October 2010 - Allegheny West Magazine

RIGHT: A new ballfield at the new Donaldson Park in North 

Fayette Township was dedicated during community days in 

memory of coach Lou Huebner, who died of breast cancer in 

2003. Pictured is Lou’s family, left to right: children Emily and 

Ryan, and wife, Lynn. Read the story on page 22. 

Now in Our 

12th Year 

Serving The 

Airport Communities 

“GOOD NEWS ALWAYS, MAILED & DELIVERED FREE, EVERY TIME” 

Allegheny West Magazine - West Allegheny Edition, is an all positive, good news publication mailed free into the homes and businesses of 

the West Allegheny School District communities of Findlay, North Fayette, Oakdale, Sturgeon, and McDonald to connect communities, 

promote people, heighten awareness about the richness of the airport region, and build pride in the western suburbs of Allegheny County. 

West Allegheny Edition 

VOL. 12, NO. 68, ISSUE 2 

OCTOBER 2010 

FEATURES 

12 Friends at the End of the Rainbow 

13 Clinton Park: A Gift for All Seasons 

26 A Place for P.A.L.S. 

56 Meeting Adversity Head On 

SPECIAL SECTIONS 

30 Senior Living 

42 Home Improvement & Fix-Up 

ABOUT THE COVER 

All smiles before a West 

Allegheny Indians varsity 

football game were, left to right: 

Bryn Smiley, Sarah 

Davis,Taylor Marcellus, and 

Jake Smiley. They are children 

of coaches Steve Smiley, Mark 

Davis, and Ed Marcellus. 

PHOTO BY G. PAUL DeBOR 

COLUMNS 

06 Publisher’s Note 

08 On the Horizon 

19 Youth Corner 

20 Around Your Town 

37 Your Schools 1 

48 ACTA Transportation 

49 Sidelines 

50 Groundwork 

51 Your Schools 2 

52 Your House & Senate 

53 Business Briefs 

62 Municipal Roundup 

64 Chamber Business Link 

65 Library News 

69 Community Connections 

70 Personal Perspective 

MORE INFO 

Allegheny West Magazine-West Allegheny Edition is published in February, April, June, August, 

October, and December, six issues a year, by Jennette Communications Group, 15 Walnut Street, Suite 

101, Imperial PA 15126. Mailed and distributed free to residents and businesses in Findlay, North 

Fayette, Oakdale, Sturgeon, a portion of McDonald, and adjacent areas. Extra copies available at 

municipal offices, schools, libraries, stores, advertisers, hotels, and businesses. Available by mail 

subscription for $12 annually. Story ideas welcomed. Community events and announcements from nonprofit 

groups must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publishing date. Announcements are 

limited to 30 words and must include a contact phone number. Reproduction of any artwork, 

photographs, or copy prepared by Allegheny West Magazine is strictly prohibited without written 

consent of Jennette Communications Group. Copyright 1999 Allegheny West Magazine. All rights 

reserved. Views and opinions expressed by contributors and/or advertisers are the responsibility of the 

contributors and not those of the publisher of Allegheny West Magazine. 

The Montour Valley Grange was started in 1935. This fraternal farm 

organization purchased land on Enlow Road and constructed a building there 

for its meetings. To pay for the building, they held dances, dinners, and 

other activities. Once they paid for the building, they sold it. The Grange 

still exists. 

TO REACH US 

15 Walnut Street, Suite 101, Imperial, PA 15126 

Phone: 724.695.3968 Fax: 724.695.2089 

E-Mail: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net 

www.alleghenywestmagazine.com 

PUBLISHING TEAM 

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR 

Pat Jennette, APR 

PHOTOGRAPHERS 

G. Paul DeBor, 

Dave Knoer, Christopher Rolinson 

WRITERS 

Kiley Brady, Kaitlin Busch, 

Dick Glovier, Jessica Harman, 

Heather Schiefer Murray 

ADVERTISING SALES 

Michele Shafer 

WEBMASTER 

www.ddswebdesign.com 

FALL INTERNS 

Jocelyn Grecko, Shane Zysk 

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE 

Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce 

Findlay Township, North Fayette Township 

Oakdale Borough, McDonald Borough, West Allegheny 

School District, North Fayette Garden Club, 

Western Allegheny Community Library 

Erma Dodd, Catherine Roberts 

OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS 

Jennette Communications Group also publishes the 

Montour Edition of Allegheny West Magazine, and 

the Moon Edition of Allegheny West Magazine. 

MEMBER: 

2007 Winner 

BBB Torch 

Award for 

Marketplace 

Ethics 

Registered with Dun & 

Bradstreet 

PHOTO SUBMITTED 

WE PROUDL 

OUDLY Y SPONSOR AND SUPPORT: 

Y 

The Western Allegheny Community Library Capital Building 

Campaign and the Annual Christmas Drive-Through Light-Up 

Display in Clinton Park 

Allegheny West Magazine partners with Knepper 

Press in Clinton to print its magazines. Knepper 

Press purchases wind energy credits to offset 100% 

of its electricity usage, energy which is used to print 

our magazines. We are also committed to recycling 

our used and leftover products by sending them to 

Shared Acres, a Community Supported Agriculture 

(CSA) program in Findlay Township, of which we are a member. 

We encourage our readers to be responsible and dispose of this 

magazine when finished enjoying it. Consider passing it along to 

someone else, or placing it in your neighborhood recycling bins. Thank 

you in advance for doing your part for our earth. 

October 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 3

OUR 

Advertisers 

As with every issue, your community businesses ar e the reason for the publication of Allegheny West Magazine. Please 

support these businesses. Their support allows us to mail this magazine, fr ee, into the households of Findlay , North 

Fayette, Oakdale, Sturgeon, and portions of McDonald as a community service. 

A Door to Memories, p. 27, (724) 630-1212, www.adoortomemories.com 

Advantage Heating & Cooling, p. 46, (724) 695-1985, www.advantagehvac.org 

Allegheny West Eye Care, p. 32, (724) 695-3371, www.alleghenywesteyecare.com 

Aunt Mini Storage Center, p. 24, (724) 695-8700 

Bob’s Diner, p. 66, (412) 695-7400 

Business Legal, p. 29, (724) 693-0588, www.businesslegal.net 

Carol Leone, Inc., p. 6, (412) 262-1638, www.carolleones.com 

Center for Organ Recovery (CORE), p. 67, 888.DONORS.7, www.core.org 

Christmas in the Village, p. 16, (724) 947-9015, www.christmasinthevillagepa.com 

Cindy’s Carriages, p. 17, (412) 266-6190 

Clearview FCU, p. 21, 800.926.0003, www.clearviewfcu.org 

Clearview Stables, p. 66, (724) 693-9686, www.clearviewstablesinc.com 

Clinton Wesleyan Church, p. 27, (724) 695-7076, www.clintonwesleyan.org 

Cool Home Improvements, Inc., p. 43, (412) 262-1140, 

www.coolhomeimprovements.com 

Covenant Family Church, p. 66, (724) 263-7147, www.covfamchurch.org 

D’Angelo Office Cleaning, p. 48, (724) 693-2703 

Danielle Thomas Massage, p. 31 (412) 519-4566, www.ddtmassage.com 

Davey Tree, p. 67, (724) 746-8852, www.davey.com 

DDS Web Design, p. 18, (412) 965-0688, www.ddswebdesign.com 

DiSanti, Dr. Judy, D.M.D., p. 66, (412) 264-6229, www.coraopolisdentist.com 

El Campesino, p. 16, (412) 787-2225, www.elcampesino.net 

Family Chiropractic Ctr., p. 24, (412) 787-3320, www.familychiropracticcenters.biz 

Findlay Township, p. 5, (724) 695-0500, www.findlay.pa.us 

First Steps Pediatrics, p. 28, (412) 788-1999, www.fspkids.com 

Fitness for Life, p. 14, (724) 695-2239, www.mkfitness4life.com 

Frametech Construction, p. 43, (412) 849-1512 

Freedom Fellowship of Pittsburgh, p. 47, (412)787-2393, www.ffop.org 

Gabriel Pain & Spine Ctr., p. 36, (412) 490-0400, www.gabrielpainandspine.com 

Gallagher Home Care, p. 35, (412) 279-7800, www.gallagherhhs.com 

Graff Grooming, p. 22 

Half Crown Hill Orchard, p. 5, (412) 913-4981, www.hchorchard.com 

Heritage Valley Health System, ins. fr. cover, 877.771.4847, www.heritagevalley.org 

Heritage Valley Healthcare, p. 31, (724) 695-2411, www.heritagevalley.org 

Imperial Tax & Accounting, p. 18, (724) 695-7354 

Janoski’s Farm & Greenhouse, p. 68, (724) 899-3438, www.janoskis.com 

Kovach Body Shop, p. 66, (724) 926-8706 

LaStone Therapy by Michelle, p. 66, (412) 809-9809 

Lazarowicz & Associates, p. 23, (412) 299-7390 

Levinson, Dr. Brad/Colo-Rectal Assoc., p. 15, (724) 741-6070, 

www.colo-rectalassociates.com 

Liechti, Fred E., JD, CPA, p. 66, (412) 787-5280 

Luther Dentistry, p. 32, (412) 788-6300, www.pittsburghlaserdentist.com 

Mac’s Landscaping, p. 67, (724) 612-2926 

Manpasand Restaurant, p. 61, (412) 787-0713, www.manpasands.com 

Medical Group Robinson, p. 7, (412) 490-2500, www.medicalgrouprobinson.com 

Meyers, Tom Plumbing, p. 29, (724) 693-2880 

Mike’s Tree Service, p. 67, (724) 947-2677 

Montour Dental, Dr. Picciano, p. 24, (412) 787-3366, www.montourdental.com 

Montours Presbyterian Church, p. 24, (412) 787-1050 

Moody Funeral Home, p. 14, (724) 695-0411 

MTO Clean, p. 43, (412) 809-9300, http://allegheny.mtoclean.com 

My Laundromat, p. 41, (724) 227-0513 

Naughton’s Tree Service, p. 67, (412) 331-5952, www.naughtonstreeservice.com 

Oakdale Foot & Ankle Center, p. 33, (412) 787-8380, www.oakdalepodiatrist.com 

Oakdale U.P. Church, p. 61, (724) 693-8950 

PA Fitness West, p. 6, (412) 787-1518, www.pafitnesswest.com 

Painted Giraffe, p. 22, (724) 695-2333, www.thepaintedgiraffe.com 

Parkway West Career & Tech. Ctr., p. 51, (412) 923-1772, www.parkwaywest.org 

Pave-Rite, p. 68, (412) 264-8404, www.paverite.net 

Pgh. Comfort Tech, p. 44, (412) 788-8654, www.pittsburghcomforttech.com 

Pgh. Airport Area Chbr. of Commerce, p. 64, (412) 264-6270, www.paacc.com 

Pgh. Technical Institute, p. 28, 1.800.784.9675, www.pti.edu 

PIttsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, p. 53, (412) 665-3640, www.pittsburghzoo.org 

Play Academy, p. 15, (412) 299-0616, www.play-academy.org 

Polidor Family Dentistry, p. 34, (724) 695-8447 

pT Group Physical Therapy, p. 33, (412) 262-3354, www.theptgroup.com 

Pustover Financial Services, p. 61, (724) 695-8885 

Richard Felser Company, p. 45, (724) 728-0988, www.richardfelser.com 

Rick Murray & Sons, Inc., p. 45, (412) 596-1337, www.rickmurrayandsonsinc.com 

Robinson Chiropractic, p. 31, (412) 706.7129, www.myrobinsonchiropractic.com 

Robinson Self Storage, p. 18, (412) 809-0900, www.robinsonstorage.com 

Robinson Township Christian School, p. 28, (412) 787-5919, www.rtcsonline.org 

Rohm Dental Offices, p. 66, (724) 695-2100, www.drjohnrohm.com 

Self Storage of North Fayette, p. 48, (724) 695-8875 

Sleep Wellness Center, p. 33, (412) 264-4611, www.sleepwellnesscenter.org 

Spotlight Players, p. 21, (412) 375-7601 

Thomas Studio of Dance, p. 16, (412) 787-7686, www.thomasdance.com 

Thomas-Little Funeral Services, p. 23, (724) 926-2800, 

www.thomas-littlefuneralservice.com 

Today’s Hair, p. 23, (724) 695-0478 

Total Home Renovations, p. 44, (724) 899-3726 

Up in Arms Tattoo, p. 67, (724) 695-1313, www.upinarmstattoo.com 

Valley Presbyterian Church, p. 50, (724) 695-0300, www.valleychurchweb.com 

Volant Mill Winery, p. 6, (724) 899-3438, www.volantmillwinery.com 

Wade Heating & Cooling, ins. bk. cover, (412) 787-1341, www.always70wade.com 

West Hills Electric, p. 45, (412) 860-7318 

Wharton-Herrick Funeral Home, p. 27, (724) 695-7332 

Willows, The, p. 31, 1.888.219.4105, www.integracare.com 

We list each advertiser’s Web site here, too, where available, to provide readers with access to additional information about each business. 

4 Allegheny West Magazine October 2010


PUBLISHER’S 

Note 

SPECIAL STORIES 

ABOUT SPECIAL PEOPLE 

Despite a world full of depressing news, with the economy down 

and unemployment up, putting together yet another issue of this 

magazine for you, the reader, reaffirms for me the sincere goodness 

in people. 

There is the group of volunteers who formed P.A.L.S. (read the 

story to see what they’re about!). And meet the friends group at the 

end of the rainbow! Did you ever meet Matt You will here! Read 

his inspiring story! And see how the North Fayette Police Department 

and the West Allegheny varsity football team are making 

each home game a special memory for a special child! 

We share news of student achievers and one little girl with a big 

heart who cut off her hair to help those with cancer. 

I don’t know about you, but when I finish putting together all of 

this good news, I am comforted by knowing that we have a great 

community full of wonderful and generous people. 

Keep the good news coming! Thank you for everything! 

And, being the good news people that we are, we are 

happy to announce that our new Web site is up: 

www.alleghenywestmagazine.com. Take a peek and tell 

us what you think! We will continue to add to it over 

time with news and information for you. 

feedback. . . 

Pat Jennette, Publisher & Editor 

Celebrating our 

12th Year 

ear 

Serving the 

West Allegheny Communities! 

