way commu-nication tool.”

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Pride and WearYour Colors!

Upper St. Clair Panther clothingis available for sale at

the High School bookstore.

Choose from screened T-shirts toembroidered shirts and sweaters.

Stop in at the bookstoreto see our selection, or call

412-833-1600, ext. 2265.

Various approaches to promoting theOpen Mike are used at the differentschools. Promotional methods includeemail contact, backpack reminders andnotices mailed directly to the students’homes.

Open Mikes are not a part of highschool life. The active Parents AdvisoryCommittee (PAC) and the Parent TeacherStudent Organization (PTSO) meet theneeds of parents, students and adminis-trators at this level, taking over where theOpen Mike leaves off.

School District administration and par-ents both view the Open Mike sessions atthe elementary and middle school levelsas extremely beneficial. Whether they areheld in parents’ homes or at another loca-tion, they have certainly stood the test oftime, successfully promoting the open ex-change of ideas. The Open Mike helpsanswer those curious questions all parentsof young school age children have. �


The Upper St. Clair High School yearbook,the Clairvoyant, is taking orders from businesspatrons. Businesses can purchase up to threelines of text that will be placed near the indexof the book. Over 1100 copies of last year’saward-winning Clairvoyant were sold toUpper St. Clair students and local businesses.For more information, please contactSheila Bartlett in the Activities Officeat 412-833-1600, extension 2264.

Early Childhood Development Center (ext. 211)• For children 6 weeks to 5 years

Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm,with flexible scheduling options

• Kindergarten enrichmentmornings or afternoons

Clubhouse After-School Care (ext. 204)• For children in grades K to 6

Monday through Friday until 6 pm • Swimming, gym, arts & crafts,

homework time and more

Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

412/278-1975345 Kane Boulevard(off Bower Hill Road)

Everyone welcome!

The Upper St. Clair High School Class of 1971 toured the High School aspart of their 30th reunion weekend held this past August. For many of the classmates,this was their first opportunity to tour the new facility. During the reunion dinner, heldat South Pointe Country Club, much of the conversation not only recollected fondmemories, but also centered on the new school. Thanks to Barb Stuckert Rahr of theReunion Committee who coordinated these efforts. �

30th Reunion Weekend

jk

k

UU

School District Snow Delay and ClosingsCall 412-854-5353k

Promote Your Business

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Don’t wait!Orders must be received immediately and will be acceptedon a first come first serve basis. Thank you for your support.

TheClairvoyant

INFO LINE

The Pennsylvania School Press Association (PSPA) awarded USCHS twoKeystone awards for two of its publications. The St. Clarion, the High School’s

student newspaper and the Clairvoyant, the High School’s yearbook, both earnedPSPA award for outstanding publications. Congratulations to all those involved!


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Pam Swaneysums up her almost life-time commitment toballet in a single word—“passion!” A senior atUpper St. Clair HighSchool and the daughter ofGerri and Bob Swaney, Pamperformed professionally atan early age with the Pittsburgh BalletTheatre, where she danced the lead role ofMary in their production of The Nutcracker.

She has spent her summers studying onscholarship with BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio,the Chautauqua Institute and School ofAmerican Ballet in New York City. Jugglingdance and maintaining a 4.0 GPA is not an easytask. She would like to dance professionally aftershe graduates, but she maintains “Plan B”—college where she will continue to dance.

Pam performs the role of Sugar Plum Fairyin Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company’s produc-tion of The Nutcracker. Other USC residentsperforming are: Holland Banse, Eva Bernabo,Shannon Biery, Mallory Blonski, Carly Blonski,Lauren Brune, Brenna Carse, Madison Chafin,Maria Jeannette Daurora, Lydia De La Parra,Allison Evans, Talia Fontana, Mira Fontana,Molly Gallager, Morgan Guarino, BrittanyHartman, Mary Holcomb, Gwen Howell,Lindsey Johnston, Katie Kitner, Tiffany Kitner,Deanna Klimas, Sarah Maclachlan, StephanieMaloney, Hillary Maloney, Kathryn Miller,Megan Norris, Ashley Pearson, Hilary Quinn,Carolina Robinson, Kendall Robinson, JillianSchepis, Dana Siegel, Krishangi Srivastava,Elizabeth Tseng, Danielle Von Waldow,Mackenzie Weber, Katie White and MadisonYanosky. Pittsburgh Youth Ballet is under thedirection of Director Jean Gedeon.

Their popular Nutcracker runs fromDecember 6-9 at Upper St. Clair Theatre. �

Tickets can be purchasedby calling 412-835-1335

or visit the website at www.pybco.com.

Dancinga Dream

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Let’s Learn AboutThe Commonwealthof Pennsylvania

State Animal: Whitetail DeerThe early settlers of Pennsylvania de-

pended on this deer to feed and clothethem year round. These deer continue toroam today in the state’s forests.

State Beverage: MilkThis symbol is a fitting honor to one of

the state’s leading farm products. It alsogives praise to dairy cows, which each pro-duce 62 glasses of milk daily.

State Bird: Ruffed GrouseSometimes called the partridge; this

plump, red-brown bird with feathery legswas once a main source of food for earlyPennsylvania settlers.

State Dog: Great DaneThis dog was a hunting and working dog

in the very early days of Pennsylvania.

State Fish: Brook TroutOver 4000 miles of cold water streams

form the natural habitat of this fish, theonly trout native to Pennsylvania.

State FlagAuthorized by the General Assembly in

1799, the state flag is fringed in gold with thecoat of Arms embroidered on a field of blue.

State Flower: Mountain LaurelIn mid-June, every sunny mountainside

in the state is beautifully painted in pinkpastel. These flowers delighted the wife ofone of the past governors, who then de-clared it as the state flower.

State Fossil: Phacops RanaA specific type of trilobite, a small sea

creature. Phacops Rana means “frog eyes”because of the large holes for the eyes onthe fossil.

State Insect: FireflyThese are the “lightning bugs” that

Pennsylvanians know to brighten a stillsummer night.

State Ship: United States Brig NiagaraThis ship was important in the War of

1812. It defeated a British ship in the battleof Lake Erie.

State Tree: HemlockMany early pioneers in Pennsylvania

felt better protected from bad weatherinside log cabins made from this tree.

Are you a Pennsylvania native? Or have you migrated herefrom another location? Below are some interesting tidbits of informationto impress your families and friends, near or far.

“Pennsylvania”This official song of the state was designated in 1990. It is used for all public purposes.

Verse 1 Verse 2Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania

Mighty is your name. Blessed by God’s own hand.Steeper in glory and tradition. Birthplace of a mighty nation.

Object of acclaim. Keystone of the land.Where brave men fought the foe of freedom. Where brave men fought the foe of freedom.

Tyranny decried. Freedom to proclaim.’Til the bell of independence May the voices of tomorrow,

Filled our countryside. Glorify your name.

Chorus ChorusPennsylvania, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania.

May your future be, May your future be,filled with honor everlasting filled with honor everlasting

as your history. as your history.

Pennsylvania has many official “mascots.” Each of the symbols is connected to his-tory or pays honor to a native species or product that is very important to Pennsylvania’seconomy.


Background• Pennsylvania was settled in 1643.• Philadelphia was the state capital during the Revolutionary War.• York was the first capital of the United States.• Pennsylvania means Penn’s Woods.• Nickname: Keystone State• Motto: “Virtue, Liberty and Independence”• Area: 44,888 square miles (32nd largest state in the nation)• Population: Approximately 12 million (fifth in the nation)• State Representatives: 203• State Senators: 50• U.S. Representatives: 21• U.S. Senators: 2• Adopted original state constitution: September 28, 1776• Adopted revised constitution: 1790, revised again: 1968 (currently in use)

Geography• Capital: Harrisburg• Counties: 67• Lakes: 256 natural, 2324 manmade• State Parks: 114, State Forests: 20

Pennsylvania Firsts• First hospital, first library, first zoo, first newspaper, first nation’s capital,

first all-motion picture theater, first television broadcast, first educationalpublic television station, first radio station (KDKA in 1920), first papermill, first druggist, first high-speed multi-lane highway—The PennsylvaniaTurnpike, first locomotive for railroad use

Agriculture• Farms: 55,535, Farmland: 9 million acres• Agricultural product sales: $2.85 billion• Leading farm products: dairy products, mushrooms, apples, tobacco, grapes,

peaches and cut flowers.

This informational article was adapted from “A student’s guide to Pennsylvania…its history and its government” booklet prepared by the Senate of Pennsylvania toteach about the many things that our great state has to offer.

Pennsylvania Fun Facts

Pennsylvania’s State Flag is more of a square than a rectangle. It is composed of a blue field on which theState Coat of Arms is embroidered. Draft horses are on either side of the coat of arms and the American

eagle rests on the top. The scroll at the bottom reads Virtue, Liberty and Independence.


Upper St. Clair traditionally glows on Christmas Evewith the lighting of Luminaria. For many years this display hasdrawn people from far and wide to enjoy our candlelit streets.Talk to anyone who grew up in USC and they’ll tell you what amagical sight Christmas Eve can be!

The tradition began in this country in the southwest manyyears ago. The candles burning in paper bags symbolize the shep-herds’ fires on that first Christmas Eve, lighting the way toBethlehem. Over the years they have come to represent warmth,peace, and friendliness. Some residents find that lightingLuminaria is a festive way to welcome in the New Year as well.

For the past thirty years the USC High School Band ParentsAssociation has sold Luminaria kits. Originally one gentleman,representing the Northern Home Owners Association, was incharge of Luminaria for the entire community. The project was ajoint effort with the USC Hockey Club.

The candles, bags and sand are delivered to homes on the secondSaturday of December. All proceeds from the sale go to the MusicDepartment students at Upper St. Clair High School. By preparingthe kits, shoveling sand, and assisting with delivery, the musicians,auxiliaries, and choral students earn money for their annual springMusic Festival trips. This year they’re off to Disneyworld in Orlando!

The sale is underway now. To order, please clip and mail theorder form. Fliers will not be sent through the mail. All ordersare due by November 30th. Kits and sand will be delivered onSaturday, December 8th.

The Luminaria Committee is co-chaired by Ellen and RobLangley, Barbara and Jim Timlin, and Kathy and Tom Donoghue.

To order luminaria kits consisting of 12 long burning candles,12 paper bags and a bag of sand, please cut out and complete theorder form below. The USC High School Music Department stu-dents will deliver your kit, along with instructions, on Saturday,December 8th. Orders are due to the address listed below byNovember 30th.

To help you estimate how many kits you will need, bags arenormally placed three feet apart along the edge of your property.

USC Band Parents Luminaria Sale—A Township Tradition

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Zip: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Number of Kits _______ x $7 per kit = $ _______Total Enclosed

Make check payable to: USC Band Parents AssociationMail to: USC Band Parents Association

2354 Rexford Drive, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Orders are due by November 30th.*

* Orders received after November 30th must be picked up at the USC Recreation Center by noon on Saturday, December 8th.

Luminaria Kit Order Form

They are also a very attractive lining for driveways and sidewalks.The cost of a kit is $7. Questions should be directed to EllenLangley, Luminaria Committee Chair, at 412-221-5657.

Thank you for supporting the students! �



Township of Upper St. ClairFrank E. MarshPresident, Ward 5

Day 412-831-9000Evening 724-941-6244

Robert W.OrchowskiVice President, Ward 3

Day 412-831-9000Evening 412-854-1868

Gloria SmithWard 2

Day 412-831-9000Evening 412-833-1284

Edward S. LongWard 1

Day 412-831-9000Evening 412-257-5197

Cheryl S. BayneWard 4

Day 412-831-9000Evening 412-831-5814

Brad TupiAt Large

Day 412-831-9000Evening 412-831-2575

Bill BatesAt Large

Day 412-831-9000Evening 412-257-8115

Highlights of theBoard of Commissioners MeetingsThe regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners takes place on the first Monday of eachmonth in the Board of Commissioners meeting room in the Township Municipal Building.

All business regarding the operation of the Township is conducted, and citizens are invitedto comment on any Township matters. Complete Board minutes can be found at the Libraryor on the website at www.twpusc.org. For more information, please call 412-831-9000.

Meeting Dates

• The Board of Commissioners meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.The regular public meeting is held the first Monday of the month in the Board Room.The informational and general affairs meeting is held the last Monday of the monthin the Board Conference Room.

• The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

• Parks and Recreation Board meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.;no meeting in December.

• Zoning Hearing Board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m.

• Civil Hearing Board meets as needed.

• Building/Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board meets as needed.

For more information or specific dates, call the Township Office at 412-831-9000or see the website www.twpusc.org.

June 4, 2001Approximately 22 people attended.

RecognitionsCommissioner Tupi presented:

• A Certificate of Achievement to members of theUpper St. Clair High School Boys’ Soccer Team forcapturing the 2000-2001 WPIAL Championship.Seven members of the team were present for therecognition. A Proclamation to the Upper St. ClairHigh School Girls’ Tennis Team for capturing the2000-2001 State and WPIAL Championships.

• Certificates of Achievement to the Upper St. ClairHigh School Girls’ Golf Team for capturing the2000-2001 WPIAL Championship.

• Certificates of Achievement to the Upper St. ClairHigh School Boys’ Golf Team in recognition of itsWPIAL Championship.

• A Proclamation for Bobby MacWhinnie, recognizinghis PIAA Boys’ Golf State Championship victory.

A Proclamation was presented for attainment ofEagle Scout rank to:

• Edward John Disantis presented by CommissionerOrchowski.

• Chad Alexander Thompson presented byCommissioner Long.Their Scout Master, Dave Barker, was present toreceive the Proclamations.

Approval of ContractTownship Manager Douglas Watkins stated that atthe initial meeting for the design of the Environmen-tal Education Center (EEC), the Board approved anamount of $240,000 for this project. The action beingrequested from the Board at this time is to completethe contractual approval in the amount of $890,000,of which $240,000 had been previously approved.

Mr. Watkins provided a breakdown of the EEC ar-chitectural design contract with Davis & Gannon for$890,000:

Basic Services ............................................ $540,000Additional Services ..................................... 290,000Reimbursable Expenses ................................ 60,000

$890,000

The Board approved the EEC architectural designcontract with Davis & Gannon for $890,000.

Other BusinessCommissioner Marsh invited all present to attend thetown meeting conducted by WPXI-TV on Tuesday,June 5, 2001, at the High School at 7:30 p.m.

RecognitionsMrs. Tracey Buckman, President of the USC Citizensfor Land Stewardship, announced that the Townshipof Upper St. Clair and the USC Citizens for Land Stew-ardship were recognized at the 2001 Governor’s AwardCeremony for Watershed Stewardship recently heldin Harrisburg. She and Mr. Walter Jarosh, Superin-tendent of Buildings and Grounds/Forester for theTownship, accepted the award presented for the Wa-tershed Partnership category for the combined effortsof the Township and the USC Citizens for Land Stew-ardship to watershed restoration and environmentalprotection. She also stated that Senator Tim Murphyprovided a Senatorial Citation for this recognition.Mrs. Buckman further stated that she would like toacknowledge Mr. Thomas Page, who had a tremen-dous amount to do with initiating this particularprogram. Mrs. Buckman presented the Governor’s

July 2, 2001Approximately 20 people attended.


Township of Upper St. Clair DepartmentTelephone Extension Directory

412-831-9000216 Township Manager’s Office218 Department of Finance219 Assistant Township Manager’s Office226 Tax Office228 Tax Office238 Police Administration248 Township Library256 Department of Recreation257 Department of Information Technology501 Department of Planning and Community Development271 Department of Public Works

The Board:• Moved to continue the public hearing Re. PLC01-09—

St. Clair Woods Apartments (Formerly PaintersPlaza Apartments) Tentative Approval PRD toSeptember 4, 2001 for the purpose of taking stafftestimony.

• Adopt Resolution No. 1406 to authorize the filingof an application with the Allegheny CountyDepartment of Economic Development for a grantto cover 100 percent of the cost to construct apatio covering to extend from the outer wall ofthe kitchen at the Recreation Center.

• Moved to establish September 4, 2001 as the publichearing date for the 2002-2006 Capital ImprovementProgram. �

Award and Senatorial Citation for Watershed Stew-ardship to the Board.

Commissioner Marsh expressed the Board’s appre-ciation for the efforts of Mrs. Buckman and the otherindividuals who have been instrumental in bringingthis success to the Township.

The Board:• Adopted Bill No. 8-01 granting unified conditional

use/preliminary and final land development planapproval to Sunrise of Upper St. Clair Plan, subjectto certain modifications and conditions.

• Adopted Bill No. 9-01 to grant final planneddevelopment approval to the Boyce Road SelfStorage facility, to be known as Rent-A-SpaceSouth, subject to certain conditions.

• Approved an extension of time Re. PLC00-09—Upper St. Clair High School Stadium Expansionand Communications Antenna to July 3, 2002.

• Enacted Bill No. 10-01 to adopt a schedule ofattorney fees in connection with the collection ofreal estate tax claims and liens and other municipalclaims, pursuant to Act 1 of 1996.

• Adopted Resolution No. 1405 to adopt a proposedamendment to the Articles of Incorporation of theMunicipal Authority of the Township of UpperSt. Clair (the “Authority”) extending its term ofexistence through the year 2051.

Other Business• Mr. Watkins stated that the Township will once

again be sponsoring fireworks with Bethel Parkat South Hills Village on Wednesday, July 4 andencouraged all residents to attend.

• Commissioner Marsh stated that the nextEnvironmental Education Center ProjectDevelopment Committee meeting would be heldon Tuesday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. and encouragedresidents to attend the meeting and becomeinvolved in this project.

August 6, 2001Approximately 15 people attended.

Dek Hockey Grand Opening at Johnston Park!Bring your hockey stick, roller blades and nets and join the fun!

Township Commissioners and Officials helped celebrate the opening.Front row: Recreation Board member Tom Browand, Commissioners Gloria Smith and Cheryl Bayne,

Recreation Board Chairman Ray Gergich and Commissioner Brad Tupi.Back row: Commissioner Ed Long, Assistant Manager Mark Mansfield, Commissioner Bob Orchowski,

Township Manager Doug Watkins, Ron Pardini from Public Works Department and Director of Recreationand Leisure Services Paul Besterman.

License plates are available in the Department of Recreation and LeisureServices for $5. They are also great gifts for newcomers or neighbors moving.

Show your pride in Upper St. Clair!


Critical Incident ManagementThe Upper St. Clair Police Department received an $8,500 grant from thePennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Training and Education Commission (MPOTEC)to train police officers in “Critical Incident Management and Community Prepared-ness.” The Department formulated an “Unusual Occurrence Manual” in 1989 and updatesthe plan every two years. The Department also participates in the Allegheny CountyEmergency Management Team. Over the last twelve years Department officers havereceived training in Critical Incident Management and received certification from thestate of Pennsylvania as instructors. No community is immune from such incidents. Weneed to look no further than the terrorist attack of September 11th on New York Cityand Washington, D.C., the mass murders in schools across the country or those com-mitted by Ronald Taylor in Wilkinsburg and Richard Baumhammers in Mt. Lebanon.

The Upper St. Clair Police Department hosted three weeks of 40-hour training, fromSeptember 10-28, 2001, to fifty-seven police officers in Allegheny and Washington Coun-ties. The courses included instruction and mock exercises in, but not limited to, SchoolViolence, Terrorist Activity, Major Crimes, Natural Disasters, Hazardous Materials andsimilar incidents. Officers were also certified in multiple weapons, rapid deployment,self-defense and emergency vehicle operation. �

Upper St. ClairPolice Department

The Police Department is alerting residents of aCanadian based sweepstakes scam now in the area. Elderly resi-dents especially are cautioned to avoid falling for the come-on,which promises a large cash prize.

In a typical scenario, a resident is contacted by phone bysomeone claiming to be a representative of a large Canadiansweepstakes. The intended victim is told that they have won asizeable cash prize. The “official” then informs the victim thatthe winnings can be collected as soon as applicable taxes andfees are paid in advance. Instructions are given to wire the fees(usually several thousand dollars) through Western Union to avague site in Quebec Province.

Unfortunately, some individuals have been saddened to findout that no prize money was forthcoming after they had wiredmoney across the border.

In addition to Upper St. Clair, similar reports are known toexist in Bethel Park and Mt. Lebanon. Efforts have been madeto refer the investigation to the appropriate authorities but theoperation continues to prey on innocent individuals.

Be wary of any such contacts and report all incidents to thePolice Department at 412-833-7500. �

Scam Alert! Beware!

Dear Upper St. Clair Residents,

I would like to extend my compliments to the Upper St. Clair Police Department and their chief.Chief Pardini and others from the department recently held training for USC and other areapolice officers. Many significant subjects that affect today’s communities and their police officerswere addressed.

I was one of the privileged officers who participated. The instruction was presented in a profes-sional, productive and hospitable manner, which is uncommon in today’s society.Every area officer who participated took valuable knowledge back to his home police depart-ment. In effect, public and officer safety has been enhanced in those communities.The citizens of Upper St. Clair should be proud that they have such a fine police department. Notonly is USC made safer by their efforts, but other communities are affected as well. In as much,Upper St. Clair Police Department should be looked upon as an example of what cooperativeand mutual commonwealth policing should be. There is strength in numbers.God Bless America!

Respectfully yours,

Joseph LaMonicaRoss Township Police Department

Lt. John Sakoian

Lt. Jim Englert


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The fall and spring are the bestplanting times for trees. Nurseriesfrequently offer fall sales to clear theirstocks before winter. Before making a spon-taneous decision to plant a tree, spendtime considering how the tree will add toyour landscape 20 or 50 yearsfrom now.

Many factors should beconsidered before choos-ing the best tree for youryard. What purpose willthe tree serve? Is the treeto provide beauty, shade,windbreak or screening,or will it mark a bound-ary line? Evaluate thespatial area where the treewill be planted to determinebuilding locations, overhead power linelimitations, sidewalks, driveways, and un-derground utilities, especially the sewersystem. Consider the soil characteristics,slope, drainage and sun exposure. Make arough sketch showing the space that thetree canopy and root system can occupyin the future, and include measurements.

You have created an imaginary box foryour tree to occupy, noting a width andheight. Trees vary in mature height andshape. Tree crowns may be rounded, pyra-midal, vase-shaped, broad (wider thantall), layered, weeping, oval (taller thanwide) or shrubby. Research the size of themature tree that will fit within the spatiallimitations of your box. You can do this bylooking through books, consulting nurs-ery professionals or by looking aroundyour neighborhood to see similar maturetrees. Choose those desirable trees thatexplode into dazzling fall color or brilliantspring blossoms, provided they fit the box,meet the criteria and compliment thehouse and existing landscaping.

In selecting a tree species, it is impor-tant to know its hardiness, primarily itsability to withstand local winter tempera-tures, along with insect and diseaseproblems. Environmental limitations suchas temperature, moisture, soil, light, orplant competition are more likely to affectplant growth than insects or diseases. En-sure that the tree you choose is suited tothe established hardiness zone of yourplanting site. Species vary in their need forwater; some grow in relatively dry sites,

Tree SelectionWalter Jarosh

while others tolerate wet soils or floodedconditions. Soils low in pH (acidity) mayhave reduced nutrient availability, whichcan result in chlorosis (yellowing due toiron deficiency) of susceptible species.

Consider if the tree is to be ever-green or deciduous, then

consider the size and im-pact of the annualleaf clean up. Look atcharacteristics of barkshedding, limb break-age, root sproutingand fruit production.Consider the impact

of the tree on neighbor-ing properties.