Just J ust read J 

the latest test edition of AWM WM magazine azine from om cover er to cover 

er. WOW, 

wha 

hat t an amazing asset to the community 

unity. From FF 

om the publisher 

lishers s note to the 

personal perspecti 

spectives es on the last page e -- thank you 

AWM WM ou 

for brightening 

my y day. I can’t t wait ait to go o to my y mailbox x and recei 

eceive e the next xt edition. 

Thank you 

Alleghen 

ou 

gheny y West y 

est Magazine azine for 12 year 

ears s of good gg 

ood news ws cover er to 

cover 

er. -- Dave Knoer, K-Kamera 

Thr 

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ticle le on Haiti that t your writer, Ana, did, we ww 

e met a woman 

who ho makes es hand sewn wn dolls to give e to needy y childr 

hildren en in various countries. 

She has committed to send us with dolls for the Haitian childr 

hildren!!! Jen and 

her famil 

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ecently y moved ed to our area. 

ea. Who ho knew w that t through your 

artic 

ticle 

le, it would bring muc 

uch h happiness to the childr 

hildren en of Haiti!!! Thank you! 

-- Every Blessing, Edward Slonchka - The Global Reach 

Thank you for the awesome cover 

er, story y layout and space for MCA-TV’s 

25th football season. We have recei 

eceived ed so muc 

uch positive feedbac 

eedback k from 

the magazine azine fea 

eatur 

ture, and we reall 

eally y appr 

pprecia 

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cover 

erage e of this! -- Meghan McNamara, MCA-TV 



on the horizon 

Fall “Hard to Recycle” Collection Event 

sponsored by the Pennsylvania Resources 

Council, Inc. and the Allegheny County Health 

Department, is Saturday, October 16 at The 

Mall at Robinson parking lot from 10 a.m. to 

2 p.m. (412) 488-7490, ext. 2361 or visit 

www.prc.org. On the site, a list of items being 

accepted is available, along with which ones 

require a nominal fee and which ones are free. 

Pittsburgh Technical Institute Fall/Winter 

Massage Clinics are Saturdays, October 30, 

November 6 and 20, December 4 and 18. 

Clinic format has changed. Massages are one 

hour long and cost $30. Offered are Swedish, 

Deep Tissue, Sports, Reflexology, Pregnancy, 

Pediatric, Geriatric, and a limited number of 

Hot Stone, (412) 370-6719. 

Election Day Spaghetti Dinner and Bake Sale at 

Resurrection Lutheran Church, 7600 

Steubenville Pike, Oakdale on Tuesday, 

November 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. Cost is Adults, $6 

and children under 12, $3. Menu items include 

tossed salad, spaghetti and meatballs with 

sauce, bread and coffee or tea. Take out is 

available. 

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays - Attend an 

encouraging seminar to help survive the 

holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy 

them again, Saturday, November 20, 9:30 to 

11:30 a.m. at Crossroads Church in North 

Fayette. Contact (412) 494-9999 or e-mail: 

GriefShare@www.crossroadsumc.org. 

Heritage Public Library, McDonald, Flea Market, 

November 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be 

provided to vendors. Bring an item for the raffle. 

Fee is $25 to reserve a table, (724) 678-1372 or 

e-mail, so isson@windstream.net. 

Boy Scout Troop 830’s Annual All You Can Eat 

Pancake Breakfast is Sunday, October 24, 

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Findlay Township Activity 

Center, Main Street, Imperial. Cost: $5 Adults, 

$4 Seniors, $3 Children. All you can eat 

pancakes and sausage, fruit cup, hot coffee, 

tea, milk, and juice. Enjoy a good meal with 

friends and family and support local Scouts. 

TAKE A WALK THROUGH 

THE LIGHT UP . . . 

The annual Christmas Light Up 

Drive Through Display at Clinton 

Park in Findlay Township opens 

to the public on November 19. 

On November 17 and 18, bring 

the family out for a stroll through 

the park from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The 

first “walk through” last year was 

such a success that a second 

night has been added this year. 

For details, call (724) 899-3602. 

8 Allegheny West Magazine October 2010 

COMING UP IN NORTH FAYETTE . . . . 

North Fayette Recreation Department will sponsor a fall Movie in the Park and Bonfire on Saturday, 

October 16, 7:30 p.m. at the township park. The movie will be “Ironman 2.” Refreshments will be 

served and the evening is FREE. 

The following programs are being offered all 

winter long at the North Fayette Community 

Center: 

Zumba - Tuesday/Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 

Get Personal - Monday at 5:30 p.m. & 

Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 

YogaStretch - Tuesday and Friday at 

11:15 a.m. 

Beginner’s Yoga - Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. 

Gentle Yoga - Saturday, 8 a.m. 

Cardio Sculpt - Thursday, 11:15 a.m. 

Interval Circuit - Tuesday, 5:30 pm 

Target Zone - Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. & Saturday, 

9 a.m. 

The Learning Center at North Fayette is a new preschool program for 2, 3, and 4 year olds that 

began this fall, concentrating on preparing children for kindergarten readiness. 

Future Stars Flag Football offers kids 4-6 years old the chance to begin to develop skills, learn 

team play and the rules of football. The program is offered Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon 

at the township park. 

Future Stars Basketball offers kids 4-6 years old the chance to develop skills and learn team play 

and the rules of the game. The program starts Saturday, November 6 at the North Fayette Community 

Center and runs from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Abrakadoodle is fun art classes, imaginative teachers, creative materials, and inspiration. Programs 

are offered for children 20-36 months and 3 years old to kindergarten. A four-week session 

begins Monday, November 1 and is held at the Community Center. 

Mommy and Me returns for another fall and winter of fun playtime in the Community Center. Run 

around, color, and just play when you can’t take the kids outside. Held at the Community Center 

gym, it is now offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting October 12. 

Master Chess Coach Henry Doktorski returns to instruct Chess for Kids, ages 7 through 14, on 

Mondays at 4:45 p.m. in the Community Room. The seven-week session starts November 1. 

West Hills Symphonic Band will present a four concert season series 

at West Allegheny High School beginning this fall. Sunday, October 

31, 3 p.m., Great “Ghostly” Pieces including Saint-Saens’ “Danse 

Macabre” and Moussorgski’s “Night on Bald Mountain;” Sunday, 

December 12, 3 p.m., Gala Holiday Concert featuring local choirs 

and festive favorites; Sunday, March 27, 3 p.m., Spring Concert with 

Music of the Masters and Broadway Gems; Sunday, May 15, 3 p.m., 

Swing into Summer with the Best of the Great American Songbook. 

The WHSB will once again perform outreach concerts for many 

other local events. Last year’s outdoor venues included Paris, PA , 

Oakdale, Moon, and North Fayette. Organizations interested in 

hosting an outreach concert, contact Principal Conductor/Music 

Director Clem Rolin, (412) 788-4713. 

Community Groups 

oups, Churches 

hes, Scout Troops 

& More...List 

Your Events in our 

“On the Horizon” 

on” pages 

Here e Free of Charge! 

SNPJ Lodge 106 Jam Night / Dinner Nights have returned on the 

third Saturday of each month. Call (724) 695-1411. Jam nights 

are open to the public; bring an instrument and play along. Also, 

every Saturday during the college football season, the lodge 

clubroom offers half-price pizza, whole wings, and all you can 

eat Spaghetti dinners (dine-in only) for $8 from 2 to 6 p.m. Also, 

the lodge will once again hold its New Year’s Eve Party in the 

clubroom. 

Line Dancing - Monday, 9:15 a.m. 

Step and Sculpt - Tuesday, 9 a.m. 

The Community Center Gym is open at 7:30 a.m. 

for anyone wanting to walk during the winter 

months. 

Water Walking is held at the Donaldson 

Elementary School Pool Monday through Thursday 

from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $2. 

CPR class is scheduled for Thursday night, 

October 21 from 6 from 9 p.m. in the Community 

Center Community Room. Cost is $5. 

For more information about any of North 

Fayette’s events, (412) 788-4888. 

Class Reunions 

West Allegheny Class of 2000 

ten-year high school reunion is 

the weekend after Thanksgiving 

of 2010. For info, e-mail: 

westaclass2000@yahoo.com. 

Event details will be posted at 

www.westasd.org.

Haunted 

Cabin 

Oakdale Boy Scout Troop 

248 brings its Annual 

Haunted Cabin event to the 

community October 27-30 

from 7 to 9 p.m. each night 

at their Boy Scout Cabin, 

248 Clinton Avenue, 

Oakdale. The experience 

includes a full acre of 

haunting fun for everyone. 

Cost is $3 per person. 

Scouts and youth groups 

attending as a group will 

receive a discount. To 

make arrangements for 

groups, call (724) 693- 

0549. Parking is limited; 

overflow parking is within a 

block of the cabin. A 

refreshment stand will be 

available. 

100th Anniversary of Scouting 

Boy Scout Troop 248 Alumni 

Celebration 

Calling all Alumni members of 

Boy Scout Troop 248 to join in 

an alumni celebration at 

Oakdale Community Center, 

Saturday, February 12, 2011, 

between 2 and 4 p.m., 

(724) 693-0549 or 

www.Oakdaletroop248.org. 

SAVE THE DATE! 

22nd Annual Auction Excellence 

Hosted by Ohio Valley General 

Hospital Foundation 

Saturday, November 13 

Sheraton, 

Station Square 

(412) 777-6161 

Fall Events at The ROCK in Oakdale 

The ROCK, Youth & Family Center After School 

Program re-opened for the 2010-2011 season 

on October 4. The facility is open from 3 to 

4 p.m. for Homework Hour and 4 to 7 p.m. for 

Open ROCK, Monday through Thursday. 

Come to Family Night Saturdays, 7 to 9 p.m. 

Season memberships are $15/child or $30/ 

family. For information, (724) 693-2777, 

www.rockoakdale.org. 

HALLOWEEN 

HAPPENINGS 

IN THE 

TOWNSHIPS 

FINDLAY TWP. PRE-PARADE PIZZA PARTY 

AND MAGIC SHOW - Come to the Activity Center, 

Main Street, Imperial, on Saturday, October 30 before 

the parade and enjoy a pizza party and a unique magic 

show with family and friends. After the show, head out 

to the parade. Pizza party is from noon to 12:30 p.m. 

with “Dustin the Magician” performing from 12:30 to 

1:15 p.m. Donation is $1 per person and RESERVA- 

TIONS ARE REQUIRED, (724) 695-0500, ext. 246 

“NO WALK-INS; SEATING LIMITED.” Also, the 

township is looking for volunteers to dress up and help 

with the party. Call to participate. 

FINDLAY TWP. ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARADE 

The Annual Halloween Parade will be held on Saturday, 

October 30 at 1:30 p.m. Participants will meet at the 

Activity Center in Imperial and march down Main Street 

to the Imperial Fire Hall for treats. All ages are welcome 

and prize drawings will be held for each age group. In 

the event of inclement weather, everyone will remain at 

the Activity Center for prizes and treats. 

FINDLAY TWP. TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT 

Findlay Township will have Trick or Treat Night on 

Halloween, Sunday, October 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

NORTH FAYETTE TWP. TRICK OR TREAT 

Sunday, October 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

OAKDALE HALLOWEEN PARADE 

AND 

TRICK OR TREAT 

Sunday, October 31, line up at 4:30 p.m. on Union 

Avenue across from Willow Creek Crossing. Parade 

starts at 5 p.m. and travels through downtown Oakdale, 

followed by community-wide trick or treating from 

6 to 8 p.m. 

helping others 

The Parkway West Rotary is looking to support 

additional families in its service areas of Coraopolis, 

Robinson, Oakdale, Kennedy, and Imperial during the 

2010 holiday season. The Rotary for the Thanksgiving 

holiday will provide turkey, potatoes, and assorted 

canned goods. Delivery of these items is scheduled for 

the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 20. For the 

Christmas holiday season, the Rotary will provide toys 

and other items for families who need additional support. 

The Rotary also provides a ham and potatoes with 

assorted food items for delivery. Delivery of the toys and 

food will take place on Saturday, December 19. To 

become involved in the program, contact Marcy McKivitz 

at (412) 292-4140 or by e-mail, mmckivitz@callos.com. 

All information needs to be received by the Rotary no 

later than October 15 to participate in the program. 

Choices Pregnancy Center in Coraopolis announces 

its fall Benefit Banquet on November 4 at the Airport 

Hyatt Hotel. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m.. New York Times 

best-selling author, Stephen Mansfield, is guest speaker. 

Choices is also planning its fall program called “Great 

to Wait” in area middle and high schools. The program 

presents abstinence education in a small group setting. 

Choices is seeking someone who is practicing abstinence 

or is in a faithful married relationship to consider making 

presentations to young people about “Great to Wait.” 

The position is paid on a per diem basis. Call (724) 457- 

1220 for the banquet or the position. 

Florence Flenner, 38, a local resident who 

successfully battled breast cancer, has started a project 

called the Faces of Breast Cancer, a calendar featuring 

local breast cancer patients going through treatment, 

who are in remission, or families of people who have 

died from the disease. All of the money raised goes 

toward gifts such as dinners, hair styling, nail salons, 

bakeries, and more for breast cancer patients. 

Additionally, Florence is hoping to hold a homecoming/ 

prom dress sale this year. She is seeking donations of 

dresses. To donate a dress, or inquire about the 

calendar, call her at (412) 335-6441. 

Carissa McComas was seriously injured while kayaking 

at Raccoon Creek State Park with a friend this past 

summer. She struggles to recover while a patient at the 

UPMC Neuro Intensive Care Unit. To help parents Scott 

and Ruth McComas with expenses as they stay with her 

regularly, please consider a donation to the family. They 

can be sent to: Scott and Ruth McComas, 355 Route 30, 

Lot 59, Clinton, PA 15026. 

Let us know about a project or 

event that helps others. We will 

post it here. These are always 

free listings. 

(724) 695-3968 or e-mail: 

alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net 


on the horizon 

COMING UP IN FINDLAY . . . 

KID’S CREATIVE COOKING 

This hands-on class will introduce participants to the preparation 

of a variety of easy and delicious seasonal recipes that will 

satisfy those after-school hunger pangs. Cost listed is per 

month. Payment is taken at the class. Please pre-register at 

least two days before class to attend. NO WALK-INS. 

WHO: Youth in grades K – 5 

WHEN: Thursdays, October 14, November 4, and December 9 

TIME: 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. 

WHERE: Findlay Township Activity Center / Main Street / 

Imperial/ Upper Level 

COST: Residents - $8 per month, Non-residents - $10 per 

month 

LUNCH BUNCH 

Bring your preschooler with a packed lunch and drink to the 

Activity Center for lunch and fun activities. This program is 

open to all children who turned 4 years old by September 1. 

Kindergartners are welcome too! Cost listed is by the month. 

Payment is taken at the class. Yo u must call by Monday 

before the class to guarantee a spot. NO WALK-INS 

WHEN: Tuesdays, October 26, November 30, December 14 

WHERE: Findlay Township Activity Center / Lower Level / 

Main Street / Imperial 

TIME: 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. 

COST: Residents - $5 per month, Non-residents - $7 per 

month 

TIME FOR TODDLERS 

This is for a child who will two by September 1. Bring your 

toddler to the Activity Center for an hour of music, movement, 

activities, and a snack. This is a great opportunity to meet 

other families with toddlers. An adult must stay with the child. 

Cost listed is per class and is payable on the day of the 

activity. You MUST pre-register to attend. 

WHERE: Findlay Township Activity Center / 310 Main Street / 

Imperial / Lower Level 

WHEN: Tuesdays, October 5 & 19, November 9 & 23, and 

December 7 

COST: Resident - $3, Non-resident - $4 

WATER AEROBICS 

This is a low impact workout. Aquatic exercise is a fun way to 

exercise heart and lungs while toning various muscles. The 

water provides a great form of resistance with little to no impact 

on your muscle and skeletal systems. All levels of ability can 

benefit from this activity. 

CLASS DAYS HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO MONDAYS AND 

WEDNESDAYS. CALL NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO 

REGISTER 

LOCATION: Wilson Elementary School / Bruno Lane, off of 

Boggs Road in Imperial 

WHEN: MONDAY CLASS - 6 to 7 p.m. 

Nine week session October 4, 18 & 25, November 1, 8, 15 & 

22, and December 6 & 13 

COST: $45 

WEDNESDAY CLASS - 6 to 7 p.m. 

Eight week session, October 20 & 2,7 November 3, 10 & 17, 

and December 1, 8 & 15 

COST: $40 

COST FOR BOTH CLASSES - $80 

Classes cannot be held when there is no school that day or if 

there is a special school sponsored activity. This includes snow 

or emergency days. If West Allegheny School District is 

cancelled, so is water aerobics. 

For all programs, above, call (724) 695-0500, ext.246. 

News from the 

The Western Area YMCA will be offering two nutrition classes to help 

participants survive the holiday season 

Eat Well For Life begins October 27. This four-week program promotes 

making healthy food choices and adopting practices necessary to achieve a 

balanced life and long-term weight management. It is free to Highmark 

members; $65 for non-Highmark members. 

Drop 10 in 10 begins Jan 5, 2011. This is a ten-week weight management 

program designed to help participants lose ten pounds or 10% of body 

weight through a program of balanced nutrition, sensible activity, and 

meaningful lifestyle changes. Cost is $15 for Highmark members; $95 for 

non-Highmark members. Space is limited. Call (412) 787-9622 to register. 

Participants of Highmark health plans, Freedom Blue, Security Blue or HOP 

can participate in a variety of classes and become members of the Western 

Area YMCA at no extra charge. Stop by the Y for more information. 

The Western Area YMCA provides a wide variety of group exercise 

programs for all ages and fitness levels. The next session begins October 

25. 

A new Active Older Adult Program offers a series of Silver Sneakers 

classes and line dancing that meeting in the mornings, Monday through 

Friday. Classes also begin October 25. 

There are also programs for individual one on one training, sports training 

for ages 14 and up, youth group fitness training, and youth strength and 

conditioning classes for ages 10-15. 

For a complete program brochure outlining the details of the programs, 

above, as well as the Y’s other programs, which include aquatics, youth 

sports, youth skill classes, and adult league sports, call (412) 787-9622. The 

Western Area YMCA is located at 195 Montour Run Road, Coraopolis, PA 

15108, between Ventana Hills and Pit Stop Airport Parking. 

Animal Friends Hosts Fun Events 

for “Adopt-a-Dog Month in October” 

Animal Friends is gearing up for October, National Adopt a Dog Month, 

with two very special dog adoption events. 

Dog Speed Dating Adoption Event 

Saturday, October 16, 12 to 4 p.m. - Lovable dogs seek lifelong commitments! 

Meet your perfect match at the Dog Speed Dating adoption event. 

We’re serving snacks and beverages and trotting out our most eligible 

canine bachelor and bachelorettes. Keep track of the dogs you click with 

on our Speed Dating Scorecards. Be ready – our dogs aren’t looking for 

one-night stands…they’re ready to move in and love you forever! 

Beagles and Bagels Adopt-a-Thon 

Saturday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Enjoy a bagel brunch while you 

browse a bunch of adoptable beagles! Meet Animal Friends’ homeless 

beagles and learn why beagles can make great family pets: they’re 

typically sweet, social, calm, and curious. Animal Friends’ Adoption 

Counselors will be on hand to help you meet a beagle who needs you. 

Animal Friends is committed to finding loving homes for homeless dogs, 

cats, and rabbits—for as long as it takes. Every adoption means that we 

can admit another pet who would otherwise not have a chance–a hungry 

stray, an animal removed from a situation of 

cruelty or neglect, or one in the custody of 

an organization who may not be able to 

guarantee the pets’ survival. 

Animal Friends is located at 562 

Camp Horne Road in the North 

Hills. Call (412) 847-7000 or visit 

www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org. 


The Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh (FSGP) is sponsoring its 

Fourth Annual Kidz Bowling For Kidz fund-raising bowling tournament to 

benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The event will be held on Sunday, 

November 7 at the Princess Lanes in Whitehall Borough. 

There is no cost to enter the tournament, however, each child must have 

a minimum of $25 in sponsorships or promised sponsorships prior to 

entering. The bowler who collects the most donations will receive a prize. 

The children need not be a member of a fraternal benefit society to 

participate. 

For an entry form, contact Karen Pintar, (724) 695-1100 or by e-mail, at 

kpintar@snpj.com. For details, visit the Web site at www.bowling4kidz.org. 

The Slovene National Benefit Society, originally named Slovenska 

Narodna Podporna Jednota is now known for its Slovenian initials, “SNPJ.” 

Founded in 1904 to provide low-cost life insurance to Slovenian immigrants, 

today SNPJ is America’s largest Slovenian-based fraternal 

insurance organization and maintains its status as a not-for-profit fraternal 

benefit society. SNPJ is headquartered in Imperial. 

also coming up around the area 

Kennedy Township Independent 

Volunteer Fire Company and the 

Forest Grove Volunteer Fire 

Department cash bash, 6 p.m., 

Saturday, November 6, 

Kennedy Fire Hall, Pine Hollow 

Road, Kennedy Township. 

Benefits both fire departments. 

Doors open at 5 p.m. Drawings 

every 15 minutes, with three 

$1,000 prizes, other prizes, 

drawings, and games of 

chance. Food and refreshments 

will be served all evening. 

Tickets $20, (412) 787-5422. 

Bingos support local fire 

departments which rely on funds 

for equipment, training, and 

facilities. 

Bingo at the Oakdale Hose 

Company in the Oakdale 

Community Center is 7 p.m. on 

the first Saturday of each month 

Doors open at 5 p.m. Call (724) 

693-9408. Sturgeon VFD holds 

bingo on Friday nights. Early 

bird is 6:30 p.m. and regular 

games at 7 p.m.in the Sturgeon 

Fire Hall. Call (724) 926-9149. 

Andrew Carnegie Free Library & 

Music Hall Black Tie Bingo 

Benefit, Saturday, November 6, 

Club at Nevillewood. Event 

includes a “roving feast” served 

by Nevillewood’s Chef Bill 

Brown, prizes, and more. 

Tickets, $150 per person ($100 

is tax deductible). Proceeds 

benefit Andrew Carnegie Free 

Library & Music Hall operations, 

(412) 276-3456, ext. 6, or 

www.carnegiecarnegie.com. 

Forest Grove Community 

Church, 20 Willam Drive, 

Robinson Township, Spaghetti 

Dinner, October 16, 4:30 to 

7:30 p.m. Adults $7, children 

$4, dine in or take out, 

(412) 788-1081 or email: 

forestgrovechurch@gmail.com. 

Members of The Three Rivers 

Underground Brewers (TRUB) will 

host their Fourth Annual “Brewing 

Up A Cure” benefitting Cystic 

Fibrosis on Saturday, October 16, 

at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association 

(PAA, Oakland, from 7 to 10 

p.m. Tickets, $30; VIP tickets, 

$40, www.brewingupacure.org. 

Robinson Township Area Chapter 

of Women’s Business Network 

meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 

monthly, 7:30 a.m. at Giant Eagle 

Market District, 100 Settlers 

Ridge Center Drive. Open to area 

women business owners and 

those in sales to network and 

share ideas to expand their 

businesses. Contact Denise Carr 

at (412) 490-2204 or by e-mail, 

d.carr14@yahoo.com. 

Allard Elementary Pancake 

Breakfast, Saturday, November 20, 

8 a.m.-noon, J.A. Allard Elementary 

School Gym, 170 Shafer 

Road, Moon Township, $5 in 

advance or $6 at the door, auction 

baskets, raffles and entertainment, 

(412) 269-6844. 

Stage 62 will present The Mystery 

of Edwin Drood Friday and 

Saturday, November 5-6, 12-13, 

and 19-20 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, 

November 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. at 

the Andrew Carnegie Free 

Library & Music Hall in Carnegie. 

Call (412) 429-6262 or e-mail: 

gfleitman@verizon.net. 

Holy Trinity School - 2010 

Auction, “A Night in Tuscany,” 

Saturday, November 20, 

7-11 p.m., Embassy Suites, Moon 

Township. Call (412) 787-2656. 

Enjoy lunch at Christy House, an 

historical landmark and former 

rector's home on Frederick Street 

in Sewickley. Each Friday, lunch is 

served by friendly volunteers from 

various churches. Enjoy shopping 

in the Needle's Eye for new gifts 

and in Earthly Treasures for used 

items. Also, celebrate Octoberfest 

on Friday, October 15 when 

German fare is served. Call (412) 

741-5960 on Fridays for groups 

over four. 

Moon Township Garden Club 

Christmas Sale is Saturday, 

December 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 

Robin Hill Park, 949 Thorn Run 

Road, Moon Township. Fresh 

and artificial items will be for sale 

including wreaths, mailbox, lightpost, 

and table decorations, plus 

home baked treats from the 

Sweet Shoppe. 

Trick or treat at Settler’s Ridge, Robinson, is Saturday, October 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for elementary school-age children and under. 

Cosmetology students from Parkway West Career & Technology Center will be doing facepainting for the children. Information, 

(412) 809-8301. 



STORY AND PHOTOS 

BY JOCELYN GRECKO 

A Gift for All Seasons 

Whether you’ve traveled through the 

Christmas Light Up each Christmas 

Season, enjoyed a funnel cake and 

entertainment at the Fair in the Woodlands, 

played on the baseball fields, or 

cheered in the stands, chances are you’ve 

experienced the beauty of Clinton Park. 

Yet, the park is home to much more than 

annual, seasonal events held in Findlay 

Township. While many members of the 

community pass through the park on a 

daily basis, they might not stop to realize 

everything the park has to offer. In many 

ways, Clinton Park is a treasure waiting to 

be discovered. 

In July of 1974, West Allegheny School 

District donated the land where the park 

is now located to Findlay Township. At 

the time, most of the land was undeveloped. 

Findlay Township Manager, Gary 

Klingman, explained that only the ball 

field and Oriole Pavilion existed. Without 

road access, the park remained unused. 

“It wasn’t until the 1990s that the 

master plan for the park was laid out,” 

Gary said. At the time, township supervisors, 

Danice Brinkley, Ray Chappell, and 

Joe Nester, were influential in developing 

the land and creating the park. 

“We walked it without a road to decide 

where the road should be. The path gave 

access to things we never knew existed,” 

Gary shared. He added that when 

developing the park, they wanted to use 

the land and its natural beauty to their 

advantage, 

“We used the trees to our ability,” he 

said. Darlene Howell, the township’s 

recreation coordinator, explained how 

special and significant the park’s location 

is. 

“People are always impressed that the 

park actually sits in the woods. I think it 

makes it unique,” she said. 

Gary explained that for a period of 30 

years, the park was a work in progress. 

“As the needs of the community 

changed, you do more,” he said. 

In 2001, the first agricultural building 

was constructed and, in 2003, the 

permanent amphitheater was built. As 

the township leadership saw a need to 

develop the land, they relied on the help 

from members of the community. 

“In 1974, it was just the woods, but over 

the years, a nice synergy between the 

community and township took place,” 

Gary shared. 

He expressed his gratitude for Boy Scout 

Troop 830 by acknowledging their many 

contributions to the park. 

“It’s nice for the scouts to get involved… 

the park gives them a place to do their 

projects. It’s nice for them and it’s nice for 

us.” 

The fitness trail, bridge over the creek, 

and pavilion outside of Rainbow’s End 

Memorial Playground are just some of the 

many projects scouts from Troop 830 have 

constructed. Darlene and Gary added that 

the bridge is a popular attraction by 

explaining that some couples have 

exchanged wedding vows there in the 

park. 

“It’s very pretty there with the waterfall,” 

said Darlene. 

Gary explained that the fitness trail 

provides an excellent workout for those 

who want to exercise and enjoy nature. 

The 15 stations throughout the trail 

provide instructions on each type of 

exercise to perform along with suggested 

repetitions. The trail is three quarters of a 

mile long. 

“Generally, an individual would jog 

through the trail and then stop at each 

station and perform the necessary skill,” 

he said, “The skills vary from sit ups and 

push-ups to pull-ups.” 

The many attractions within the park 

would not have been possible without the 

help of the community. Darlene explained 

CENTER: Park entrance welcomes visitors. BOTTOM, LEFT: This bridge was designed and constructed as an Eagle Scout project. BOTTOM, RIGHT: 

A 15-station fitness trail that winds throughout the p ark for the community’s use was another Eagle Scout project. 

LEFT: top row left to right: JoAnn Frank, S teph Schmader, Carol Hurley, Jenn Lindemuth; bottom row left to right: Val Brandy, Darlene Larson-Howell, 

Sherri Browning, Diane Krivan. Not pictured are Kim Bailey-the original force behind the construction of the playground who has provided invaluable 

assistance, and Cookie Menegon. 


the hard work that was put into the 

construction of Rainbow’s End Memorial 

Playground. The playground was built in 

remembrance of Bobby and Emily Spik. 