The true test of yourdecision may not be

known for 20 or 50 years. You havedone a good tree-planting job if:

• The roots are not in the lateral sewer.• Sidewalk and driveway are not raised

from tree roots.• Gutters are not clogged from leaves,

stems or fruits (like acorns).• Pool is not shaded or filled with leaves.

Consider the neighbor’s pool too!• Tree limbs are not obstructing stop

signs, roadways, or intersections.• Tree limbs are not growing into overhead

utility lines.• Sprouts and suckers are not overtaking

adjoining planting areas.• Future winds should not find folks

cowering in the house fearful that a treewill crash through the roof, or lyingawake as tree limbs scratch and beat atthe house.

In general, avoid weeping willows, silvermaples and poplars due to their size, weak-ness, and ability to seek out water sourcesand clog sewers. Do not plant cottonwood,Osage orange, or female ginkgo trees, becauseof their fruit, cotton, size, or smell.

Ask the right questions, seek factualinformation and weigh the negatives todetermine the best tree to plant in yourimaginary spatial box. �

Information is available fromWalter Jarosh, Township Forester

at 412-831-9000 or [email protected].

FloodProtection

InformationCheck our website:

usctwp.orgor call

Community Developmentat 412-831-9000,extension 501.


lPlease Do NOT Call the Public Works Department!

Winter Storm Emergencies

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Info Line 412-854-5353www.twpusc.org

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6.The Township cannot recommendcontractors or companies that provideprivate snow removal. Please refer tothe Verizon Yellow Pages.

7.The Township receives numerouscalls regarding sidewalks not beingadequately maintained during heavysnow periods. Sidewalks withunshoveled snow may cause problemsfor residents, school children, mailcarriers, delivery persons, etc. Chapter109 of the Township Code states thatthe standard removal time of snowand ice from sidewalks is withintwelve hours after the snow or ice hasceased to fall or be formed. There areseveral Township-owned sidewalksthat are posted “No WinterMaintenance” and are not coveredunder this ordinance.

8.Please keep fire hydrants clear ofsnow. They are for your safety.

Public Works SnowRemoval—How It Works

The Public Works Department is on call24 hours a day to help residents with snowremoval emergencies and related situa-tions. During severe snow situations whereplowing is needed, the main state andTownship roads have priority, which insome cases require residential roadways tobe designated secondary priority.

Some considerations regarding thesnow removal services that you receive asa resident of USC:1.The Public Works Department must

be alert to air temperatures and roadsurface temperatures. Sodium chloride(rock salt) is effective to about 23degrees F. At temperatures below 23degrees, road surfaces will requireadditions of liquid calcium chloride.Traffic causes rock salt to act morequickly, so streets with heavier trafficwill show the results of sodiumchloride application sooner than lesstraveled roadways.

2.Air Science Consultants are availableto the Public Works Department ona 24-hour contracted basis and provideperiodic advance weather forecasting.

3.Peak traffic occurs between thehours of 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., and 2 p.m. and9 p.m. Decisions to delay school must be

made by school personnel by 5:30 a.m.to permit contacting their personnel.

4.The Public Works Departmentmaximizes the use of chemicals andanti-skid materials by plowingwhenever possible. Generally,accumulations over two inches withadditional snow predicted may requireplowing as dictated by temperaturesand information obtained from AirScience Consultants.

5.Constant monitoring of road conditionshelps the Public Works administrationcoordinate snow removal actionsto ensure total roadway coverage. Allsnow removal vehicle drivers assistand back each other up to ensureeffective roadway salting and plowing.

6.Walks should be clear by 8 a.m. at theTownship Building and TennisBubbles. The Recreation Centerschedule is checked to ensure clearwalkways prior to scheduled activities.Evenings require walk clearing forthe Township Building Library until9:30 p.m. and for any scheduledmeetings which normally run until11 p.m. Tennis bubbles operate until11 p.m. It may be necessary to callpersonnel for morning walkwayclearing by 5:30 a.m. or 6 a.m. asdictated by the size of the back-up crew.

7.Excessive snow may require openingof inlets or location of fire plugs.

8.The Public Works supervisorcoordinates with all drivers to ensurethat vehicle breakdowns and problemsare reported and scheduled, so thateffective snow removal operationsare not jeopardized.

9.On-call Public Works supervisors haveaccess to four-wheel-drive vehicles. �

Winter storm emergencies are justthat—emergencies. The Township ofUpper St. Clair’s administrative staff, PoliceDepartment and Public Works Departmentare on call 24 hours a day to help residentsand businesses by making the streets safe.

During the winter season, Townshipresidents are asked to be patient and un-derstanding. To help the Police and PublicWorks Department during storms, theTownship asks the cooperation of residentsin the following areas.1.Keep calls concerning snow removal

to a minimum. Public Works andPolice phone lines need to be keptopen for emergency calls onlyduring storm situations.The Township is as eager as youto have the streets cleared quickly.Major roads such as Route 19, BoyceRoad, McLaughlin Run Road, LesnettRoad, McMillan Road, Fort Couch Roadand Mayview Road are plowed first as amatter of public safety and foremergency vehicles.

2. Do not shovel or plow snow back intothe streets. This is a violation of thePennsylvania Vehicle Code and createsadditional traffic safety problems.

3.When streets are plowed, snow willbe pushed in front of driveways.Unfortunately, there is no other placefor the snow to go.

4.The Public Works Department is notpermitted to assist residents byclearing driveways, sidewalks, orpaths to mailboxes. Public Worksemployees work as many hours asnecessary to make streets, inlets,cul-de-sacs, sidewalks and parkinglots safe for all vehicles andpedestrians.

5.Under emergency situations, theremay be delays or cancellations ofgarbage collection and recyclingpickup. Please do not call the Townshipduring a snow emergency to askabout garbage collection. Until thesnow situation is under control, it isimpossible to say when garbagecollection will be back on schedule.Check Cable 7 or the websitewww.twpusc.org for information ongarbage collection.

Watch forNEW GARBAGEREGULATIONS

byJanuary 2002.


FHappy Holidays

From the

Volunteersand Staff of

UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAYMagazine!


The Page Program at the Upper St. Clair Libraryoffers flexible employment opportunities for local students. Theseyoung bibliophiles have the important job of returning librarymaterials to the shelves so patrons have easy access to resources.Pages also work with the automated system at the Circulation Desks.

Page application forms are available at the Reference Deskson the Adult and Children’s floors of the Library. �

Library

Back Row, left to right: Michelle Palascak, Claire Yeargers, Diane Ornato (Librarian in charge of Page Program), Katie Thomas and Sam ArthursFront row: Skye Cortese and Michelle Perry

The Library is now open three additional hours per week for our patrons convenience.Our new opening time is

Monday through Saturday is 9:30 a.m.

Winter HoursMonday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Holiday HelpersNew books for cooking, crafts

and keeping healthy for the holidays!

641.568 ESS—The Essential Christmas Cookbook

642.4 GAR—Barefoot Contessa Parties!: Ideas and Recipes forParties That are Really Fun, by Ina Garten

640 LET—Home Made: 200 Creative Concoctionsand Practical Potions for Crafts, Beauty Aids, Household Products,

and Gifts From Your Kitchen, by Alex Lett

641.5 VAR—Food for Friends: Homemade Gifts for Every Season,by Sally Vargas

613 TRA—Simply Well: Choices for a Healthy Life,by John W. Travis

Consumer InformationNow Available for Checkout

Visit our new Consumer Information Center for current Con-sumer Report Magazines, new and used car buying guides, andother consumer-related materials.

All items may be checked out for seven days. �

P P

Page ProgramPage Program

�


Y

Summer Reading was a Big Hit!Last summer 1127 kids and teens participated in the summer

reading program. They read or listened to a record breaking 27,514books. We want to congratulate all the children and their parentswho participated in the reading program.

The following are our top readers from the summer of 2001.They did a great job and they’re well on their way to becominglifetime readers. �

Pre-SchoolChas Mertz .............................. 350Lindsay Yost ............................ 330Samantha Syme ...................... 320Garrett O’Grady ........................ 290Kevin Yost ............................... 270Adam Heil ................................ 240Christian Heil ........................... 240Olivia Wright ............................ 230Nicole Novak ............................ 230Danny Demilio ......................... 230Jackie Demilio ......................... 230Graham Gillen .......................... 220JP Gillen .................................. 220Kevin Sholl .............................. 200Hannah Schuller ...................... 200Morgan Hogenmiller ............... 200Benjamin Gibson ..................... 170Marielle Snyder ........................ 160Rachel Sholl ............................ 150Brittany Hartman ..................... 140Michael Coliane ....................... 140Will Sutherland ........................ 120Alexandra Steve ....................... 120Thomas Steve .......................... 120Ben Spock ............................... 120Molly Krawczyk ........................ 120Erin Casey ................................ 120Emily Oates .............................. 110Andy Oates .............................. 100Leah Mertz ............................... 100Danielle Lane ........................... 100Kristy English .......................... 100Brendon Campbell ................... 100Grace Blackburn ...................... 100

First Grade-Read To MeJohn Maurer ............................ 160CombinedMichael Hartman ..................... 144Kevin Muck .............................. 141

Tony Oates ............................... 128Kelsie Kidner ............................ 100IndependentBen Mertz ................................ 179Ashley Pearson ........................ 130Robert Moore .......................... 129Jillian Lesaca ........................... 108Mark McTiernan ...................... 105Kay Subosits ............................ 94Joe Conlon ............................... 75Joel Klein .................................. 75Samantha Wang ....................... 68Brittany Dudzinski ..................... 59Emily Elliott .............................. 50

Second GradeSuraj Sundar ........................... 195Sean Gaudio ............................ 185Akhil Venkatesh ....................... 180Matthew Snyder ...................... 130Paige Gillen .............................. 118Brian Rollick ............................ 112Ben Zhang ............................... 101Steven Gannon ......................... 94Miral Singhal ............................ 83Shane Priselac .......................... 80Poorwa Godbole ....................... 69Shane Potts .............................. 67Kayla Dubois ............................. 65Karl Egeland ............................. 64Rebecca Eckles ......................... 60Hannah Zangara ....................... 60

Third GradeErin McTiernan ........................ 165Geetha Reddy .......................... 137Evan Pearson ........................... 135Lisa Moore .............................. 103Allison Muck ............................ 101Shawn Gannon ......................... 94HB Mertz .................................. 83

Victoria Lazur ........................... 80Karen Wang .............................. 80Alison Maurer ........................... 76Drew English ............................ 71Kathy Thompson ....................... 71Jessica Snyder ......................... 68Petey Bruni ............................... 58Kelsey Novak ............................ 57Kristen Collins .......................... 50Janie Feldman........................... 50

Fourth GradeRyan Pearson .......................... 135Shari Kapples ........................... 96Laura Rollick ............................. 66Jenny Thompson ...................... 65Molly O’Grady ........................... 61Michael Toth ............................. 60Christina Reynolds ................... 58Carrie Thompson ...................... 57Mary Collins ............................. 55Amanda Huey ........................... 52Kevin Egeland ........................... 48Daniel Klemans ......................... 48Hirsch Singhal .......................... 42Daniel Parkinson ....................... 41Jennifer Sharma ....................... 40Manu Sinha .............................. 40

Fifth GradeJared Englert ........................... 172Nikhil Venkatesh ...................... 100Leah Ferguson .......................... 89Sara Maurer .............................. 68Brian Gaudio ............................. 46John Subosits .......................... 42Siddarth Sharma ...................... 40Kyra Zemanick .......................... 35Meghan McDonald ................... 27Stephanie Mitchell .................... 25

Sixth GradeSheena Kapples ....................... 180Rebecca Nadler ......................... 55Andrew Nock ............................ 45Chrissy Lee ............................... 40Brian Toth ................................. 39Sharon Pike .............................. 34Cullyn Thomson ....................... 23Amy Monpara ........................... 21

Seventh GradeErin Englert .............................. 165Sara Sukenik ............................. 50Lydia Wright ............................. 44Eric Cheng ................................. 35Kenny Feldman .......................... 25Lisa Ripper ............................... 25Dalena Klavin ............................ 23

Eighth GradeNicole Costello .......................... 60Steven Yanosky ........................ 55Tyler Hassenfeldt ...................... 31Maria Gaudio ............................ 29Greg Norcie .............................. 27Pooja Godbole .......................... 26Katelyn O’Brien ......................... 24Erica Grodin .............................. 14

High SchoolMegan Pike ............................... 70Michelle Lee ............................. 65Andrea Melaragno ..................... 15Varun Ravindran ....................... 14Angie Bluemling ....................... 11

Children’s Library Top Summer Readers 2001

q3


Reflections on aTerrorist AttackDavid Kish

Like the rest of the country,firefighters across America watchedin horror as terrorists attacked NewYork’s World Trade Center. And eventhough I knew none of the emergencyworkers lost in the attack, as a volun-teer firefighter, the loss was apersonal one.

Firefighters, police, paramedicsand EMTs face dangerous situationsregularly. It is an underlying elementin this line of work, and creates bondsbetween those who are willing to dothese jobs.

Emergency personnel train tominimize the risk in the most unthink-able circumstances, but it can notcompletely be eliminated. For ex-ample, when receiving training inresponse to terrorist incidents, a com-ponent of that training is the fact thatterrorists often try to take out emer-gency response workers by planninga secondary strike.

The firefighters, who were part ofthe initial response on September 11,2001, understood the risks they werefacing that day. They put aside theirfears and did their jobs to the best oftheir ability.

As frightening as the thought maybe, families of firefighters and emer-gency personnel across the countryrealize that their loved ones would haveresponded in a similar manner. Whena crisis occurs, the instinct to assistkicks in even at great personal risk.

As the recovery and rebuildingprocess takes place, the instinct tohelp is strong. We here at the UpperSt. Clair Volunteer Fire Departmentheld a “boot drive” at the USC/Canon-Mac game on September 22,collecting over $3000 for the familiesof our fallen brothers.

The response of our residents andtheir children was overwhelming. Kidswere donating their last dollars, theirlast bit of change for strangers with agenerosity of spirit that honors the vic-tims in New York City.

Our department would like to thankeveryone who helped support our“boot drive” and ask that you continueto keep emergency workers through-out the country in your prayers. �

The Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department is currently making prepara-tions to build a new state of the art fire station that will meet the department’s current andfuture needs. The proposed station will be built on the property adjacent to the currentstation on Washington Road. The property is currently owned by the Port Authority andleased to the fire department for parking and training. Under the current lease nothing canbe built on the property. Therefore the Township is currently negotiating with the Port Au-thority to acquire the property through a land swap with Township owned property next toDrake Loop. This property is needed by the Port Authority for future expansion of the DrakeLine to accommodate the larger T cars.

The new station is necessary for the fire department to continue to provide the quality offire protection that the residents and businesses of the Township deserve. Over the years thenumber of homes in the Township has increased along with businesses growing in bothnumber and size. The number of calls the department responds to have increased from lessthan 100 calls a year to 364 calls in 2000. The types of calls have changed from mostly brushfires to more complex fires, specialized rescues and hazardous materials. This has made itnecessary to increase the fleet of trucks both in number and size.

The department has progressed from 1937 when a group of Township residents cre-ated the first organized fire department in the Township. In 1939 the department wasincorporated as a non-profit corporation, purchased their first fire truck which was housedat a local gas station owned by one of the members. Ten years later (1949) the first firestation was built on Washington Road. A few years later a small addition was built toaccommodate more space for trucks. Meetings and training session were held in the ga-rage between the trucks. In 1974 a major renovation and addition to the WashingtonRoad station was completed. This renovation completely changed the exterior look of thebuilding from red brick to white stucco and an addition was built to the rear of the prop-erty to provide a meeting room and offices. This met the department’s needs for the nextseveral years. In 1977 a second station was built on Morton Road. This provided fasterresponse to the southern end of the Township and help meet requirements necessary tokeep fire insurance rates in the Township at the best possible rate for the residents. In1990 the department was again out of space!

The members began looking at solutions to the problem. Several unique ideas were usedduring the next several years to create storage and maximize space. The needs of the depart-ment continued to require more space. In 2000 the department began a study of severaloptions. All options were evaluated and three possible options were further investigated.A feasibility study was conducted to determine the best option. Construction of a new buildingand demolition of the current building was the recommendation of the study. Other optionswere to renovate and add on to the current building or to renovate the current building andbuild an additional building at the Washington Road site.

The new building will have an exterior design to fit in with the current buildings in theWashington Road corridor such as Westminster Church. The building will increase the squarefootage from the current approximately 5600-sq. ft. to 18,000-sq. ft. The estimated cost ofthe project is $1.6 million. Funds for the project will come from a State two percent loan,Municipal Bond Bank and donations. A new building fund campaign begins soon to raisefunds for the new building.

Watch for updates on this project in future issues of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY magazineand on the Township website at www.twpusc.org. If you would like more details or have anyquestions on this project, please contact the Volunteer Fire Department President Jerry Kopachat 412 835-0660. �

Upper St. Clair VolunteerFire Department ProposesNew Fire Station


PittsburghCivic Orchestra

PittsburghCivic Orchestra

Mark Your Calendars!

Concert II—Holiday Cheer—Saturday, December 15, 2001

Concert III—Young People’s Concert—Saturday, February 2, 2002

Concert IV—Tick-Tock—Saturday, April 6, 2002

Concert V—The Grand Finale—Saturday, May 11, 2002

USC Theatre8 p.m.

Admission $9 - Seniors $6

Students are admitted free with an adult.For more information, call 412-278-2326.

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DOOR INSTALLATION.

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Ask for Dave Scott

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0

Holiday Centerpiece DesignLooking for that special holiday accent? Don’t buy it; make it!

Each participant will make a beautiful holiday centerpiece, andthe instructor will share tips on how to update your arrangementwith different accents to ensure that it will last the entire season.

Date: Friday, December 7Time: 10 a.m.—12 p.m.Place: Community Center Multi-Purpose Room IIFee: $15 (additional $20 materials fee

paid to the instructor at the first class)

Recreation and Leisure ServicesDepartment Recreation Update

Still looking for something to do this winter?It’s not too late to check out some of these exciting programs! Space is limited, so register early!

There were no tricks at this treat-filled Family Hallow-een Party sponsored by the Recreation Department on October19th. The Recreation Center was turned into a haunted hallas families enjoyed some together time celebrating the fall sea-son. The end result of this evening of fun was all the coolpumpkins you saw around your neighborhood this year.

Our families hunted through our Recreation Centerpumpkin patch searching for that special pumpkin to deco-rate and take home. Imaginations ran wild, and whether theoutcome was scary, silly, artistic or cute each pumpkin wasan original creation to be proudly displayed.

We ended the evening with a special performance by story-teller Alan Irvine who kept us all on the edge of our seats as heentertained everyone with his haunted ghost stories. Thanks toall of the families that participated, making this evening a ghostly,fun time. Hope you had as much fun as we did! �

A special thanks goes to Trax Farms for donating the pumpkins for theHalloween Party. These programs are successful because of the kindnessand generosity of businesses like Trax Farms. Next time you visit TraxFarm, remember to tell them thanks!

Santa Stop HereHo Ho Ho! Take a break from the holiday rush and re-capture

the “Magic” of Christmas. There will be a special performance bymagician Dan Kuniak, and a visit from St. Nick who will be stop-ping at the Municipal Building to hear all the children’s wish lists.A take home photo of each child with Santa is included. Don’tmiss this opportunity to make new holiday memories and havesome family fun! Space is limited.

Date: Saturday, December 8Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.Place: Community Center Multi-Purpose Room IFee: $12 per person

Thanks a Lot!In this fun and interactive workshop, children will learn when

and how to write a thank you note through games, role-play, andan actual letter writing exercise. Give your children the gift of alifetime—good manners. Open to all ages. Stationery kit includedwith each registration.

Date: Saturday, December 1Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.Place: Community Center Multi-Purpose Room IIFee: $35

Junior Ski Program(Grades 6 – 12)

Winter is just around the corner. Have some fun with wintersports by joining us on the Jr. Ski Bus, which travels to HiddenValley for five consecutive weeks (weather permitting) startingJanuary 5, 2002.

Day: Saturdays five-weeksTime: 3 p.m. Depart Municipal Building

12 a.m. Return to Municipal BuildingFee: $200 with own equipment

$250 with equipment rental

Fee includes bus transportation, lift ticket, group lesson each week,equipment rental (if applicable) and free skiing.

Registrations are accepted in person at the Recreation Depart-ment or by mailing registration with appropriate fee to:

USC Recreation Department1820 McLaughlin Run RoadUpper St. Clair, PA 15241

Please make checks payable to:USC Recreation

For additional information, please call the Recreation Office at:412-831-9000, extension 256

Witches and Ghosts and Goblins,

Oh My!


Official ProclamationTownship of Upper St. Clair

A Proclamation of the Township of Upper St. Clair, a Home Rule municipality, Countyof Allegheny, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, condemning the September 11, 2001,terrorist attacks on the United States and supporting the rescue and recovery efforts ofthe brave men and women of the City of Arlington and the City of New York.

WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked and destroyed four civilianaircraft, crashing two of them into the towers of the World Trade Center in New YorkCity, and a third into the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C., and a fourth inPennsylvania; and,

WHEREAS, The citizens of the Township of Upper St. Clair have witnessed, alongwith the rest of the Country, the fear, pain and suffering inflicted upon our great Nationby these terrorist attacks; and,

WHEREAS, The Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the citizens of the Townshipof Upper St. Clair, wish to condemn these attacks and to recognize and support theheroic efforts of the brave men and women providing rescue and recovery services tothe thousands of victims of this great national tragedy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Board of Commissioners of theTownship of Upper St. Clair as follows:

THAT, The Board of Commissioners of the Township of Upper St. Clair condemnsthe terrorist attack on the United States and supports the President of the United Statesas he works with Congress and his national security team to defend against additionalattacks, and to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice; and,

THAT, The Board of Commissioners officially conveys the community’s deepest sym-pathy for the families of those people perishing in this unforgivable tragedy; and,

THAT, The Board of Commissioners formally recognizes and commends the heroicemergency service efforts provided by city personnel and citizens in and about the Cityof New York and the City of Arlington throughout this tragic disaster; and,

THAT, As a show of support and solidarity, the Board of Commissioners herebyauthorizes the donation of the sum of $5,000 to the relief efforts in the City of New Yorkand the City of Arlington; and,

THAT, The Board of Commissioners publicly declares that the thoughts and the prayersof the citizens of the Township of Upper St. Clair are with the victims, their families, therescue workers, and all Americans in this time of need; and,

THAT, The appropriate Township and Municipal officials are hereby authorized toexecute the necessary documents, forms and authorizations to implement the direc-tives of this Resolution; and,

THAT, This Resolution shall be deemed to be effective upon adoption, and a copy ofthis resolution may thereby be forwarded to the Honorable George W. Bush, Presidentof the United States of America; the Honorable Arlen Specter and the Honorable RickSantorum, United States Senators from Pennsylvania; and the Honorable Frank Mas-cara, United States Representative from Pennsylvania.

ADOPTED this First Day of October 2001. TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ST. CLAIR

72 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Winter 200172 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Winter 2001

Blow, blow, thou winter wind.Thou art not so unkind as man’s ingratitude.

—Shakespeare

The English winter—ending in July, to recommence in August.

—Lord Byron 1788-1824

Call 412-831-9000, extension 296, and ask about joining the United Senior Citizens of Upper St. Clair.Lynn Walcoff, Senior Citizens’ Coordinator, will welcome you!

Enjoy weekly lunches at the Recreation Center, very special lunches on holidaysand an annual banquet, plus entertainment, activities and day trips.