While numerous grants made the 

construction of Rainbow’s End possible, it 

took the labor, love, and determination of 

many individuals to become a reality. 

“Everyone in the community helped,” 

Darlene said. “Kids from Wilson School 

helped design and build the playground.” 

She explained that families who made 

monetary donations to the effort have 

their names on the posts of the fence that 

surrounds the playground. Darlene also 

shared that the playground was not built 

by the township; however, it was built 

with the intention that after ten years, the 

township would take ownership. 

“In 2011, the township will take over 

Rainbow’s End,” Darlene said. “The most 

wonderful group of people, ‘Friend’s of 

Rainbow’s End,’ are helping with this 

transition.” 

Darlene remarked about the generous 

people in the community who want to 

play a role in maintaining the playground. 

“They have seen their kids play there 

and now they want to give back.” 

In addition to offering a place to exercise 

or enjoy a day outside, the park is home to 

many township-related events. While 

Darlene does the planning of the recreational 

events, she relies on the help of 

Findlay Township Parks Director, Steve 

Sarachine, and his crew for maintaining 

the physical aspects of the park. Gary and 

Darlene explained that the park is funded 

through taxes, fees, sponsorships, and 

many private donations. They added that 

the township supervisors create a budget 

for the Parks and Recreation Department. 

Gary and Darlene explained that all 

events held in the park, with the exception 

of pavilion rentals, are free. Events such as 

flea markets, car cruises, and summer 

concert series allow for the community to 

join together and can sometimes draw in a 

crowd of over a thousand people. These 

events would not be possible without the 

help of dedicated individuals and businesses 

in the community. Darlene said 

that she relies on the help of local 

businesses to make the summer concerts a 

success. This past summer, concerts were 

made possible by sponsorships from 

Armstrong Telephone Company and the 

Shell Gas Station, Fast Eddie’s Food ‘n 

Fuel, of Clinton. 

During the spring, summer, and fall, 

one can always count on a baseball or 

softball team to be playing at either the 

“Big Clinton” or “Little Clinton” baseball 

fields. Because many people use the park’s 

fitness trail, Darlene shared that throughout 

the spring, summer, and fall, the 

park’s gates are open from 8 a.m. to 

11 p.m. 

Since 1993, the park has been home to 

the Clinton Light Up – one of the best 

kept holiday secrets of the area. In fact, it 

was because of the park’s beauty that the 

volunteers, when looking for a place to 

hold the light up, chose the park. 

Because many events take place in the 

township, it’s no doubt that the park has 

helped create special memories. With two 

baseball fields and four picnic pavilions, 

the park is a place where many people 

come together. 

“ It’s a great gathering place. It’s a place 

for family events,” Gary said. “ 

A lot of people use it for fitness 

purposes; graduation parties are held here 

too,” Darlene added. “The Boy Scouts 

and Girl Scouts use the park often and 

will camp at some of the pavilions,” they 

added. 

The park is also home to the annual 

“Evening Under the Stars,” the Western 

Allegheny Community Library’s 

fundraising event. “If we can work with 

people for a cause, we will,” said Darlene. 

These events are a reminder that the 

park is not just a home to many t-ball, 

baseball, and softball games in the spring, 

summer, and fall. It is also a place to 

exercise, be entertained, and experience 

the beauty of the area. 

Darlene explained that after attending 

an event in the park, many people will 

say that they didn’t know the park was as 

big or beautiful as it is. 

“I think people enjoy the park’s unique 

location,” she said. “ You’re literally in the 

woods, sitting under the trees, it’s 

something pretty special.” 

Year after year, whatever the season, 

Clinton Park offers something special to 

residents of the community. What was 

once a wooded gift just waiting to be 

opened has unfolded into a place where 

games are won, songs are sung, paths are 

run, Christmas lights are strung, and a 

community has fun. It’s a gift that keeps 

on giving. 


After years of planning, some roadblocks 

along the way, and much fundraising, The 

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is set to begin work 

on the first gardens on the upper portion of the 

454-acre site. The site is adjacent to Settler’s 

Cabin Park. In August, volunteers began to 

carve out the first trails of the Gardens. 

Volunteers will also clean up the trail areas on 

October 9. 

Once the trails are carved out, work will begin 

on the first actual garden. These trails will 

ultimately run though the Temperate Forests of 

the World that will include five separate 

woodland gardens covering 30 acres. These 

woodland gardens will include the Eastern 

European Woods, English Woods, Woods of the 

Appalachian Plateau, Asiatic Woods, and a 

Shade Garden. 

The first trail being constructed will be one 

mile long, with a lower wildflower trail being 

constructed as an Eagle Scout Project. When 

the Gardens open, it will be a local and regional 

attraction bringing not only beauty but positive 

public recognition and financial benefits to the area. 

Explains Greg Nace, Botanic Garden President, 

Pittsburgh is the only known metropolitan region of 

its size in the United States without an outdoor 

Botanic Garden. Botanic Gardens are destinations 

that stimulate cultural, educational, and economic 

enrichment far beyond their boundaries. 

Construction and reclamation has begun. The 

Botanic Garden now has three permanent irrigation 

ponds which will also serve as erosion and 

sedimentation (E&S) ponds during the reclamation 

of the abandoned deep mines. Once complete, the 

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden will be the only such 

garden in the country built on reclaimed land, 

demonstrating a commitment to cleaning up the 

local environment. 

For information about volunteering, about the 

Gardens, to become a member of the Gardens, or to 

make a donation, call (412) 444-4464. Visit the Web 

Site at www.pittsburghbotanicgarden.org. 



Library Thanks Sponsors of 

“An Evening Under the Stars” 

Under a starry night in Findlay Park, Clinton, as rain started to 

drizzle midway through the evening, 150+ attendees enjoyed the 

wine tasting event, “A n Evening Under the Stars” last month. 

The event included tastings by five area wineries -- Glatz, 

Greenhouse, Kavic, Starr Hill, and Volant Mill, and beer tastings 

by the Erie Brewing Company, a new addition to the event. 

Food tasting vendors were Buffalo Wild Wings, Janoski’s, Jo Jo’s, 

King’s, McDonalds, Pepperoncini’s, and Fabulous Homemade 

Cookies. 

Sponsored by members of the board of the Western Allegheny 

Community Library and a volunteer committee, the event raised 

just over $9,000 for the library’s future facility. 

The committee wishes to thank all of the attendees for their 

support, and the following supporters of the event: 

Chairman’s Council: West Allegheny Foundation 

Benefactors: Allegheny West Magazine, Anonymous, Findlay 

Township Supervisors, Imperial Tax & Accounting, New Age 

Environmental, Inc., North Fayette Township, Pustover Financial 

Services 

Patrons: Anonymous, Boni Orthodontics/Del R. Boni, D.M.D., 

Cool Home Improvements, Elmhurst Group/William E. Hunt, 

Kehm Oil Company, Moody Funeral Home, Pittsburgh Technical 

Institute, Small Diamond Umpire Association 

Sponsors: Action Supply Products, Inc., Anytime Fitness, Anonymous, 

Edge Studio, Jim Meyers Plumbing & Heating, Inc., 

Oakdale Borough, WAFEL. 

Additionally, numerous businesses and organizations donated 

Chinese Auction items. 

It’s easy to make a buck. 

It’s a lot tougher to 

make a difference. 

Tom Brokaw 

NEW IN TOWN 

Cindy’s Carriages 

In today’s difficult economy, one local woman with a vision has found a way to 

provide a much-needed service to the community. Cindy Sleva of Kennedy 

Township has launched Cindy’s Carriages LLC, a fully licensed and insured taxi 

service providing transportation within the communities of Robinson, Kennedy, 

Findlay, North Fayette, Oakdale, Moon, and Coraopolis. 

Together with her husband, Dale Sleva, they started the service last month. 

Dale, who retired from his job after 33 years as a youth counselor at the 

Shuman Center, manages the operation and does some of the driving. His wife, 

Cindy, handles driving and other duties in between her job as assistant manager at 

the Comfort Inn-Tonidale, where she has worked for 33 years. 

Cindy is the second generation employee of her family working for the Comfort 

Inn, which is now in its third generation of family ownership under Erica and Kris 

Kruze. Cindy’s mom, Ellen Walkauskas, worked at the Tonidale Restaurant for many 

years before she left. She has since passed on. Cindy said that the hotel owners 

are fully supportive of her new venture. 

“They are a wonderful family to work for; I can’t say enough how great it is to 

work with them,” Cindy noted. 

Cindy’s step-father was also a cab driver who made it his full-time job, even 

though he held a psychology degree. 

Cindy said that working at the hotel she saw a constant need for reliable, timely 

transportation service for the customers. Working in the hotel and living in the 

area all of her life, Cindy is very knowledgeable about the Pittsburgh region. 

Likewise, so is her husband, Dale. He notes that he considers himself to be an 

“ambassador” to the communities. Dale ticks off a number of historic points about 

Pittsburgh that he is already sharing with customers. 

The couple has three grown sons -- Dale, Jr., Doug, and Dan, plus eight 

grandchildren. 

Both of their polite, friendly, and conversational demeanors lend themselves to 

providing a unique 

touch to the 

transportation 

industry here in the 

western suburbs 

surrounding the 

airport. 

Cindy’s Carriages 

is available daily, 

6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 

(412) 266-6190. 

Send a bit of “home” to someone you know! 

We Do Gift Certificates! 

Send a Holiday Gift Subscription of 

Allegheny West Magazine 

for that out-of-town relative, 

college student, or someone who has moved away. 

Subscription rates are just 

$12 per year for six issues! 

CALL: (724) 695-3968 or 

e-mail: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net. 



BY CATHERINE ROBERTS 

You are walking alone on a dark autumn night. The only light that you can see comes 

from the pale moon that shines overhead. Suddenly, as if by magic, a barn comes in sight. 

As you peer in its cracked, wooden doors, you see something strange. You see a shadow 

of a person in one of the corners, coming from an angle that could not possibly be your 

own. You look again, but the shadow is gone. Did you just see a ghost, or was it your 

imagination 

The Western New York Ghost Hunters of Southern Tier (W.N.Y G.H.O.S.T) finds out 

just that. W.N.Y G.H.O.S.T is a paranormal team of investigators that visits supposedly 

haunted sights looking to prove if they are haunted or not. Dan McCarthy founded the 

group in December of 2009 with little equipment and only a few members. Since then 

their group has doubled in size and has around14 members. 

When I asked him what type of tools he uses to determine if a place is haunted or not 

he replied, “I film and review footage from my Digital Video Recorder which I film with 

full spectrum, infrared, and ultraviolet lights. I also listen to digital voice recorders, and 

review all notes and personal experiences.” 

He explained to me that if a place is paranormally active then it will show specific signs 

including shadows, disembodied voices, temperature fluxes, orbs of light energy, or items 

appearing to move by themselves. 

One of Dan’s more memorable experiences was when he was investigating the White 

Inn in Fredonia, New York. He determined it was haunted when he recorded the images 

of unexplained shadows. 

Not every place that W.N.Y G.H.O.S.T visits turns out to be haunted, however. Some 

places that seem to be paranormal are really only high electromagnetic fields caused by 

microwaves, electric boxes, or an open electrical fixture. 

But reports of haunted sights keep coming up, including one in this area. In October, 

the W.N.Y G.H.O.S.T team is coming to Findlay Township where they are investigating 

some old barns that have been said to have spirits lurking about. 

According to Ashley Neumeister, an investigator and W.N.Y G.H.O.S.T member, the 

claims about the barns are that there have been sightings of full body apparitions that 

suddenly seem to disappear; strange, unexplained knocking is sometimes heard in one of 

the barns; and there is a sensation of being watched when 

you are inside of them. The barns have been there for many 

years so it is possible that they could be haunted. With 

Halloween approaching, the idea of spirits becomes more 

realistic than ever. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, 

the season brings a chill to the senses, and 

one experience can 

change an opinion 

forever. 

ABOVE: The Fredonia Ghost Hunters 

changed their name and are now the 

W.N.Y G.H.O.S.T. Top, an orb that they 

saw on a case. The picture of the orb is in 

the circle, taken by an ultraviolet spectrum 

camera (which is a ball of light energy 

thought to be a spirit) Bottom, Dan 

McCarthy and Ashley Neumeister, the 

paranormal investigators coming to 

Findlay Township. For privacy purposes, 

the owners of the barn asked that their 

contact information not be released. 

To learn more, www .wnyghosts.webs.com 

and GhostHunters Of the SouthernT ier. 


around your town 

About People You Know .... 

BELOW: Kellie Mackey, a senior at West Allegheny High 

School, spent several weeks this summer volunteering at 

Hanbury Children's Home in Mandeville, Jamaica. While 

working at Hanbury, Kellie was responsible for 20 

children ranging in age from 2 years old to 6 years old. 

Her daily responsiblities included teaching a daily arts 

and crafts class to the children and supervising all of their 

daily activities. During Kellie's time in Jamiaca, she lived 

with a Jamaican family, attended Patois language 

classes and reggae dance classes, and visited patients in 

an adult assisted living home. 

Emma Wilson, 14, of Clinton, won her class 

at the District XI 4-H horse show and will 

compete at the 4-H State Finals in 

Harrisburg on October 30. She won her 

class - Classic Hunter Under Saddle, 

Junior Division, and will be riding her 

horse, Zippos Mistress, whom she trains 

herself. She is a member of Silver Spurs 4- 

H group led by Kim Fisher and Jessica 

Swogger. 

Amanda Schiavo, (#2 in picture), a 10th 

grader at West Allegheny High School, was 

selected to the K RVA (Keystone Region's 

High Performance Youth Team). The K RVA 

team represented Pennsylvania at the 2010 

USAV High Performance National Championships 

in Wisconsin Dells this past July. 

Over 150 girls from across Pennsylvania 

tried out and 10 girls were selected to 

represent the region. The KRVA team 

finished third to take the bronze medal in 

the regional championships. 

Kimberly Rojas 

was named the 

winner in 

Round 4 of 

Project: Style at 

The Mall at 

Robinson. 

Project:Style is 

the ultimate 

fashion 

competition for 

guys and gals 

age 13 and up. 

Each month, two semi-finalists receive a 

$150 gift card along with the challenge to 

create the ultimate outfit and vie for votes. 

Semi-finalists get the opportunity to move 

on to the Style-Off competition in October 

for ultimate bragging rights as the Top 

Trendsetter and a $1000 Shopping Spree. 