Gold CardSenior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, apply now for

your Gold Card. See and enjoy drama and musicalperformances, exciting athletic events, and otheractivities, courtesy of the Upper St. Clair SchoolDistrict. No credit checks, income information or yourmother’s maiden name needed.

If you are a resident, 62 years of age or older, justcall 412-833-1600, extension 2202, and ask for yourGold Card!

Silver CardSenior Citizens of Upper St. Clair, the Recreation and

Leisure Services Department offers for your consider-ation the Silver Card. Holders of this card are entitledto free admittance to the three-hole golf course,outdoor tennis facilities and family swim at the HighSchool pool.

Any resident age 62 and retired or age 65 with norestrictions is eligible for the Silver Card Program.Applications are available at the Recreation Depart-ment, so stop in and ask for your Silver Card! �

Senior Citizen Siteinformation and articleshave been gathered andwritten by John Kotzuk.z u�

Senior SoapboxTiming

Timing is all-important. It’s a high priority in the internal combustion engine, in music, in mathematics, in men’s lives.In women’s too, of course, but sometimes we wonder. (“Honey, are you ready yet? We’ll never get a parking spot.”)

In the engine, if we have intake, compression, power and exhaust at precisely the right millisecond, we have a smoothpurring cat. Upset the timing and we have clatter, bang, howl and squeal like standing on the cat’s tail.

King Richard II said (Act V, Scene V, Line 42) “How sour sweet music is, when time is broke, and no proportion kept!”Don’t keep time and be off-key and people will run out plugging up their ears. They might even throw tomatoes at you.

Do your math in the proper sequence if you want the highway to be in line with the previously built bridge. Calculationsmust be in the order of the universal laws governing them.

In the right place at the right time. Get it in on time. Time is of the essence. Time waits for no man. Time flies. Time, darkmysterious time. How it affects and controls our lives. Without the right timing in the engine, we couldn’t drive to the mall.Without the precise clock pulses in the computer, we couldn’t send email. Without the rhythmic beat of the band, wecertainly would not enjoy half-time activities. And don’t forget the clock-radio timer, the oven timer, the washer and dryertimer, the lamp timer, the thermostat and the myriad other time-dependent devices.

Time to finish this up now. Deadline fast approaches. Time to be looking ahead to Spring 2002 issue. Oh, but that’smonths away yet. I have plenty of time to diddle around until the last few days and then get frantic. Timing? Ho hum. Timefor happy hour. �

Winter 2001 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 73Winter 2001 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 73

A life can be influenced by a raffleticket despite claims to the contrary.Lately, we have seen some big moneywinners in the lotteries. “No, I’m notgoing to quit my job or change my styleof living.” Sure, sure. Profound changescan happen from the luck of the draw.

When Clark Raymond Livingstonwas a high school senior, he and a friendsplit the cost of a raffle ticket and wonfirst prize, which was a flight toWashington, D.C., with anovernight stay. The trip,along with his childhood in-terest and fascination withairplanes, definitely helpedRay make the decision to en-list in the Air Force when thewar came. The raffle ticketwas a cog in the scheme ofevents directing Ray to be-come a part of the “DynamiteGang,” the 367th FighterGroup in World War II.

Ray was born in a smalltown called Percy, nearUniontown, Pennsylvania.His mother died when Raywas ten years old. After a pe-riod of adjustment, he and hisfather moved to Hays Boro.His father remarried and itwas at his stepmother’s churchthat Ray met Helen, his teensweetheart and future wife.Ray graduated from Taylor-Allderdice High School in1938 and, since King Steelreigned over the valley, hewent to work at the Home-stead Works of U.S. Steel.

He and Helen were making plans but, justas it happened to many others, Uncle Saminterrupted.

Ray enlisted in the Air Force in May1942. Due to the flood of inductees, he wastold to go home and wait. He was calledup in November and sent to Santa Ana,California, for basic training. From thereit was Tulare, California, for flight train-ing, Luke Field, Arizona, where he got hiswings and then on to San Diego for P-38training. He shipped overseas on the Ilede France early in May 1944 and was as-signed to the 392nd Squadron of the 367thFighter Group, Ninth Air Force, based atStoney Cross, England.

“Doctor Livingston, I presume.” Thesewords supposedly were spoken in the heartof Africa about 75 years earlier. They wererepeated as a greeting to Ray when hejoined the 392nd Squadron and from thenon he was known as “Doc Livingston.”He took off on his first mission at 4 a.m.

Ray LivingstonJune 6th, 1944, flying his P-38“Moonlight Cock-Tail.” Fifty-nine moremissions were to follow from StoneyCross and from bases in France.

The 367th Fighter Group compiledimpressive statistics in tactical opera-tions against the retreating Germanforces. Their destruction of aircraft,ammo dumps, highways, railroads andmarshalling yards was a big factor incrippling the German Army’s transporta-tion system.

Ray and Helen had kept up their cor-respondence during his time overseas.After his discharge and return home andreadjustment to civilian life, they weremarried in July 1946 at St. Peter’s Evan-gelical Church, the church where theyhad first met. One child, daughterLinda, was born. Sadly, it was a shortmarriage. Helen died in 1952.

Three years later, Ray met and mar-ried Betty, a widow with two very young

sons, William and Robert. Raywas working for DupontChemical, and they establishedtheir home in Rennerdale.

Thirty-eight years later Rayretired, and he and Betty en-joyed a few golden years untilBetty passed away in 1996.Out of the dark clouds some-times a little light can befound. After Betty’s death,stepson Bill and his wifeKaren, residents of Upper St.Clair, wanted Ray to move inwith them. So now we have“Doc Livingston” a member ofthe United Senior Citizensof Upper St. Clair, member ofthe Rennerdale PresbyterianChurch and member of the367th Fighter Group Memo-rial Association.

Thank you Ray! We saluteyou, Captain Livingston. �

e


Around The Township

In 1977, dedicated residents and the Town-ship of Upper St. Clair joined together to formthe Restoration Committee of the USC 1830 LogHouse.

Celebrate this Silver Anniversary on Sunday,December 2 with President Kim Guzzi, who willwelcome guests to the holiday open house.

Visitors will experience 25 years of dutifulpreservation that exudes the homesteader lifestyle,that is, “tillers of the soil.”

The expertise of antique dealer Cathy Swetthas enabled the membership to accept appro-priate donations for the house and grounds.

As needed, purchases such as a Pie Safe anda Nursing Rocker were made after prudent re-

25th Anniversary Eventsof the 1830 Log House

Silver AnniversarySunday, December 2

1:00-3:00 p.m.1830 Log House

on McLaughlin Run Road

Dedication of the1830 Log House Historic PlaqueCommunity Day—May 18, 2002

The Fulton Log House

Under the auspices ofthe National Registrar of Historic Places

By the United StatesDepartment of the Interior

Mayflower Descendent Betty Lou Jordan (center),with Sophia Gable and Diane Joyce, winner of the

Community Day 2001 “Hearts” quilt.

What the Heck Is It?—Circa 1830Mary Lynne Spazok

search and many “antiquing” day trips. Often,adults and children alike examined an objectand asked, “What the heck is it?”

So, Kim went to work and inventoried 150antiques with the help of a computer, lots of peri-odicals and just plain ole’ chit-chat.

You are invited to accept the “What the heckis it?” challenge. (Quirky artifacts are picturedwith witty clues.) Participating in this festivitywill determine just how clever you are!

1. Alms for the Poor2. Jill’s nursery rhyme partner3. “Off the Cob”4. Baa, Baa Black Sheep5. Lay of the Land6. 1830s “Dirt O’ Matic”

Grinders—animal of human?A girl’s lamp

When you have succeeded in your quest,Mayflower descendant Betty Lou Jordan willdiscuss how the Pilgrims set the tradition of aNew England Christmas. You will be amazedto learn why their observance was not as weknow it today. Children may decorate the holi-day evergreen while enjoying refreshments.Guests are welcome from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m.

Happy holidays and best wishes for a pros-perous 2002 from the 1830 Log Housemembership. �

AB

C

D EF

Check your answers at the 1830 Log House on December 2!


Have you ever tried to “think outside the box” but avoid the “reinvented wheel”challenges of those who went before you? When it comes to the Environmental Education Center(EEC) under development for Boyce Mayview Park, the Project Development Committee (PDC)is achieving both goals and to great advantage.

There is an enormous body of wisdom in the environmental education arena, so during itsstrategic planning process the PDC has been doing its homework rather than “reinventing thewheel.” We visited or talked with twenty rebated facilities to learn what does and doesn’t work infacility designs, programming, and in organizational management. Facilities contacted rangedfrom small independent organizations to National Park Service affiliates, and even some histori-cal museums. The staff at the facilities commended our initiative in learning from others andenvied our having the opportunity to do so. They were all very gracious and generous with theirinsights and information. But how can you be “thinking outside the box” if you are drawing onothers’ experience? That boils down to the vision for this EEC being truly “unique.”

Most of us learn best when the message is relevant to us, when it relates to our personalexperience. With ties to farming, coal mining and the industrial era so fresh and vivid at the EECsite and in the area, we are compelled to apply the accumulated “wisdom of the elders” in a newway that highlights our region’s history more comprehensively than most environmental educa-tion centers. Drawing on the heritage of settlement, industrialization, and post-industrialdevelopment of the region, the new facility can provide environmental education in the multi-disciplinary manner it should receive. The relevance of the environment in studies of math, history,the fine and language arts, as well as the social, physical and natural sciences can be demon-strated vividly in the setting provided.

The historical element of this endeavor is so strong that interpretive resources will be incorpo-rated both inside and outside. We anticipate working collaboratively with a variety of businessesand institutions in the development of interpretive displays that will provide a museum quality tothe Center, extending it well beyond the “box” of most environmental education sites by expand-ing the appeal of the facility beyond the usual “nature center” audience. Plan to visit frequently aschanging exhibits provide a dynamic review of the local and regional human and natural historythat make southwest Pennsylvania so special.

With an eye on the past, we hope to promote a future in which individuals and institutes areenvironmentally conscious in their daily decisions and actions. To inspire positive actions we willshowcase products, projects and programs that help meet that goal. The building itself is in-tended to demonstrate numerous “sustainable design” features and be certified under the GreenBuilding Council’s “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” standards. Some featuresmay be purely informational, but most will reflect a focus on practicality and local relevance.

The PDC is currently compiling the Strategic/Business Plan for the EEC’s programs and opera-tions. Please join us at the High School LGI room at 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month,except December, to hear updates on this exciting project. The public is invited and encouragedto attend. We are profoundly grateful to the staff of all the organizations we visited and surveyedand especially for the commitment of the volunteers on the EEC Project Development Commit-tee. Contact G. Edward Lyness, Community Liaison at 412-221-2607 or Mary Wilson at412-831-9000, extension 293 to learn more about the EEC project. �

Look to Our Heritage Today,for Our Future Tomorrow

Visit our website at www.twpusc.orgProject Development Committee

EEC Project Development Committee


If we overlooked your information, or have incorrect information, please write to: Editor, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY,1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 or email us at [email protected]. Thank you!