Kelly Daniels, of Imperial, has been 

accepted as a member of the 2010 

freshman class at the University of 

Pittsburgh at Greensburg. The daughter of 

Dan and Sue Daniels, Kelly graduated in 

June from West Allegheny High School, 

where she played soccer and softball. 


ABOVE: Elena Turner, 9, of Imperial, was named as a 

Pennsylvania State Finalist and earned the opportunity 

to compete in the Pennsylvania state competition of the 

National American Miss pageant this past August. 

A fourth grader at Donaldson Elementary, she was 

third runner up in the talent competition at the pageant 

which took place in Harrisburg in August.Elena performed 

a jazz gymnastics routine choreographed by Lisa 

Winning, owner of Pittsburgh Pro Performance Center. 

The National American Miss is dedicated to developing 

the success of young women across the nation with 

a program that is designed to be age-appropriate and 

family-oriented. 

Patrick Cannon, a 2007 graduate of West 

Allegheny High School, recently concluded 

a run as J. Pierpont Finch in the 

musical "How To Succeed In Business 

Without Really Trying" at the Reber 

Center for the Performing Arts in Chicago. 

Patrick is currently in rehearsals for "The 

War Plays" at the Athenaeum Theater 

which opens on October 28. "The War 

Plays" is a world premiere of Chicago 

Dramatists' resident playwright, and 2008 

Chicago Reader Playwright of the year, 

Emily Schwartz. Other performances in 

Chicago this year have included the role 

of Billy Flynn in the musical “Chicago,” 

and “ You Took Away My Flag,” a rockopera 

set in worn-torn Kosovo. This 

Christmas, Patrick will be reprising the 

role of Jim in Michael Smith's “Gift of the 

Magi.” 

As a freshman at Robert Morris 

University, Patrick was nominated for the 

Kennedy Center Irene Ryan Award for his 

portrayal of John Adams in “1776.” Now a 

junior at Columbia College in Chicago, 

majoring in Musical Theater Performance, 

Patrick's professional credits in Pittsburgh 

include Narrator/Fred in “A Lyrical 

Christmas Carol,” John the Baptist in 

“Godspell,” “West Side Story,” and 

“Beauty and the Beast.” 

At West Allegheny High School he was 

a member of the WA "Kid's Cast," and 

later had lead roles in high school 

productions of “Oklahoma!” and “Honk.” 

Patrick is the son of Ed and Peg 

Cannon of North Fayette Township. 

The “Face of the Y” is Retiring 

The Western Area YMCA and Priscilla Salvatore are synonymous with each other. Since 1983, when 

Priscilla started part-time serving customers at the front desk, it’s most likely that just about anyone 

who has ever been a member of the community’s YMCA has seen or knows Priscilla. 

That era came to an end when she retired on September 24. 

Priscilla was “in the building” long before it became the Y. Back in 1977, she played tennis there 

when it was called the Airport Racquet Club. 

In 1983, the Y asked her to work part-time, greeting members at the front desk, handling their 

reservations, and passing out locker keys. Just a year later, she was working there full time. After 26 

years, she is now retired and ready to spend more time with her family, doing some traveling, and 

spending time with her partner, Aldo. 

Kim Black will move into the position vacated by Priscilla.


Dedicating Lou’s Field of Dreams 

A field dedicated to the passion and hard work of the late Lou 

Huebner was dedicated at the new Donaldson Park in North 

Fayette Township during community days in August. 

On hand for the dedication were 50+ coaches, players, former 

co-workers, family, and friends . 

Lou died in 2003 from breast cancer. 

In January, 2005 the North Fayette Township Board of 

Supervisors approved a request by Lou’s family -- his wife, Lynn, 

and children, Emily and Ryan -- to name one of the new baseball 

fields after Lou, posthumously, who coached North Fayette 

baseball since Ryan was six years old. 

Lynn notes, “He not only coached the regular season, but also 

All-Star and competitive teams. He was respected throughout the 

community for his knowledge of the game and interaction with 

the players.” 

The township approved the request. Lynn explained that 

monies from a memorial fund that was set up when Lou died 

were used to provide the sign. 

Ryan also designed a special uniform with a memorial patch for 

an entire team within the local league, and the family paid for the 

uniforms out of the fund, too. 

At the completion of the fields within Donaldson Park last 

spring, the township contacted Lynn to make arrangements for 

the dedication. 

Delayed from the spring due to medical procedures Lynn 

underwent, the dedication was held in August and the field was 

officially named the Lou Huebner Memorial Field. 

“Although it was a long time in coming, it was a very special day 

for Emily, Ryan and I,” Lynn said. “I still have emotional flare-ups 

when I think about it. And the most incredible thing is that every 

time you drive into the complex, the first thing you see is our 

awesome sign (also designed by Ryan) reminding us of such an 

amazing man and the amazing things he did both in life and for 

youth baseball.” 


ABOVE: Friends, family, players, coaches, and co-workers of Lou Huebner gathered during the dedication ceremony in August to remember 

Lou and dedicate the ballfield in his memory. 


A Little Girl with a Big Heart 

Gives Her Hair for a Good Cause 

Most youngsters get ready for 

their first day back to school by 

going shopping for new outfits, 

getting a backpack, and, 

especially for the girls, getting 

that new hairdo. For eight-yearold 

Dusty Morrison, however, 

she had a different idea in mind 

for the latter. She spent a 

morning at Uncle Carl’s Cuts in 

Oakdale getting her hair cut and 

styled. The cut -- all eight inches 

of the length -- she donated to 

Pantene Beautiful Lengths. 

Explained her mom, Cindy 

Morrison, “Dusty has been 

letting her hair grow for about 

two years and decided to donate 

it in honor of a teacher, Shirley 

Smith, from her school and a 

mom from her dance class, Jody 

Startare.” 

Because of Dusty’s donation, 

someone facing cancer and the 

loss of their hair will have a wig 

made from Dusty’s hair in the 

future that they can wear as they 

deal with their illness. 

TOP TO BOTTOM: Scott 

Darenkamp, owner of 

Uncle Carl’s Cuts in 

Oakdale, gives Dusty a 

wash and blow dry; Scott 

measures the amount to be 

cut; cutting is complete; 

Dusty with her new look. 


412-787-1050 



Airport Receives 

Patriotic Employer Award 

“It was very 

rewarding for us to 

meet with many 

patriotic citizens at 

the Airport 

Authority. Your 

organization’s 

support of all 

military personnel 

was extremely 

evident,” said 

Admiral Moon. 

Officers of the United States 

Navy presented a Patriotic 

Employer award to the 

Allegheny County Airport 

Authority for Employer 

Support for the Guard and 

Reserve at Pittsburgh 

International Airport in 

August. 

Under United States law, all 

companies are to provide a 

leave of absence to those who 

serve in the Armed Forces. 

“The Airport Authority has 

taken the policy one step 

further by granting 15 paid 

military days for leave of 

absences. This benefit is an 

important asset for our 

employees in the military and 

makes us a leader among 

other Pittsburgh employers,” stated Bradley D. Penrod, 

Executive Director/CEO, Allegheny County Airport 

Authority. 

Rear Admiral Timothy Moon, Director of Maritime 

Partnership Programs, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and 

Africa, paid a special visit to thank ACAA for providing 

outstanding support to Chief Petty Officer Kurt Parent 

and our other military reservists/employees. 

“It was very rewarding for us to meet with many 

patriotic citizens at the Airport Authority. Your 

organization’s support of all military personnel was 

extremely evident,” said Admiral Moon. Moon and 

others presented the award to Stephanie Saracco, 

COO. Lisa Morrow, Director of Human Resources, 

provided an overview of the ACAA’s military benefits 

program and Nino Sapone, Director of Operations, 

provided a tour of the Operations Center and the 

Military Family Center. 

CPO Parent, Fixed Assets/Grant Accountant, 

Finance Department at ACAA, said, “These benefits 

provide me with additional time off which I can utilize 

to support these missions and I am appreciative of the 

leave policy.” 

Parent has been in the U.S. Navy Reserve for over 22 

years. During this time, he has been on numerous 

military missions with two extended tours to Baghdad, 

Iraq and Naples, Italy. 

Captain Alison S. McCrary, Commanding Officer, 

said, “The tour of the Operations Center was outstanding 

and I especially enjoyed seeing your Military 

and Family Center in the concourse itself - what a great 

service to all military members! You are an example to 

all of us of what going above and beyond the call of 

duty is all about.” 

Heritage Valley News 

Heritage Valley Health System was recently named as one of the top 25 most connected 

facilities by Health Imaging & IT magazine. The “2010 Top Connected Healthcare Facilities” 

list recognizes hospitals, health systems, imaging centers, and physician practices that 

seamlessly integrate imaging and information technology (IT) systems, provide physicians 

with immediate, anywhere access to patient data, and demonstrate a return on investment 

and high patient and staff satisfaction. 

This year’s winners distinguished themselves by linking patient images with an electronic 

health record (EHR) as well as providing employed and referring physicians with remote 

access to clinical images and data. 

More than 250 physicians use a wireless handheld device application that provides 

access to three years of online clinical data from any Wi-Fi or broadband connection. More 

than 200 primary care and specialist physicians and 1,600 clinicians and support staff 

access the EHR through a clinical portal on a daily basis. 

The Heritage Valley Heart & Vascular Center welcomes Dr. Philip D. 

Nicol to the office located in Leetsdale. As a practicing cardiologist in 

Moon Township since 1999, Dr. Nicol brings to Heritage Valley years 

of experience and clinical specialty interests in nuclear cardiology, 

congestive heart failure, cardiac transplantation, and myocardial 

infarction. He will be relocating to a new office in Moon Township this 

fall. 

Dr. Nicol completed his residency at Toronto General Hospital and 

earned his medical degree at the University of Toronto, where he completed his Cardiology 

Fellowship. He then joined the staff of the Cardiac Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. In 

1993, he moved to the Department of Medicine at Allegheny General Hospital, where he 

became Director of Nuclear Cardiology in 1998 and Cardiac Transplant from 1996–1999. 

Dr. Nicol has maintained a successful private cardiology practice in Moon Township for the 

past ten years. 

Heritage Valley Health System is pleased to announce the 2010 recipients of the Cameos 

of Caring Awards Program. The Cameos of Caring Award honors exceptional bedside 

nurses who work in acute care hospitals. This year’s winners from Heritage Valley are 

Renea Esoldo, RN, Open Heart Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Heritage Valley Beaver and 

Bob Messick, RN, Orthopedic Unit, 5 South at Heritage Valley Sewickley. 

Recently, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Fitch Ratings, both of New York, 

performed their routine bi-annual reviews on the financial health of Heritage Valley 

Health System. Standard and Poor’s (S&P) re-affirmed its ‘AA-’ underlying rating and 

Fitch re-affirmed its ‘A+’ rating for Heritage Valley Health System. 

In their report, Standard and Poor’s stated that the rating affirmation reflects Heritage 

Valley’s solid business position in suburban Pittsburgh due to improved operating income 

for the first ten months of fiscal 2010, expense controls, and excess income from 

positive investment market conditions. 

Sewickley 5K Heart & Sole Run 

Saturday, October 16, registration day of the race at 7 a.m., race starts at 8:30 a.m. 

Parking available at Heritage Valley-Sewickley. This fun run/walk is open to everyone! Families are encouraged to 

participate together. For more information, email sabercrombie@hvhs.org or 

(412) 749-7050. Proceeds benefit the Cardiology Fund at Heritage Valley Sewickley. 

Holiday Shopping Event 

Friday, November 12, The Mall at Robinson, 5:30 – 9 p.m. , “A Night of Holiday Shopping.” Special discounts at 

select stores. Buy tickets online at www.heritagevalley.org or tickets will also be available at the door. 

Unique Boutique 

Presented by Heritage Valley Sewickley Auxiliary, Saturday, November 13, Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive, 

Sewickley, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Shopping & Chinese Auction), $10 Admission or $25 Admission & Lunch, 11 a.m. to 

2 p.m. (Buffet Lunch), Reservations Required, RSVP/Questions: 

(412) 749-7052. Benefits: Heritage Valley Childhood Obesity Program. 

Heritage Valley Beaver Auxiliary Holiday Ball 

Saturday, November 13, Seven Oaks Country Club, registration at 7 p.m., Dinner at 7:30 p.m. 

For information, call Susie Abercrombie at (412) 749-7050. 


A Place for P.A.L.S. 

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAT JENNETTE 

ABOVE: front, left to right, Linda Muller, Debbie Unger, Deanna Pellegrino, Becky Lisotto, Ashlea 

Smith; back, Bob Brozovich, Richard Zelesnik, Melissa Zirwas, Kelly Cain, Mike Lisotto, Maddy 

Lisotto, and Kaitlin Kaulius. Not pictured - Michelle Psaros and Sirisha Gunt aka. 

Providing assistance, love, and support, or P.A.L.S., 

is the name of the new special needs recreation 

program established by North Fayette Township in 

collaboration with a group of volunteers from the 

community. 

Bob Brozovich, recreation director for the township, 

explained, “The township, along with a small 

group of citizens, has identified a need to have 

regularly structured recreational programs for our 

citizens of all ages with special needs.” 

According to 2009 statistics from the Pennsylvania 

Department of Education, West Allegheny School 

District reported a total of 15% of enrolled students 

as having a disability. The group acknowledged that, 

while there are many opportunities for students with 

special needs to participate in school-based activities, 

there was a void to be filled out in the community. 

The group kicked off its activities in September 

with a free picnic at the park, where all in attendance 

voted on a name for the group. P.A.L.S. was the 

winning entry. 

North Fayette supervisors Jim Morosetti and J.R. 

Mangan were on hand to help, as were members of 

the police department and fire department. Police 

Chief Jeff Falconer also grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, 

with help from Jeff Lutz, a member of the 

township’s recreation committee. 

Township resident Linda Muller, who is an 

instruction technology specialist at the Allegheny 

Intermediate Unit, is overseeing the group of 

volunteers. 

The volunteers have developed a fall schedule of 


activities that include kickball/soccer skills clinics 

at the North Fayette Township Community 

Center on Fridays, October 8, 15, 22, and 29 

before the West Allegheny varsity football games 

(the activity runs from 6 to 7 p.m.), and a 

children’s Halloween costume party on Saturday, 

October 23 for ages 1-16 from 1 to 4 p.m. That 

same evening, a Guys and Ghouls Dance Party 

for ages 17 and up will be held, also at the 

center, from 7 to 10 p.m. 