Alliance Church of Upper St. Clair2510 Old Washington Road—412-835-4775

Berean Fellowship Church300 Rockfield Circle, Scott Township—412-220-4673

Beth-El Congregation Of South Hills1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1168

Beverly Heights United Presbyterian Church1207 Washington Road—412-561-5100

Christ United Methodist Church44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-835-6621

Faith Lutheran Church of Upper St. ClairBartley Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-835-4590

First Church of Christ Scientist1100 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1125

Holy Child Parish212 Station Street, Bridgeville—412-221-5213

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox123 Gilkeson Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-833-3355

Hope Lutheran Church2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441

Mt. Lebanon Christian ChurchCedar Blvd., at Hollycrest Dr.—412-531-8554

New Day Assembly of God701 Circle Drive—724-941-1661

New Song Church3755 Library Road, Castle Shannon—412-341-1293

Ruthfred Lutheran ChurchPatterson and South Park Roads, Bethel Park—412-835-7140

St. David’s Episcopal Church905 E.McMurray Road, Peters Twp.—724-941-4060

St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church2005 Mohawk Road—412-835-7800

St. John Capistran Roman Catholic Church1610 McMillan Road—412-221-5445

St. Louise de Marillac Roman Catholic Church312 McMurray Road—412-833-1010

St. Paul’s Episcopal ChurchWashington Road—412-531-7153

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church126 Ft. Couch Road, Bethel Park—412-833-0031

South Hills Community Baptist Church2400 Old Washington Road—412-833-1313

South Hills Interfaith Ministries1900 Sleepy Hollow Road, South Park—412-854-9120

South Hills Reformed Presbyterian Church110 Hays Road—724-941-3480

Temple Emmanuel1250 Bower Hill Road—412-279-7600

The Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills1240 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-6277

Westminister Presbyterian Church2040 Washington Road—412-835-6630

Day Care (Adult)Prime Time Adult Care, Inc.

44 Highland Road—412-835-6661Alzheimer Day Care 44 Highland Road—412-835-5509

Day Care (Children)Alphabet Land Day Care Center

3918 Washington Road, McMurray—724-941-4011

Bethel Park Presbyterian Church2999 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park—412-835-1043

Christ United Methodist Child Care Center44 Highland Road, Bethel Park—412-854-4310

Happy Face Day Care Center3322 Washington Road, McMurray—724-941-4172

KinderCare Learning Center1040 Clifton Road, Bethel Park—412-831-1888

Magic Years119 Hidden Valley Road, McMurray—724-941-5569

Wesley Child Care243 Johnston Road, Upper St. Clair—412-831-8333

Westminster Child Care2040 Washington Road, Upper St. Clair—412-835-9450

Churches and Synagogues

Nursery SchoolsBeth-El Nursery School

1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon—412-561-1168

Christ United Methodist Child Care Center44 Highland Road—412-854-4310

Little Lambs Of Hope Preschool2799 Old Washington Road—724-941-9441

Montessori Nursery School957 Connor Road—412-833-2439

Mushroom Family Nursery1240 Washington Road—412-531-1225

St. Agatha Montessori PreschoolBridgeville—412-221-4720

St. David’s Episcopal NurseryMcMurray and Hays—724-941-4060

St. Louise de Marillac Nursery School310 McMurrary Road—412-833-4330

St. Paul’s Episcopal NurseryWashington and Mayfair—412-531-2644

Temple Emmanuel1250 Bower Hill Road—412-279-7687

Westminster Nursery School2040 Washington Road—412-854-2906

YMCA79 McMurray Road—412-833-5600

Serving Upper St. Clair


Classifieds

Bathe your own dog • Grooming • Boarding

To place your small business or professional ad here, send 35 words or less with a check for $50,made out to the: Township of Upper St. Clair, UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Magazine,

1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

The Howard Hanna Chow-Chow Express Luncheonis November 28, 2001, from 11 a.m. to2 p.m. at the Howard Hanna office at180 Fort Couch Road. Armstrong’sRestaurant provides the menu.

A Chinese Auction and Silent Auc-tion will be held. Also a Homes Tour isbeing planned between 10 a.m. andnoon. The luncheon is $5, and the com-bined tour and luncheon is $20. SeniorCitizen’s tour and luncheon is $15.

All proceeds are donated toChildren’s Hospital. Tickets for thetour and luncheon can be purchasedat the office or through an agent. Forfurther information or to make a do-nation, please call 412-833-3600. �

Three USC students received academic achievementawards at Carnegie Mellon University in September.

Three thousand qualifying students from the third tosixth grade from 325 schools statewide took the C-MITES(Carnegie Mellon Institute for Talented Elementary Stu-dents) test in 2001.

Students who scored in the top two to three percent oftheir grade level received awards.

Kristina King

Charles Mitchell

USC C-MITES AwardsAnnual Children’sHospital Luncheon

Kristina King, a fourth grader at BakerElementary, received an award in English.Charles Mitchell, a seventh grader at St.Louise de Marillac, received an award inReading.

Joshua Sperling, who was a studentat Streams Elementary last year, but hassince moved from USC received anaward in Science. �

Heinz Healey’sGentlemen’s Apparel

DirectMark Hopkins

Custom Clothing. Shirts.Ready-to-WearStation Square,

Pittburgh, PA 15219Office: 412-851-1145Store: 412-281-5115

European Message Therapy$10 off first appointment

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Frozen Shoulder, Tennis Elbow,Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,Fibromyalgia, Migraines.

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Gift Certificates Available.

REWARD Yourself!Refer a friend, neighbor,or family member whoactivates new cellular

service throughO & O Consulting

and get a $25 referral fee.See ad on page 6 or call

412-638-3838.

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A Holiday CelebrationFeaturing

Messa di Gloria by Giacomo Pucciniwith orchestra and soloists

and favorite holiday music at the

Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian ChurchWashington and Scott Roads

Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and sold at the door.

Information—412-429-9501Website—www.southhillschorale.org

The South Hill Choraleand the USC Connection

USC residents are part of the South Hill Chorale’s 80 voices.Front row—Sue Mazur, Arlie Cornelius, Susan Bertenthal, Marion Breiner, Lynne Federle and Carol Steffen.

Back row—Jeff Mazur, Doug Cornelius, Jerry Vancko, Bill Zollars and John Elders. Not pictured—Barbara BettwyPhotograph by Rich Stoeckle

The South Hills Choralehas been entertaining thePittsburgh and surrounding com-munities for the past 42 years.

The group’s eleven Upper St.Clair residents represent 186combined years of dedicatedvolunteer participation.

Charter member Carol(Whaley) Steffen is a graduate ofUSC High School. Please call412-571-2266 for membershipinformation.

For information about theconcert and booking engagements,please call 412-429-9501. �

presents

C

:


VCande Day: I know your father insisted on your train-ing at Julliard, and was certainly a great influence inyour life, but other than him and your mother, whowould you say most influenced you, both personally andprofessionally?

Marvin Hamlisch: I would have to say Jule Styne. He wassuch a good composer. I loved Gypsy. My love of Broadwaystarted with him. And West Side Story—I realized you couldentertain and dramatically move people at the same time.

You said in your book that you need a title or a lyric to getyour juices flowing. Once you do get going, do find yourselfwanting to write some of the lyrics yourself? Do you everhear your own words with your music?

I might have a good idea or one sentence, but that’s about it.

Minus a title or lyric, what do you draw upon for inspiration?

Specific things.

Do you ever get the composer’s equivalent of “writer’s block,”and if so, how do you manage it?

I don’t go crazy over it. I just quit for the day. I say, “To-day is not a good day” and start again tomorrow.

People make comments to you about your refreshing sense ofhumor. It makes you very real to the rest of us—You have awonderful rapport with your audiences. How does one gofrom a Maalox breakfast, to appearing so at ease and inti-mate with the audience on stage? Where did that relaxedstage presence come from?

The Maalox thing ended about 20 years ago. I’ve gottenover that problem. My mother had a wonderful sense ofhumor. And Jerry Lewis. I loved watching Jerry Lewis.

How did you conquer the Maalox problem? (Mr. Hamlischspent the first thirty or so years of his life struggling with a ner-vous stomach, burning the candle from three ends, whicheventually landed him in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer atage 24. He had visions of a “billboard springing up on SunsetBoulevard: Marvin Hamlisch Is A Health Risk.” )

I think it was caused more by playing the serious pieces.I love the Pops. The Pops is my forte.

I really respected your integrity when you were working as arehearsal pianist on The Bell Telephone Hour and told DonaldVoorhees you would have to get him a substitute pianist for theHigh Holidays, and he told you if that was the case, don’tbother coming back. You reminded me of Eric Liddle, theOlympic runner, who refused to run on Sunday. You werevery young at the time. Where did that strength of convictioncome from at such a young age?

Nervousness about my mother! I don’t know if it wasconviction. I was afraid she might kill me!

You seem to have so much fun with your music and youraudiences. Is that pressure to outdo your previous professionalsuccesses gone? How do you top three Oscars in one night atage twenty-nine, a Pulitzer Prize and international fame by

age thirty-one, four Emmys, four Grammys, a Tony and threeGolden Globes?

The pressure is still there. I impose it on myself. It comesfrom the inside.

I’m quoting from your autobiography. “ To someone youngand impetuous, personal happiness was equated with suc-cess. To become a celebrity was equated with success. To becomea celebrity was to become ipso facto happy, and it startedbecoming clear to me what I was missing. I was lonely. ThreeOscars under your arm, you come home and empty the catlitter.” How would you define success today?

It’s a combo platter. Number one would be a happy home.Some people have children. For me it’s my songs. I wantpeople to get pleasure from them.Those two criteria equalsuccess for me.

You have met countless interesting and impressive people.Whom would you say impressed you the most?

Oh, there are so many. I don’t think I can narrow it down toone person. Certainly the Dalai Lama. And Bobby Kennedy.

Can you tell me what your funniest experience on stage has been?

Actually, it was more strange than funny. One of theplaces I most wanted to play was Wolf Trap, (the fa-mous outdoor theatre near Washington, D.C.) I had acontract to play there with the Fairfax SymphonyOrchestra. [To make a long story short, he thought theywould provide the first half of the evening, and he wouldappear with them after intermission. It seems someone hadfailed to tell them.] During the first half, as scheduled,the Fairfax Symphony performed. Then, as if I had theplague, all the musicians scampered from their chairs,leaving an empty stage and a lonely piano. And so alonely Marvin Hamlisch gave a solo performance thatlasted over an hour.I was amused to see in one of the Washington papersthe next morning a perceptive music critic who wrotesomething like this: Mr. Hamlisch and the symphonyorchestra were both in fine form. One would hope thatsome day soon they might be able to perform together.

If you had to do it all over again, is there anything you wouldhave done differently?

No. I live a pretty grounded life. I can only do what I did.

How was Pittsburgh ever lucky enough to get you?

It was Gideon Toeplitz. And the orchestra. I love thePittsburgh Orchestra.

What do you like about Pittsburgh?

It’s a small big town.

What goes through your head when you hear, Sunshine,Lollipops and Rainbows on the radio?

It reminds me of those early days. It was the shortest bighit ever written.

(Hamlisch’s first pop song—In less than two months it shotto number four on the charts. “…when the song was playedon the radio, the disc jockey would say: ‘And here comes LesleyGore’s big hit….’ But, like Adlai Stevenson, I could havewaited until hell freezes over before I’d hear him say: ‘Andthe music was written by Marvin Hamlisch.’”)

You’ve been inspired by political issues before, most notablythe Jean Seberg story, and you said in your autobiography, “Ilearned from Leonard Bernstein that music must reach outto the political issues of our times. I think I am correct insaying that he felt any composer who failed to do this wasnot living up to the true spirit of the gift he had been given.”In light of the recent tragedies in New York and at the Pen-tagon, do you think you might feel inspired to address thissomehow in your work?

I think this is a time when people can use musicemotionally—to get into the music and get away fromthe CNN’s. I think it’s therapeutic.

I didn’t get a chance to ask him about the new project he’s work-ing on, but look forward to Sweet Smell of Success, acollaboration with Craig Carnelia, to open this December inChicago, and March 14, 2002, on Broadway. He prefers to callhis autobiography a “collection of recollections.” The Way I Wasis out of print, but if you can find it at the library, Curtain Callor over the Internet, it makes for very interesting reading. Hereveals in it that he becomes a very different person when he’shungry. I don’t think Mr. Hamlisch had eaten much this day….

*Note: The Pops kicked off the new season with BroadwayBound. I was at the October 7th performance, the day theUnited States commenced military attacks on terrorism inAfghanistan. Although it was not planned as part of the show,it ended with a moving performance written by anotherBroadway great, Irving Berlin’s God Bless America. Theaudience stood and sang with the orchestra. I had the privi-lege of sitting in the front row, and as Mr. Hamlisch exited,I happened to see him subtlety kiss his hand and touch theAmerican flag in its stand at the left of the stage. �

PNC Pittsburgh Symphony Pops2001-2002 Season Schedule:

Broadway Bound with Marvin Hamlisch—October 4–7

Swing Time—November 15–18

Holiday Pops—December 20–23

People’s Choice with Marvin Hamlisch—January 31–February 3

Celtic Celebration—March 14–17

An Evening with Michael Feinstein—April 18–21

Marvin’s Wild, Wild, West—May 16–19

To subscribe, call 412-392-4900

Pittsburgh’s Pops Are Tops—An Interview with Marvin Hamlisch, Principal Pops Conductor

Cande Day


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Great Gift Books

Wildflowers of PennsylvaniaBy Phyllis Monk and Mary Joy Haywood

The Botanical Society of Western Pennsylvania (BSWP) publishes this beautifulcolor photograph guidebook of Wildflowers of Pennsylvania.

Co-author Phyllis Monk, a USC resident for over 23 years, is married to Bill, andthey have two sons, five grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Her interest inwildflowers began as a child in Wisconsin where her mother and Phyllis wouldstroll in the woods and her mother would talk about the names of the plants, treesand birds. Phyllis would sketch and paint the wildflowers.

Phyllis graduated from the University of Michigan in 1950 with a degree in Biol-ogy and from the University of Pittsburgh in 1964 with a Master’s degree in SecondaryEducation. She taught biology and chemistry at South Park and Mt. Lebanon HighSchools. She joined the BSWP in 1969 and serves as vice president of the Society.

Phyllis and Bill love to travel and to photograph wildflowers around the world.She presents slide shows to clubs and organizations throughout the South Hills.Phyllis, also a member of the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship, states, “We have atreasure in the Boyce Mayview property and also in Ravine Park where many beau-tiful native plants grow. I was delighted to find several Blue-eyed Mary plants and alarge population of Dwarf Larkspur in Ravine Park.”

Everyone loves the beautiful photographs in this book. Some of the wildflowerswere photographed in Upper St. Clair! Wildflowers of Pennsylvania is available atBorders Bookstore for $20 plus tax. Our Library also has two copies if you need tolook up a photo of Blue-eyed Mary plants and Dwarf Larkspur! �

Great Gift Books� � � � � � �

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Upper St. Clair Images of AmericaBy Larry Godwin (and several members of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair)

Upper St. Clair Images of America is a pictorial history of Upper St. Clair withmore than 200 photographs and captions from albums and files of present and formerresidents.

To purchase Upper St. Clair Images of America, please call the Historical Societyat 412-833-2323 or visit your local bookstore. The book is $19.99 and is perfect forgift giving! �


The Chief—Art Rooneyand his Pittsburgh SteelersBy Jim O’Brien

When Jim O’Brien, 22-year resident of USC and sports author, was researchinghis book about Art Rooney, the founder and patriarch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hetraveled to distant places in search of stories. Jim went to Tampa during Super BowlWeek to talk to some of the old timers in the National Football League and, later, toWest Palm Beach to visit with several of Art Rooney’s sons.

But Jim found his best source almost in his backyard! Art Rooney, Jr., the secondoldest of the five sons, works in an office in Upper St. Clair. Art Rooney, Jr., was incharge of the scouting and player personnel department during the Steelers’ greatsuccessful run in the 70s and was given much credit for the club’s four Super Bowlvictories.

The hallway leading to Art’s office has many framed paintings and sketches ofhis father. The office also contains photos and memorabilia of Lynn Swann, TerryBradshaw, Franco Harris and Mike Webster, who were all drafted under his watch.Art also has about 16 journals in which he has handwritten many of his father’sstories. Art, and many others, shared their stories of “The Chief” with Jim.

Another source for the stories is Myron Cope, who also lived in USC!The Chief is Jim’s 11th book in 11 years, his 13th book about Pittsburgh and his

16th book altogether. The Chief—Art Rooney and his Pittsburgh Steelers is availableat local bookstores for $28.95. �

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Do you like to read at night, cuddled up on thecouch or in bed? Don’t you hate having that bright lampglaring in your face as well as in your sleeping spouse’s face?Have you tried an ebook (electronic book)? An ebook is abattery-operated reading device available at stores like BestBuy for $200 to $600 or you can check one out at our UpperSt. Clair Library for a week.

The Library has three ebooks (A, B and C). The ebookC is the larger version which is about the size of a hard-back book but lighter in weight and includes the last week’sand the next week’s issue of Newsweek, along with sixnovels and a user’s guide. It feels like a regular book whenholding it.

The backlit five by six inch touch screen has controls toadjust the font size, the brightness and contrast of the screenand text. The Library downloads the books from an Internet-based ebook network. From the Bookshelf directory on thetouch sensitive screen, features are accessed with your fin-ger or the ebook stylus. Pages turn at the slight press of aside bar. Other features include: bookmarks, highlighting,search, and even notes can be written on the edges!

This type of book is great for those of us who need goodlighting and larger fonts! The ebooks are not suggested forbeach reading (salt and sand are not healthy for electronicbooks!)

Read Any Good ebooks?For nighttime, poor lighting and in the car reading, the

ebook is wonderful with the constant backlight. Also ebooksare clean—no old book dust!

Click on ebooks at the Library website twpusc.org formore information. Look at the Reader Resources on the ebookpage. �


Dylan Reese is a junior at UpperSt. Clair High School. It could havebeen different. Dylan could have been at-tending high school in Sioux City, Iowa,this year—far from family and friends.Dylan plays ice hockey. In fact, Dylan isconsidered one of the best defensemen inthe United States in his age group. He hasreceived offers to play for top-level ama-teur teams around the country. Untilrecently, none of those offers came fromthe Pittsburgh area because Pittsburgh didnot have a top-level amateur team. SoDylan was ready to play this season forSioux City of the United States HockeyLeague (USHL).

All that has changed. Thanks to formerPittsburgh Penguins head coach KevinConstantine, Dylan is staying home. Dylanis playing for the Pittsburgh Forge, a newteam in the North American HockeyLeague (NAHL). The Forge franchise wasacquired last spring by Island Sports Cen-ter, a sports complex on Neville Island.Kevin Constantine, the president of IslandSports Center, is the general manager ofthe Forge. Upper St. Clair still has Dylan,and Pittsburgh has a new and excitinghockey team.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have givenPittsburgh a powerful presence in the worldof professional hockey for many years. Un-til the last several years, however, this regionwas never viewed as a source of talentedyoung players. Suddenly, young Pittsburghplayers are being selected to some very eliteteams around the country, and college andprofessional scouts are starting to keep aneye on southwestern Pennsylvania. Dylan’sstory reflects this rising strength of theregion’s youth hockey programs.

According to Dylan’s father, Barry, thestory began when a six-year-old neighborproved to be noticeably better on rollerskates than six-year-old Dylan. “These werethe old-fashioned, clamp-on roller skates,”says Barry. “This little girl was skating circlesaround Dylan, and he didn’t like it.”

So Dylan began to practice his roller-skating. “My dad was great,” says Dylan.“He’d sing the Penguins’ music as I’d burstthrough the door into our garage and skatearound in circles.”

Once he mastered roller skates Dylantold his dad he wanted to play hockey.“Many kids who play hockey learn to skateby playing hockey,” recalls Barry.

“That didn’t make sense to me. I wantedDylan to learn to skate first. I told Dylanhe could play hockey when he could skatewell enough to skate backward.”

So, at the age of eight, Dylan signed upfor skating lessons with Upper St. Clair’sBarbara Benedetti, who then was teachingat a small rink in Bridgeville. Dylan’s bestfriend, Grant Lewis, had begun taking les-sons from Benedetti and urged Dylan tojoin him.

“My mom drove us to those lessonsweek after week,” Dylan recalls. “Grant andI hated it at first. I don’t think my momliked it much, either, but she put up withour complaining and made me continue.Now, she realizes that hockey has had avery positive influence on my developmentas a person as well as a player. Mom hasbecome a big fan of hockey.”

Dylan’s early lessons with Benedettiwere the beginning of a powerful teacher/student relationship that continues to thisday. Within a year, Dylan was skating back-ward. At age nine, a little older than mostbeginners, Dylan started playing hockey.At first, he played as a forward. After onlytwo years he was selected by the Mt. Leba-non Hornets to play travel hockey.

In the last game of his first year of travelhockey, one of the Hornet defensemen wassick and could not play. The game wasagainst powerful Little Caesars of Detroit.Coach Mike Magulic asked Dylan to playdefense because Dylan could skate back-wards better than the other forwards. TheHornets won the game, and Dylan’s defen-sive performance was instrumental in thevictory. Although the switch to defense wasintended for only one game, Dylan neveragain played forward. He loved playingdefense and thrived in that position.

In 1998, the Hornets became indepen-dent of the Mt. Lebanon Hockey Associationand moved to the newly-opened IslandSports Center. (See Island Sports Center onpage 86.)

By then, though he was only 14, Dylanwas playing at the “Midget Major” level, inwhich players can be as old as 18. Coachedby Joe Gaul, the Hornets Midget Major teamhas earned a reputation throughout thecountry as a very good team.

USC’s Dylan ReeseForging Name in Hockey World

Dylan Reese (left), Barbara Benedetti and Grant Lewis. Benedetti now teaches at Bladerunners in Bethel

Park. After nine years, Dylan and Grant continue to take lessons. About Dylan, Benedetti says, “Dylan is an

intense competitor who is passionate about the game of hockey, but most importantly he is passionate about

the hard work that must be done to be highly successful.”


Dylan played for the Hornets last year,and certainly could have played for themagain this year. About a year ago, however,it became clear that Dylan was ready foreven tougher competition. In the summerof 2000 Dylan was invited to play on theU.S. National Under-17 Team in an inter-national tournament in Czech Republic. Forthe summer of 2001, he was invited to playon the U.S. National Under-18 Team in aninternational tournament in Germany. TheU.S. teams won both tournaments.

“As good as the Hornets are, and asgood as the competition is at the AAAMidget Major level,” reports Hornets coachJoe Gaul, “Dylan was ready for a higherlevel of hockey. To continue to develop, anelite player like Dylan has to play at thehighest possible level. It became clear toall of us that Dylan was ready for Junior Ahockey.” (See Junior A Hockey on page 86.)

At about the same time, KevinConstantine was settling into his new po-sition at Island Sports Center.

“Pittsburgh has some very talentedyoung players,” says Kevin.

“One of the first things I learned wasthat the best of them were leaving Pitts-burgh to continue their development. Oneof our goals at Island Sports Center is tomake Pittsburgh a recognized source oftalented players. We could give these kidsgood, competitive hockey through theMidget level, but not beyond that. Bring-ing a Junior A team to town made perfectsense for Island Sports Center and forPittsburgh in general. Junior A hockey isfast and exciting. In some cities that don’thave professional hockey teams, Junior Ahockey games regularly draw 5,000 ormore fans.”

By the time it became clear that Pitts-burgh would have a Junior A team,however, Dylan had already decided to playfor Sioux City, Iowa, of the USHL. “OnceI’d made it past the mental hurdle of leav-ing home, I was ready to go,” says Dylan.“At first, I didn’t really want to change thatdecision. Plus, Sioux City is a very goodteam with a good record. The Forge was anew team with a new coach and no record.It was probably my mom, though, whoconvinced me to stay.”

Dylan Reese with staff of the Pittsburgh Forge. From left to right: Chris Imes (head coach), John Becanic(assistant coach), Dylan Reese, Kevin Constantine (general manager of the Forgeand CEO of Island Sports Center).