The group’s mission statement reads, “We are a 

volunteer, community-based organization 

dedicated to developing and facilitating regularly 

structured opportunities for citizens with special 

needs to participate in recreational activities in 

order to build a community where all citizens are 

treated with compassion, respect, and inclusion.” 

The organization serves all residents of 

Clinton, Findlay, Imperial, North Fayette, and 

Oakdale, which essentially comprises all who live 

in the West Allegheny School District. 

The committee of residents, under the 

direction of Bob Brozovich, is working diligently 

to make the program a success. 

If the kickoff picnic was any indication, the 

program is off to a great start. More than 100 

children, parents, adults, and guests attended 

and enjoyed the day’s events. 

For more information, to participate in 

activities, or to get involved, call Linda Muller at 

(724) 709-9207 or Bob Brozovich at (412) 788- 

4888. 

TOP TO BOTTOM: 

Police Chief Jeff Falconer 

and Jeff Lutz cook on the 

grill while chatting with one 

of the picnic attendees; the 

new township mascot and 

District Justice Anthony 

Saveikis pose with some of 

the guests; a little one and 

his mom stop for a picture; 

Police Sgt. Chad Slovick 

chats with the children on 

the playground.

NEW IN TOWN 

Volant Mill Winery at Janoski’s 

What goes well with cheese and fruit Wine, of 

course. Volant Mill Winery has opened its third location 

right here in the neighborhood at Janoski’s Farm Market 

in Clinton. Janoski’s is a popular destination for area 

residents. The upcoming Pumpkinland weekends in 

October would be an excellent time to come out, enjoy 

the festivities, taste the wines at Volant, and buy some 

for fall and winter. 

Volant offers 21 wines, from dry to sweet, produced 

from grapes grown in the vineyards near the town of 

Volant, located north near Grove City. 

Father and son, Gary and Bryan Rhodes, envisioned 

the winery while talking business over a few glasses of 

vino back in 2003. Gary already owned vineyards, so 

the possibility of a new Pennsylvania winery emerged. 

They chose to establish Volant Mill Winery in the town 

of Volant, a perfect fit amidst the small town’s quaint 

shops and rustic atmosphere. In 2004, the winery 

opened to the public. Bryan and his father carefully built 

the business and, seeing a need for their product in the 

Pittsburgh area, established a second location in 

Cranberry. Their location within Janoski’s Farm Market 

marks their third site. 

Among their current wine offerings are fruity selections 

such as Elderberry, Pear, and Red Raspberry Splash; white 

wines that include their Wilmington White (their best selling 

white wine) and a sweet and crisp Riesling; and a variety of 

red wines, including Volant Red, their number one selling 

red wine. Prices are affordable, and a ten percent discount 

is offered for those purchasing a case at one time. 

The store also offers a variety of wine-themed items for 

gift giving. 

Volant Mill Winery is open seven days a week. Hours are 

currently 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon 

to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Hours may change seasonally. Customers 

can receive a free wine stopper by presenting the 

coupon in the winery’s ad, located in this magazine on page 

6. 

For information and to be alerted about specials and 

upcoming events, visit their Facebook page or their Web 

site at www.volantmillwinery.com. Or, call the store at (724) 

899-3438. 





St. Clair Hospital News 

St. Clair Hospital’s Emergency Department has been ranked No. 1 in the country for patient 

satisfaction, according to Press Ganey, an independent national survey firm. The ED had previously been 

ranked No. 2 nationally and No. 1 across the commonwealth. 

The new No. 1 in the U.S.A. ranking is based on random surveys that were mailed to patients treated 

in St. Clair Hospital’s ED between April 1 and June 30, 2010. St. Clair’s ED was deemed No. 1 in the 

country when its survey results were compared to 279 “like-sized” EDs - those that treat 50,000 or 

more patients a year. 

St. Clair attributes the No. 1 ranking to an employee-led effort to redesign processes within the ED, 

which recently underwent a $13.5 million expansion and renovation. 

St. Clair has opened an extension of the ED called an Observation Unit. 

The 35-bed unit is designed for patients who enter the Hospital through 

the ED, but require further testing and monitoring before being admitted 

as an inpatient or discharged within 16 to 24 hours. 

St. Clair Hospital has added three new operating rooms to 

accommodate growing patient volume. 

The Hospital performs more than 11,000 surgical cases a year. That 

volume is expected to increase approximately 3 percent to 4 percent 

annually. 

Two of the new rooms are 600 square feet and the third – the largest in 

the hospital – is 750 square feet (pictured, left). Each is equipped with 

state-of-the-art technology, including operating equipment and flat panel, 

high definition (HD) monitors mounted to the ceiling via “booms,” which 

allow for easy access to and return of equipment. The new ORs feature the most advanced minimally 

invasive surgical tools, an integration system for routing radiologic images (e.g., CT scans) and pathologic 

data (e.g., biopsy results) between the new ORs and other departments, large windows to allow for 

natural light flow, and even satellite radio, and CD and iPOD docking stations. The new ORs are also 

designed to address future technological advances. 

GSK Employees Volunteer on Montour Trail 


ABOVE: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare associates left the office to roll up their 

sleeves and serve the Pittsburgh community by painting, cleaning, landscaping, and providing other 

services at nine local nonprofit organizations during Orange Days. Orange Days of Caring are 

regular business days that are set aside by GSK for associates to take time away from the office to 

volunteer at nonprofit organizations. Locally, associates volunteered their time on the Montour Trail 

where they painted bridges, trimmed shrubs, and cleared brush along the trail. 

Type in “Allegheny West Magazine” in the “search” box at the top 

of the Facebook page, and you will find us. Become a fan so you can 

receive updates of information around the community. We post events and 

news that we receive in between magazine issues so you don’t miss anything going on in your hometown. 

Share news about your neighborhood or your group, too! Become a fan! Start posting! 

Facebook is another way we are connecting the community with good, positive news about the people, places, 

and events that make this region a great place to live and work. 


SPECIAL SECTION: SENIOR LIVING 

Seniors: Don’t “RETIRE” from Dental Care! 

Many people maintain their oral health while in 

the workforce by using the dental insurance 

provided through their employer. These benefits 

often terminate at retirement, placing the financial 

responsibility for care directly on the patient. 

Retired patients often resort to visiting their 

dentist only when they have an emergency, 

leading to the deterioration of their overall dental 

health and general health. 

Don’t neglect your dental health! Our healthy 

gums and teeth are necessary for the proper 

and efficient chewing of food from which we 

derive our nutritional needs. Recently, the 

medical community has come to realize the vital 

connection between good oral health and its 

impact on general health and quality of life. 

Over the past several years of research, an 

important link between periodontal (gum) health 

and cardiovascular health has been discovered, 

Since many seniors have had teeth replaced 

with partial or complete dentures, it is also very 

important to replace these prostheses as they 

wear out or become ill fitting. When this is 

neglected, seniors may stop wearing their 

dentures entirely, again leading to poor chewing 

Are you able to answer yes to the following 

questions: 

1. Do you experience a spinning or whirling sensation 

2. Do you have a feeling of lightheaded, floating, or rocking 

sensation 

3. Do you have a sensation of being heavily weighted or 

pulled in one direction 

4. Do you feel off balance or have difficulty walking 

5. Do you feel difficulty maintaining an upright posture 

6. Do you have a tendency to touch or hold onto objects 

7. Do you have trouble focusing or tracking objects with 

your eyes 

If you answer yes to a majority of these questions, 

you may be experiencing difficulty with 

your vestibular system. The vestibular system 

includes the parts of the inner ear and the brain 

that help control balance and eye movements. 

You may be a candidate for vestibular rehabilitation, 

which is an exercise-based program for 

reducing the symptoms of movement-related 

dizziness and imbalance. 

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is an alternative 

treatment involving specific exercises that 

can eliminate or significantly reduce symptoms 


of their food and diminished nutritional health. 

You can maintain your oral health through 

regular dental check ups and teeth cleaning. 

Many dentists encourage continued care for 

seniors through senior discounts or no interest 

payment plans to help those who need it. Ask 

about special payment plans at your next appointment. 

These issues are of particular concern to seniors 

as their oral health may become more challenging 

with age. Many people have lost several or all of 

their teeth by the time they retire and this affects 

their ability to chew their food for the maximal 

nutritional value. Periodontal disease may also be 

threatening the remaining dentition and causing 

infection in the gums. 

Your retirement plan should include a quality 

dental care plan. Well maintained oral health is an 

integral part of the plan for those who wish to 

maintain excellent general health and quality of 

life. Keep that beautiful smile throughout your 

entire lifetime and don’t “retire” from the dental 

care that you need. 

www.pittsburghlaserdentist.com Robert Luther, Jr. DMD, 1050 Oakdale Rd 

Oakdale, PA 15071 412-788-6300, Dr. Robert Luther, Jr., is a limited partner of 

Luther & Noel Dental Associates LLP. 

Fall (ing) Help with Balance Therapy 

by promoting central nervous system compensation 

for inner-ear deficits. The program is designed 

to: 1) Decrease dizziness and visual symptoms; 2) 

Increase balance and walking functions; 3) Increase 

general activity. 

The program may include exercises for: 

· Coordinating eye and head movements 

· Stimulating the symptoms of dizziness in order to desensitize 

the vestibular system 

· Improving balance and walking ability 

· Improving fitness and endurance 

Exercises vary depending on the type of innerear 

disorder and the associated symptoms. 

Remember to follow-up with your primary care 

physician for a general healthcare check-up. If 

appropriate, you may be referred to an otolaryngologist 

or neurologist to diagnose your vestibular 

problem. From there, you will be referred to a 

physical therapist that performs vestibular rehabilitation. 

At THE pt GROUP Physical Therapy, the physical 

therapist will work closely with you to design a 

comprehensive home exercise program that will 

start you on your road to recovery. 

Presented by pT Group Physical Therapy, 980 Beaver Grade Road, Moon 

Township, (412) 262-3354; Reference: Vestibular Disorders Association 

Publication No. F-7, M-3



October 28 - Senior Expo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The Crowne Plaza, Moon Twp. 

Flu shots will be provided. Contact the Moon 

District Office of State Representative Mark 

Mustio at (412) 262-3780 

to obtain your time and number. 


Age-Related 

Macular Degeneration 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is 

the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults 

over age 50. The Centers for Disease Control 

and Prevention estimate that 1.8 million people 

have AMD and another 7.3 million are at substantial 

risk for vision loss from AMD. Caucasians 

are at higher risk for developing AMD than 

other races. Women also develop AMD at an 

earlier age than men. This eye disease occurs 

when there are changes to the macula, a small 

portion of the retina that is located on the inside 

back layer of the eye. AMD is a loss of central 

vision that can occur in two forms: “dry” or 

atrophic and “wet” or exudative. 

Most people with macular degeneration have 

the dry form, for which there is no known 

treatment. The less common wet form may 

respond to laser procedures, if diagnosed and 

treated early. 

Some common symptoms are: a gradual loss 

of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, 

a gradual loss of color vision, and a dark or 

empty area appearing in the center of vision. If 

you experience any of these, contact your 

doctor of optometry immediately for a comprehensive 

examination. Central vision that is lost 

to macular degeneration cannot be restored. 

However, low vision devices, such as telescopic 

and microscopic lenses, can be prescribed to 

maximize existing vision. 

Researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients 

such as lutein/zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, 

and zinc to reducing the risk of certain eye 

diseases, including macular degeneration. 

(presented by Dr. David Quinn, Allegheny West Eye Care, 

reprinted from the American Optometric Association). 

Did You Know ... 

•78 million people were born between 1946 and 1964, 

which is defined as the baby boomer era, the largest 

in American history. (U.S. Census). They make up 

28% of the American population. 

•In 1957, 4.3 million babies were born in the U.S. This 

is more than any year before or since. (U.S. Census) 

•A second boom has not occurred as Boomers 

reached childbearing years. Boomers waited longer to 

have children and many have not had children. Many 

experts say the Baby Boom phenomenon is a onetime 

event. 

•In 1965, 36% of the U.S. population was under 18 

years of age; today 18% is under 18. (U.S. Census)

Senior Section 

Sponsors 

Allegheny West Eye Care 

Dr. Robert Luther, Jr. 

Oakdale Foot & Ankle Center 

The Sleep Wellness Center 

The Willows 

Polidor Dental 

pT Group Physical Therapy 

Robinson Chiropractic/Danielle 

Thomas Massage 

Gallagher Home Care Services 

Gabriel Pain and Spine 

West Allegheny Health Care 

Dr. Burns of Robinson Chiropractic specializes 

in low force adjusting that is gentle but effective 

enough to make appropriate adjustments to the spine 

and extremities. She also utilizes physiotherapies in 

form of electric muscle stimulation, therapeutic 

ultrasound, mechanical traction, and therapeutic 

exercise rehabilitation to aid in the healing process. 

Danielle Thomas specializes in Pain Management 

Massage by targeting the muscle that is in 

dysfunction from Trigger points that can cause 

debilitating referral pain to different regions of the 

body (i.e. headaches, numbness and tingling down 

the back of the legs). They can be contacted at 

(412) 706-7129 or (412) 519-4566. Visit 

myrobinsonchiropractic.com. 

There are many beautifully appointed Assisted and 

Independent Living Residences in Pittsburgh and the 

surrounding area. Some have larger campuses; some 

have smaller campuses, and most offer a variety of 

programs and amenities geared toward their specific 

population. But what separates The Willows from 

other residences 

That’s easy: our Integracare Distinctives – that is to 

say, our distinguishing characteristics. First of which is 

our three-dimensional focus, which is reflected in our 

mission statement. At The Willows, we want to 

“improve the quality of life for our employees, our 

Residents and our families.” Why put employees first 

Because when an employee feels valued and 

respected, they have greater job satisfaction, when 

there is greater job satisfaction, there is greater 

retention. Statistics have shown that job retention and 

job satisfaction translate to a higher quality of care 

for our Residents. So, our employees are happy; our 

Residents are happy and in turn their families are 

happy. It’s a win-win-win situation! 

The second distinctive is our Family and Friends 

Concept. Families and friends are a very important 

component to the happiness and well-being of our 

Residents. We want to make sure that when families 

and friends visit, they have a place to socialize with 

their loved ones. That is why you will find so many 

common areas where friends and family can gather. 

We want to make visiting The Willows a warm and 

inviting experience – from our courtyard, to our patio, 

our Pub, or to the spacious and comfortable living 

rooms – it’s all about the joys of community, and that 

includes a sense of family between staff and 

Residents too! 