Continued on page 86

“I wanted him to stay home throughhigh school,” says Marcie Reese, “and Ithink Dylan felt the same way. I told himthat the Forge didn’t have to be the bestteam—just a good team. Then he couldstay in Pittsburgh and continue to developas a player.”

“It was clearly the right decision,” saysDylan. “Kevin Constantine is consideredone of the best hockey minds in the world.Chris Imes is a very good coach. TheForge is a great team with some very tal-ented players. For me, I’m in the bestpossible place.” (See Pittsburgh Forge onpage 86.)

Dylan gives much of the credit for hissuccess in hockey to those who have sup-ported him and trained him.

“Obviously, my mom and my dad havegiven me incredible support. Next, I’dhave to give credit to Barb Benedetti. Ipride myself on my skating, and she is 100percent responsible for the way I skate.My best friend, Grant Lewis, has given metons of support and encouragement[Grant also is a junior at USC HighSchool]. He’s also a very good hockeyplayer. The next time an article abouthockey appears in this magazine it maywell be about Grant. Joe Gaul and MikeMagulic were great coaches who taughtme a lot about the game and about beinga good person. Jeremy Hoy, the strengthand conditioning coach at Island Sports

Center, has really helped me becomephysically stronger over the past coupleof years. And, of course, I’ve alreadylearned so much from Kevin and Christhat I know they will continue to play abig part in my development.”

Does Dylan dream of making the NHL?“Sure,” he admits, “but I have to take thingsone step at a time. First, I want to do mybest to help make the Forge a winningteam. Then, I hope to earn a scholarshipto a Division I college team. After that, we’lljust have to wait and see.”


For eighteen years Bill Corace’s Secon has had a blastraising awareness and money for some of the areas charities.Secon’s first event, in 1983, was a simple appreciation dinnerheld for the tenants at Summerfield Commons Office Park. Afew hundred people attended it.

Each year more buildings were built and more tenants, aswell as more regional and Township officials and subcontrac-tors, were invited to the parties.

Entertainment was introduced in the forms of hot air balloons,carriage rides, strolling magicians, caricature artists, balloon art-ists, jugglers, petting zoos and a train ride for children.

Fund raising for charities began and money is raised by Dunkthe Landlord, Monte Carlo night, Chinese Auction, and CannedFood night (tenants traded canned foods for options at prizes).

The League ofWomen Voters ofGreater Pittsburgh

Elects Leaders

Upper St. Clair is well representedin the League of Women Voters.LWVGP elected Cathy Trainor Pub-lic Relations Director and Trudy Rosecontinues to serve as a board member.

The League encourages the in-formed and active participation ofcitizens in government and influencespublic policy through education andadvocacy. For more information,please email [email protected] or call412-261-4284.

A Toast To LifeA Toast To Life Celebration was a wonderful evening raising $45,000 for the

patients and families of Family Hospice and Palliative Care. The event was held inSeptember at St. Clair Country Club. Some of the USC residents attending were Don

and Lois Guinn, Patricia and Jim Lynn, and Barbara and Mike Giglotti.

For more information about Family Hospice and Palliative Care,

please call 412-572-8800.

Fun-Fund Raising EventsEach year Secon raises around $1800 to $2500 for charities

such as Reading is Fundamental, Community Food Bank, Pitts-burgh Women’s Shelter, Bethlehem Haven and this year, PittsburghAction Against Rape (United Way Contributor’s Choice 216). Manylocal businesses have contributed prizes for these charities.

The event is now held at Abele Business Park. The partyhas grown to over 850 attendees, including tenants from allthree Secon parks—Abele, Summerfield and MeadowPointeOffice Park. Also invited are South Fayette, Upper St. Clair,and Robinson Township Officials; Representative Pippy’s of-fice, and many local business owners. Secon president BillCorace thanks everyone involved.

Secon’s 18th Annual Tenant Appreciation Dinner raised ap-proximately $2500 for Pittsburgh Action Against Rape. �


Four USC youths—Scott Dillie, Mitchell Minerd, AndyMachi and Mario Loffreda-Mancinelli—are making a markin youth soccer. As members of the Beadling U14 boys’ team,they placed first in the recent Pennsylvania West State com-petition and second place in the Region I competition.Beadling finished a close second to Potomac, Maryland, whowent on to capture the National title. Beadling is currentlyranked ninth in the nation.

These four boys have played together for five years, begin-ning on the highly successful USC travel team. The boys recentlyplayed soccer in France and Germany and look forward to play-ing in the Sun Bowl in Ft. Lauderdale in February. �

USC Youth Soccer

Roseanne Stevens, Millie Hutchison, Terry Wehanand Donna Ocondo received the Girl Scouts of Southwest-ern Pennsylvania’s esteemed Appreciation Pins, and Karen Perryreceived the Star Award.

Roseanne has been a registered GSSWPA adult member forlonger than ten years. She has had many roles including: troopleader, coach, special events, and Day Camp Registrar andcampsite manager. She received the Outstanding VolunteerAward in 1999.

Millie has been a registered adult member for longer than17 years. She has had many roles including: helping with daycamp, service unit manager, coach, troop leader and registrar.She has previously been honored with such awards as the GreenAngel Award in 1993, Outstanding Volunteer Award in 1997and Star Award in 1997.

Terry has been a registered adult member for more than sevenyears. She is an active leader in the USC community, providingprogramming in an age-progressive manner. She has served astreasurer for both the community and day camp. Terry has ad-vised troops about their finances, completed and maintainedrecords as well as financial reports. She was honored with theGreen Angel Award in 1997.

Girl ScoutsHonor USC Women

Donna has been a registered adult member for five years.She has served as the site manager for the USC day camp for thepast three years maintaining an efficiently operated site. Sheworked with South Park administrators to ensure quick resolu-tion of problems. Donna also is a troop leader, a past serviceteam coach and special event volunteer for the mother/daugh-ter camping weekend. She was honored with the OutstandingVolunteer Award in 1999.

Karen has been a registered adult member for longer than13 years. She has served Girl Scouting in a variety of roles: troopleader, troop organizer, troop consultant, day camp, coach andrecruiter for St. Thomas More School and Green Circleprogram administrator. She was honored with the AppreciationPin in 1997. �

For more information about Girl Scouts, please call 1-800-248-3355,extension 2202 or visit the website at www.girlscouts-wpa.org.

Jean Gedeon, Artistic Director

UPPER ST. CLAIR THEATRE

Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company1033 Paxton Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102

(412) 835-1335 • (412) 835-1250www.pybco.com

Gift Certificates Available

Thursday, Dec. 6 - 7:00 p.m.Friday, Dec. 7 - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8 - 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 9 - 2:00 p.m.

Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company


Diane Ring has joined MARC USA/Pittsburgh as Vice President, Group Me-dia Director. Diane is responsible for thestrategic development and process ori-entation of media planning for all ofMARC USA/Pittsburgh’s clients.

She is also responsible for integrat-ing media planning into MARC’s coreexcellence initiatives.

Tim Federle,21 and a 1998graduate ofUSCHS, debutedin New York lastyear in the Christ-mas Spectacularwith the famousRadio City MusicHall Rockettes.Tim traveled with

another chorus line during the summer inthe Broadway hit A Chorus Line.

Two years ago, he traveled with Fid-dler on the Roof. Tim had early trainingat the Center for Theater Arts and withBuddy Thompson at the CLO Academyand Ron Tassone at Point Park College.After graduation from high school, Timheaded for New York City. The singer-dancer has worked ever since. He is theson of Lynn and Mike Federle.

USC’s George Charles Mitchell,Ph.D. has been selected again to be in-cluded in Marquis Who’s Who in Americaand in Who’s Who in the World for the year2002. Congratulations George!

Profiles

The Pittsburgh ForgeIn early 2001, Island Sports Center ac-

quired a North American Hockey Leaguefranchise and named the team the Pitts-burgh Forge. Former Penguins head coachKevin Constantine is the general managerand Chris Imes, former All-Americandefenseman for the University of Maine, isthe head coach.

In the spring and summer of 2001, theForge held tryouts that drew over 250 play-ers from throughout the United States andabroad.

The Forge began its season in Septem-ber with a roster of 25 players that includednine players from the Pittsburgh area. Theother players come from throughout theUnited States, with two coming from far-off Alaska.

In addition to Dylan Reese, players fromthe South Hills are Chris Wey from Mt. Leba-non and Denny Kirstein from Bethel Park.

The team plays 26 home games atIsland Sports Center from Septemberthrough March. Eleven teams play in theNAHL, including teams from Dallas,Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland.

The schedule and other team informationcan be found at www.pittsburghforge.com.

Island Sports CenterIsland Sports Center is a 32-acre sports

complex situated on the northwest tip ofNeville Island. It is two minutes from theNeville Island exit off Interstate 79. It is15 minutes from Bridgeville.

Island Sports Center has indoor facili-ties for ice hockey, golf, figure skating,recreational ice-skating, roller hockey, dekhockey, soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseballand basketball.

It also has a fitness center, batting cages,a miniature golf course and a full servicerestaurant (Pete’s Island Grille) that offersviews of the main ice rink as well as theOhio River.

Kevin Constantine, former head coachof the Pittsburgh Penguins, is the president.Dave Hanson, former Detroit Red Wingand co-star with Paul Newman in thehockey cult classic Slap Shot, is the gen-eral manager.

For more information, call 412-262-3335or visit the website at www.iscenter.com. �

Junior A HockeyWhat is Junior A hockey? Most people

acquainted with amateur hockey agree thatthe highest level of amateur hockey in theUnited States is at the college level, atschools known as “Division I” schools,such as Harvard, Maine, Boston College,Michigan, North Dakota and others.

To maintain eligibility to play on oneof these college teams, a player cannot playprofessional hockey. When a talentedplayer is too good or too old to play at theMidget level (the highest and oldest leveloffered by most amateur hockey associa-tions), but too young or otherwise notready to play at the college level, Juniorhockey fills the gap.

Junior hockey is amateur hockey, soplayers maintain their college eligibility.Junior players can be as old as 21. Thehighest level of Junior hockey is “JuniorA.” Thus, outside of Division I Colleges,Junior A offers the highest level of ama-teur hockey in the United States. �

Tickets can be purchased at 412-269-4478.Seating is limited to 950 seats, with stand-ing room for an additional 150 fans. �

USC’s Dylan ReeseForging Name in Hockey WorldContinued from page 83


F I N A N C I N G A V A I L A B L E

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(412) 833-1667

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�Boyce Road GardenersCelebrate 25th Anniversary!Boyce Road GardenersCelebrate 25th Anniversary!Not only did the Boyce Road Gardeners enjoy their Annual Fair August25th, they enjoyed their 25th anniversary as well! After the judging of vegetables andflowers, the gardeners ate the traditional grilled hot dogs and shared a special anniver-sary cake.

If you respect wildlife and enjoy gardening without chemicals, join the Boyce RoadGardeners for fun and recreation. There is no better way to get fresh air and exerciseand it is a wonderful experience for the children, too! Join this active group. Gardensare located at the entrance to Boyce Mayview Park off Boyce Road.

For more information or to register for a 2002 garden plot, call Phyllis Kender,Registrar, at 412-221-3118. Plots rent for $10, and membership is $5. �

Murray Hoover serves hotdogs.

Loren Schoenholdz

Front row: Hester Joseph (25 years gardening), Mel and Nancy Koehler (25 years)Back row: Loren Schoenholtz, Vice President (15 years), King and Dottie Fleek (15 years),

Dolly Hoover, President (20 years), Betty Stearns (20 years), Lavisa and Bill Ward (15 years)

Great Harvest!

�

ECRWSS* CARRIER ROUTE

POSTAL CUSTOMERUpper St. Clair, PA 15241

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage

PaidPittsburgh PA

Permit No. 206

This magazine was printed on recycled paper.

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This Brookside Farms home abounds withcharm and style! Some of its many featuresinclude 4 BR, 1st floor FR and den, great deck!

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Call Home Facts at412-366-8893

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WINTER 2001