Options Exist for Seniors Seeking Services 

Senior living has taken on a whole new meaning 

with the burgeoning growth of those Americans 

who are reaching retirement age from the 

baby boomer generation. 

In the Allegheny County area, resources 

abound to find the right type of living arrangement 

for one’s needs. From high-rise, independent 

apartment living to attended nursing home 

care, the options are numerous. 

New state regulations and a plan for government 

funding officially incorporate assisted living 

as a new category of retirement living that starts 

in Pennsylvania in 2011. 

Assisted living has “unofficially” existed in the 

state for a long time. However, this new designation, 

which was approved in June by the 

Department of Public Welfare regulations that 

cover assisted living, will allow personal care 

homes to apply for assisted-living status once 

the regulations take effect in January 2011. 

Besides the Yellow Pages, there are numerous 

resources for older adults to research 

options in living arrangements. 

“Pittsburgh Senior News,” published since 

1993 by Lynn Hogan Webster, is a nugget of 

valuable information published monthly. She 

also publishes “Beaver County Senior News,” 

“Butler County Senior News,” and both the 

Allegheny County and Beaver County “Senior 

Resource Guides.” 

Lynn’s publications offer resources from adult 

living resources and tips and suggestions to 

nutrition, medical resources, and entertainment. 

She can be reached at (412) 367-2522. 

“New Lifestyles: The Source for Seniors,” 

(www.NewLifeStyles.com) is published out of 

Texas, and offers a guide to the levels of care, 

where to find that care, and information about 

senior programs and services. It is available on 

local newsstands and area churches. 

Locally, a group of community residents and 

church members formed a committee several 

years ago to seek options to bring adult living 

opportunities into the West Allegheny community. 

The committee meets with different organizations 

that provide these services to help make them 

aware of the need for housing in the West Allegheny 

community. Recently a study was conducted 

to determine the need. 

Presently, while construction of one such facility 

in North Fayette Township is on hold, the lone 

facility in the neighborhood is Molinaro Manor, 

which provides primarily nursing home care. 

Allegheny County Department of Human Services 

offers its Area Agency on Aging program. 

Seniors can reach them at (412) 350-5460. The 

agency provides social services and senior center 

services. 

Among those many services is LifeSpan, a 

program that provides mid-day lunches, activities, 

and trips for older adults. LifeSpan operates 

locally out of the Oakdale Community Center on 

Seminary Avenue in Oakdale. To reach LifeSpan, 

call (412) 464-1300. 




Local Senior Resources 

MEALS ON WHEELS RESOURCES 

The local Meals on Wheels chapters continue to need drivers. 

Volunteers can deliver meals to neighbors just once a month 

for a few hours, or more, as their schedule permits. It is a 

simple gesture, yet a tremendous support to those who count 

on these meals as their nourishment for the day. By delivering 

meals to neighbors, volunteers are also able to check in on 

them to make sure they are not ill, hurt, or in need of something. 

Call (724) 899-3602 or (724) 695-0634 for the West 

Allegheny Meals on Wheels, or (724) 693-8540 for the 

Oakdale Meals on Wheels. 

NORTH FAYETTE PROGRAMS 

North Fayette Senior Citizens luncheons return with an 

Oldies Luncheon & Dance on October 28 (also Goofy Dress 

Up Day in the spirit of Halloween) and Thanksgiving 

celebration on November 11. Doors at the Community 

Center open at 11 a.m.. 

Monthly movies are scheduled for October 13 and 

November 10. Doors open at 9 a.m. in the Community 

Room. 

Seniors can participate in Silver Sneakers exercise 

classes on Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. 

in the Community Center gym. 

In the afternoon, the Silver Sneakers Splash class is 

offered at the Donaldson Elementary School from 4:30- 

5:30 p.m. Both of those programs are ongoing throughout 

the winter. Senior Citizens should contact Parks and 

Recreation at (412) 788-4888 to be added to the mailing 

list. 

Senior Groups in the Community 

Oakdale 

Community Center 

Contact: 724.693.8540 

Findlay 

Senior Citizens 

Contact: 724.695.0500 

North Fayette 


Contact: 724.693.3118 or 

412.788.4888 

St. Columbkille 


Contact: 724.695.7325 

OAKDALE CENTER 

Lifespan, located at the Oakdale Community Center on 

Seminary Avenue in Oakdale, offers, besides its daily lunches, 

bingo, games, and other activities. The center is open to 

seniors age 60 and over. Call (724) 693-8540. 

Gallagher Home Care is the private duty division of Gallagher Home 

Health Services, led by Katie Riedinger, Director of Home Care Development. 

Diane Karcz, RN, President of Gallagher Home Health Services states, “Since 

2005, we have kept our vision and mission close to our hearts and the values 

that our mother, Iva Gallagher instilled in us. Recognized by OCS for four 

consecutive years as one of Home Health’s Elite, our Home Care division 

continues to model the integrity, honesty and professionalism for which our 

Home Health Division is recognized.” 

Katie says, “Gallagher Home Care provides our clients with the same excellent 

service model that we demonstrate within our home health division. Personal 

care is a service that most of us will need at some time in our lives and is not 

just for seniors.” 

Covered services within our Home Care Division include: personal care, bathing, 

dressing, grooming, light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, medical 

assistance, companionship, and other tasks as needed. 

Katie states, “We perform criminal clearances on everyone and carefully screen 

and orient our staff before they are sent into our client’s homes. We are always 

looking for people who have the integrity and compassion needed to excel at 

Gallagher Home Care. We provide nursing evaluations and supervision on every 

case to ensure that our team is providing the best possible care anywhere.” 

For personal care in your home or employment opportunities, Call Katie Riedinger 

at 412-279-2257 or 412-722-6111. 





OVGH News 

A single one-hour, localized treatment can provide up to three months of 

pain reduction from post shingles nerve pain. 

Each year, about one millions Americans develop shingles, a painful viral 

infections caused by reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. It 

is estimated that up to one in five people with shingles will experience 

prolonged pain after shingles, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia 

(PHN). 

Many people who suffer from PHN describe the pain as excruciating. It may 

feel like a sharp, burning, tingling, shooting, or numb sensation and can persist 

long after the shingles rash clears up – potentially disrupting sleep, mood, 

work, and daily activities. The chances of developing PHN increase with age 

and are especially high for people who experience severe pain or rash during 

an acute shingles outbreak. 

To help patients who suffer from PHN, The Institute for Pain Diagnostics and 

Care is pleased to announce the addition of Qutenza® (capsaicin). Quetenza 

provides pain reduction by acting on the damaged nerves in the skin that 

cause pain after shingles. The pain reduction can last three months after only 

a single, one-hour application. The patch or patches are cut to fit the size and 

shape of the painful area and can only be administered by a physician or 

healthcare professional under the direction of a physician. 

Qutenza can be used as monotherapy and in combination with other 

medications. The active ingredient in Qutenza is prescription-strength 

capsaicin. Capsaicin is a naturally occurring compound found in chili peppers 

that gives them their heat sensation. It is the first prescription-strength topical 

treatment for PHN to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 

(FDA) in more than 10 years. 

Tour the Montour Trail Results 

Winners of the King and Queen of the Mountain at this year’s Tour the 

Montour, a community and family fun ride set up in several distance 

increments, were Brandon Pauls of Washington with a time of 4:24:60, and 

Beth Currie of Laughlintown with a time of 5:31:39. They were among the 

bicyclists who challenge themselves in a short time trial - up Hassam Road in 

Moon Township (near Mile 1 1/2 of the Montour Trail), a 7/10 of a mile hill 

with an average 8% grade. 

The 2010 Tour the Montour was considered quite the success with a record 

total of 475 participants according to Tim Killmeyer. 

Scouts Honored with Awards 

Life Scout Ben Rogers of Boy Scout Troop 248 in Oakdale earned Scouting’s 

Leave No Trace Award. Designed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Scouts 

earn the award for their dedication to the preservation of camping and hiking 

venues outdoors. 

Additionally, seven members of Troop 248 earned the Pennsylvania Bureau 

of Forestry Conservation Award for showing extraordinary efforts in the 

preservation and wise use of natural resources. They are Ryan Eberle, Jeremy 

Carter, Joshua Phillips, William (B.J.) Supan, Maxwell Hanich, Daniel Le ger, and 

Broderick Haney. 

NEW IN TOWN 

My Laundromat 

Washing one’s laundry is not the most pleasant task of the day. Meet Margie and 

Greg Bauer, an easy-going, pleasant couple who proudly announce their ownership 

of the former Essex Laundromat in Essex Plaza. Named “My Laundromat,” the Ross 

Township couple found the business for sale on Craiglist. 

“I was working at a cemetery selling at-need and pre-need arrangements,” 

explained Margie, who also worked previously in tax preparation. 

“I decided I wanted to work for myself and found this opportunity,” she added. 

Together with her husband, Greg, also a self-employed business owner (he has 

owned and operated Bauer Contracting & Electrical since 1987), they dug in and 

have updated the old Laundromat with all new, stainless steel washers and dryers 

plus a host of amenities for customers. They include free WiFi in a comfortable 

waiting area, offsite cameras for security, ATM and vending machines, a change 

machine, and a laundry bar. Margie says, eyes twinkling, “We have short washer 

cycle times with a high speed spin cycle – 25 to 30 minutes, and it’s reducing 

customers’ drying time, which makes the customers happy! Depending on the 

amount of laundry, you can be in and out in an hour or so.” 

Greg added that the replacement of the equipment with 18-pound stainless steel 

washers, versus the industry average of 10-pound units, also means a green effort 

to use less water and less energy, while cleaning customers’ items better. The 

washers range from accommodating two loads up to 8 loads in a single machine. 

Margie said that she wants to thank everyone who uses My Laundromat for being 

patient during the updating phase. “We are really appreciative of everyone who has 

continued to come in here to wash his or her items amidst our updating,” she added. 

The couple has a little bit more time now to add a second business to their days. 

Two of their three sons are in college now and a third, Joe, is a junior in the North 

Hills School District. Dan, 22, attends Kent State; and Andrew, 20, is a student at 

Penn State Behrend. 

My Laundromat is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and 

Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 

with the last load at 

8:30pm. Drop off service is 

available at $1.10 per 

pound with a 10 pound 

minimum. For information, 

Margie welcomes calls at 

(724) 227-0513. 

NON-PROFIT GROUPS! 

We offer a significant discount off of advertising rates 

(call for details). It’s one way we help you get your 

message out to the entire community affordably! 

CALL: 724.695.3968 

or e-mail: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net. 


SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT & FIX-UP 

PHOTO 

COURTESY 

OF 

PARAGON 

HOMES



10 Auspicious Autumn Home Design & Décor Trends 

With temperatures reaching record highs throughout the U.S., thoughts 

of autumn seem but a woeful wish. The fall season evokes thoughts of 

home and hearth, as families and friends eagerly anticipate re-connecting 

with one another amid busy lives. Of course, most want a home design 

and décor that will impress, and help de-compress, impending company – 

one with that autumn sensibility that exudes comfort and warmth…and 

duly stimulates the senses. 

With this in mind, internationally regarded interiors expert Elaine 

Williamson of Dallas-based Elaine Williamson Designs, an award-winning 

luxury interiors group, offers these 10 fall design and décor trends and 

tips: 

1. Vintage accents. What’s old is new again. French-burlap is no 

longer just for sack-racing. This Earth-friendly fiber is being utilized for chic 

pillows imprinted with a vintage stamped design or even a family initial. 

Accent chairs can also be seen covered in grey linen imprinted with vintage 

“document” script writing. Vintage couture lamps (and their replicas) are 

utter perfection this year, especially those with milk glass and natural 

material bases, drum shades, and antique brass finials. Aged, colorwashed 

wood accessories such as candlesticks, urns and bowls are 

popular as oversized accessories to accent and update a time-worn 

look. 

2. Wallpaper! With a decreasing demand for faux finishes and walls 

painted in solid primary colors, wallpaper is making a comeback in a big 

and decidedly fashionable way. From bright and bold to subdued and 

elegant, today’s wallpapers are easy to apply and even easier to 

remove, making updating the seasonal look of a room easier than ever 

before. There are a seemingly endless number of choices from solids 

to patters, and everything in between. 

3. Timeless art. When shopping for items to occupy wall space, 

ditch the quick fix, “matchy-matchy” picture. Art doesn’t have to be 

expensive but it should certainly have meaning. Buy what you love. Mix 

mediums and styles. To add depth and character to your pieces, forego 

the glass cover that can be distracting and casts a glare that actually 

detracts from your interior design. Remember…if you love it, it works! 

4. Elemental color. While neutrals have made a strong showing in 

design this year for primary design elements like walls and baseline 

furnishings, boldly colored accent pieces give a space visual interest 

and appeal. Brightly colored and/or patterned pillows, rugs and other 

accessories will bring an otherwise bland space to life. Of course, these 

accessories can be readily transitioned to exude the spirit of a given 

season. 

5. Space simplification. With a strong desire to ease and 

reprioritize our homes and lifestyles, de-cluttering – even with respect 

to editing down furnishings and accessories - is the best way to gain 

control of your surroundings and feel a refreshed sense of purpose. It 

is very important to streamline not only the lines of your furniture, but 

the bulkiness as well. But, this does not mean giving up comfort for 

style. Many times we place too many items in a room by way of 

accessories, pillows, throw rugs, and family photos. Pick and choose 

very carefully the most important items and then pare down from there. 


There is brilliance in restraint. 

6. Rug rage. There has never been a more exciting time than now in the 

area rug industry. Whatever style, shape, and design you can imagine is 

within your reach. Even if a space has wall-to-wall carpeting, place an area 

rug to establish a layered look and add depth and personality to a room 

and also tie in other disparate color components. A rug’s color palette and 

pattern can easily establish the desired style and tone of a season. 

7. Bed basics. Bedding has also changed this year. The pomp and 

circumstances of overstuffed pillows that seem to multiply in the night are 

out. Way out. Exquisite, neutral colored linens are in, especially when 

paired with a luxurious top blanket and a clean lined duvet. For those who 

desire more color that’s representative of fall or any other season, indulge 

in two medium sized pillows placed in front of each sham. 

8. Pillow talk. Today’s pillow designs offer an array of textures, colors, 

shapes, sizes and accents, and can completely transform a room’s 

aesthetic. Accordingly, pillows have become the ultimate interior design 

accessory, especially since they are so versatile. Choose an assortment of pillows 

for the spring and summer and other set for the fall and winter. This is an easy 

way to seasonally transition a room in an easy and budget-friendly way. 

9. Window treatments. While many love luscious fabrics, an overuse of 

material on your windows can quickly overpower an otherwise streamlined room. 

Linen panels are now very trendy since they beautifully outline and soften 

windows. This classic and timeless fabric is now available in a staggering array 

of colors to coordinate with any interior palette. 

10. Brass. Yes, brass is back but a bit older and wiser. Antiqued brass and even 

antiqued gold have both made a large comeback on everything from drapery 

rods, to cocktail tables, to door and cabinet knobs to décor figurines. The light 

reflecting surface of brass adds warmth, glow and movement to a space and, 

thus, is perfect in a room with a fireplace. 

(presented by Elaine Williamson of Elaine Williamson Designs) 

WEST HILLS ELECTRIC 

Fred Mack II 

(412) 860-7318 



Home Improvement & Fix-Up Section Sponsors 

MTO Clean - Murray Construction - Richard Felser - 

Advantage Heating & Cooling - Total Home Renovations 

West Hills Electric - Cool Home Remodeling - Comfort Tech - 

Frametech 

Murray Construction is a family owned and operated home improvement business 

with over 35 years of experience. Operated by a father and his sons, Murray 

specializes in residential remodeling and new construction that includes: Kitchens, 

Bathrooms, Decks, Porch/patio roofs, Screen/sun rooms, Finished basements and 

game rooms, Home Theatre rooms, Sound Studios and soundproofing, Custom built 

in shelving and carpentry. Murray is a registered Home Improvement Contractor with 

the PA Office of the Attorney General (PAOAGHIC# PA008218). They are insured 

and committed to total customer satisfaction. And, they can customize any job to 

meet one’s desires and exceed one’s expectations. They can provide references 

from many satisfied customers. Murray would appreciate the opportunity to talk with 

you and give you a free estimate. They welcome you to view some of their many 

projects on their Web site or Facebook page. 

Cool Home Improvements is locally owned by Bob Cool of Clinton. Bob has 

dedicated 34 years of his life to home improvements and the satisfaction of his 

clients. The majority of our clientele is received from referrals of past clients. We 

offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work. Our team of professionals 

can assist the home owner with design concepts to best suit the needs of the home 

owner. If you depend on consistent quality, and professional design options, you will 

feel confident knowing that your job is being handled by our experienced staff of 

carpenters, electricians, and fabricators. We will ensure that your job is handled with 

the highest regard. Every job is important to Cool Home Improvements, big or small 

we can handle you home improvement needs. Our company specializes in 

bathrooms, kitchens, game-rooms, siding, soffit & fascia, roofing, or that special 

customized project. 

MTO Clean of Allegheny County is locally owned and operated by John and 

Marilyn Walters. We provide residential, office, commercial, construction, move-in, 

and move out cleans. Additionally, power washing services are available. MTO 

personalizes all services to meet your cleaning needs whether you are looking for a 

regularly scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or one time clean, or, you need a 

spring or fall clean. We send one maid to one home. MTO is fully insured and 

bonded and we provide all the cleaning supplies. Gift Certificates are always 

available. You can receive a complimentary estimate at (412) 809-9300 or 

allegheny@mtoclean.com. 

Imperial area resident Charles Selinsky announces his new construction company, 

Total Home Renovations. Born and raised in Imperial, Charles built his own 

home from the ground up in the Clinton area nine years ago. Prior to starting his 

new company, Charles accumulated more than 20 years of experience working for 

Wyndham Construction, Ryan Homes, and Mid-State Builders. He offers potential 

customers the opportunity to receive a free estimate He has available photos of 

his work and can also provide references. Among the projects Charles can provide 

are decks, additions, gamerooms, bathrooms, kitchens, roofs, ceramic and 

hardwood floors, electrical, and plumbing. He holds a license from the State of 

Pennsylvania. Call (724) 899-3726 or (412) 953-4743. 

To Fix or Not to Fix 

Many minor or cosmetic repairs are inevitable when 

preparing to sell your home here in the Pittsburgh area. 

Such projects are usually inexpensive and don’t require 

much time or effort. But what about the bigger repairs 

going beyond the aesthetic but not approaching the level 

of health or safety hazards 

Whether or not you “take care of business” before 

listing your home depends on the market situation, and a 

full time professional real estate agent can advise you on 

whether or not the repairs will benefit your sale time and 

price. 

In a “hot” market like the mid 2000’s, you may not 

need to take much action, but in today’s buyer’s markets; 

you must make the repairs just to compete. First-time 

buyers and those with busy schedules won’t even 

consider a home in need of repairs they simply don’t 

have the time or inclination. Condition is everything in 

today’s market, and experience proves that the homes in 

the best condition sell faster and for a higher price. 

Anticipate the inspection report – most home sales 

include a clause that allows the buyers to withdraw their 

offer if the inspection report is unsatisfactory or needed 

repairs are left unfinished. If they don’t back out, the 

buyers will offer significantly less money in anticipation of 

their repair time, costs and inconvenience. 

If you’re in a lower end market, over-improvement can 

be an issue you want to avoid, but most sellers realize 

that “new” or “newly replaced” will be music to most 

buyer’s ears, so play on! 

(presented by Bob Miller, Howard Hanna Real Estate) 


New Theatre Opens in West End 

In an effort to provide a theater laboratory for the student performers at 

Pittsburgh Musical Theater (PMT) and Robert Morris University (RMU) and as 

an adjunct to PMT's 20th anniversary season, Ken Gargaro, founder of PMT 

and coordinator of theatre at RMU, announced that a new theatre venue 

located in the West End of Pittsburgh would begin operation this season. 

It has been christened the Little Victorian Theatre because it was built in 

that fashion at the turn of the century. Formerly the St. James School, it has, 

in recent years, under the name of the James Centre, housed the PMT 

studios on the top floor and a banquet facility in the theatre on the first floor. 

Banquets will continue be booked in the space, but a portion of the 

schedule will be devoted to offering theatrical performances of an edgier kind 

that will be appealing to young audiences. Some of the titles being considered 

are: Toxic Avenger; Cannibal the Musical; Life Is a Drag, Celebrities in 

Their Own Words, and other legit shows that are not usually programmed in 

Pittsburgh that will work well in the 299-seat space. 

“In a challenging economy, instead of ducking and running, it makes sense 

to focus our mission around the students and innovate artistically for the long 

term,” said Gargaro. 

Gargaro plans to involve students not only in performance but to encourage 

them to helm the artistic aspects of production-design, direction, 

marketing and producing–with faculty supervision. 

Said Gargaro, “The hope is to draw a diverse crowd comprised mainly of 

young professionals.” 

More information is available at (412) 397-5454. 

Deemed #1 Fan of the Air Show 

RIGHT: front, 

Kindred staff 

Kathy Peck 

and Carrie 

Allen, William 

Brooks, 

Kindred staff 

Kristen Allen 

and Kristen 

Comport; 

back, several 

flight crew 

members with 

Lt. Col. Dave 

Kraft, second 

from right, and 

Major Ed 

Jackson, right. 

STORY AND PHOTO 

SUBMITTED BY ERMA DODD 

McDonald resident and Air Force veteran, William Brooks, was deemed the 

#1 Fan of the Air Show held last month at the 911th Airlift Wing. He had a 

front row seat as he watched from the sixth floor of Kindred Hospital. 

The week before, U.S. Air Force Major Ed Jackson was on a mission to “pay it 

back.” Jackson’s wife’s grandmother had been so well cared for at Kindred, he 

wanted to do something to show the family’s appreciation. 

Knowing both men, Jim Malady asked the major to stop in and see William 

Brooks. Imagine their conversation when Major Brooks told William he had 

recently returned from one of his many missions in and over Afghanistan. 

William was thrilled. 

Then Friday, the day before the air show, after a morning of flying and 

practicing for the air show, another surprise awaited William. In their flight 

uniforms, Major Jackson, Lt. Colonel Dave Kraft, and three more crew members 

paid a visit to William’s room. The Kindred staff shared in his excitement. 

Each of the five officers presented a commemorative coin and then they 

presented William with a leather flight jacket bearing his name. 

NEW IN TOWN 

Freedom Fellowship of Pittsburgh 

Freedom Fellowship of Pittsburgh Church announces its new location at 140 

East Main Street in Carnegie. The church opened its doors in October 2006. 

Leading the church is Pastor Deborah Roden. Prior to joining Freedom 

Fellowship, she was the assistant pastor at Inner City Church. 

“We at FFOP want people to know that in this day and age we are living in there 

is something beyond the news. We are a Christian organization that knows God is 

not mad at us. God loves us and when we know we are loved we can reign in this 

life,” Pastor Roden said. 

Freedom Fellowship holds services on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. for both adults and 

youth. There is also a children’s service. A nursery is available. 

On one Saturday each month, the church holds Super Saturdays for youth ages 

4-12, and on one Friday each month, game night is offered for women. Men’s 

activities such as bowling and the shooting range are also offered on one 

Saturday each month. 

For more information about Freedom Fellowship of Pittsburgh, call (412) 787- 

2393. Visit the Web site at www.ffop.org. 

DEADLINE FOR THE HOLIDAY ISSUES 

SERVING WEST ALLEGHENY, 

MOON & MONTOUR: 

October 30 

CALL: (724) 695-3968 or 

e-mail: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net 

for this year’s incredible holiday rate package! 

Needless to say, it made the day for William. 

Saturday was the airshow. William’s wife and family were also at the front row 

window, watching. His grandchildren were standing on their parents’ laps, one 

watching through binoculars. And their cassette recorder was playing “God 

Bless America.” 

Merri Conway, nursing supervisor at Kindred, visited his room. She said, “it 

touched me so much I had to leave and go have a cr y.” 

Williams slept well that night with his flight jacket under his pillow. 


Port Authority Route Changes Outlined in a 

Helpful Brochure by ACTA 

“Commuting in the Airport Corridor,” a colorful, easy-tounderstand 

brochure, outlines in both text and diagram 

format the changes to bus service that were made in the 

airport corridor in early September. Additionally, ACTA has 

produced a second brochure of the same, “Just in Time: Ride 

ACTA” which describes its FREE shuttle service (see bus 

below), originating from IKEA in Robinson Town Center. The 

Ride ACTA shuttle bus offers two convenient routes. One 

serves the West Busway Carnegie Station to Penn Center 

West and back. The other route serves the Robinson retail 

district as well as the RIDC Park West complex, the Marriott, 

FedEx Ground, GlaxoSmithKline, and Settlers Ridge. 

Visit Ride ACTA for more 

information at 

www.rideacta.org or call 

1-888-600-1100. 

other place to stay, 

Call the ACTA office at 

be- 

the cause number, Alli’s below, host for family 

was 

copies not at of these home, all 3 of us 

brochures. slept on Alli’s king size 

bed 

under the net. We 

actually didn’t do Robinson too badly. Plaza It was Two, great Route togetherness. 

60 & Park Manor Drive 

July 22, On Suite the 420, way Pittsburgh out of Sasina, PA 15205 we stopped (412) 809-3505, at Pui Fax: (412) 809-3509 

ui’s home to take pictures. Rusty www.acta-pgh.org and I received gifts 

from her of ie lava lavas. These are a 2 yard piece of 

abric that everyone wears tied around the waist. This 

was very touching. We exchanged kisses and said our 

good-byes. We headed to the Canopy Walk. The walk 

consisted of climbing up what we would call a fire 

tower. Then we had to walk on a board that had wires 

strung along it on both sides and netting on the sides 

and below, several feet up in the air to the next stop. It 

was very scary to me because half way across, it 

began to sway. I held on tight! At the other side, you 

start climbing very steep steps that wrap around the 

largest tree I have ever seen. If you have seen Avatar, 

this is the tree of souls! We went up about 50 meters. 

At the top was a platform that we could see, I think, 

the whole island! Going down we had even steeper 

steps. We made it all the way down without having to 

do the swinging walk, thankfully. Of course, Alli chose 

to anyway. Afterwards, we all went to see Spencer’s, 

another PC, project of aquaponics at the farthest west 

point on the island. We were staying at Va’i Maona, a 

beach resort. Our room was right on the ocean. Took a 

swim. A PC, Matt who lives near there, joined us and 

stayed for dinner in the restaurant. Before dinner, he 

and Alli hung out playing house guitars. Some of the 

staff sang and played guitars after dinner. 

Expires 10/31/10 


PATTERSON HOPES FOR ANOTHER SHOT AT BIGS 

Scott Patterson, Oakdale’s link to professional baseball, capped a season 

at Class AAA Tacoma in the Pacific Coast League by being selected to play in 

the league’s All-Star game. Scott, 31, was instrumental in helping the Rainers 

to capture the Pacific Coast League Northern Conference Championship as a 

late inning reliever. He had a regular season record of 2-1 with an ERA of 

2.67 and six saves in 33.2 innings while appearing in 29 games. 

Scott became the first ever former West Allegheny baseball player to make 

it to the major leagues in June 2008 when the New York Yankees called him 

up. He appeared in one game with the Yankees but a bout with pneumonia 

weakened his performance capabilities and he was claimed off waivers by 

The San Diego Padres that September. He appeared in two games with the 

Padres before a back injury almost ended his career two weeks later. 

After recovering from the back injury, Scott played winter league baseball 

south of the border and spent the 2009 season bouncing up and down the 

Pacific coast optioned out to class AAA teams. Since 2006 he has been 

affiliated with six major league organizations, including the Yankees, San 

Diego, Oakland Raiders, Boston Red Sox, and the Seattle Mariners. His 

numbers this year at Tacoma will probably get him another shot at the 

majors. Meantime he will put in another year of winter ball in Venezuela. 

An avid hunter, Scott and his wife, Niki, live in Pike County, Illinois, where he 

has property that he plans to turn into a hunting lodge that features guided 

tours. 

Scott visits home in Oakdale as often as his schedule will allow. His dad, 

Bob, is looking forward to making the trip to hunt this fall on Scott’s grounds. 

ACES IN THE HOLE 

Add Chris Nardi and Joe Sladick to Golf’s elite list of ace makers. Nardi 

made his second career hole in one at the 17th hole at the Ponderosa Golf 

Club on September 13. His partners were D. Dinino and Tom Presutti. Nardi 

made his first hole in one 11 years ago, also at the Ponderosa. 

Sladick can no longer be considered the best golfer from Imperial never to 

have made a hole in one. Never mind that he has matured to the point where 

he now sometimes plays from the senior tees. 

Sladick aced the 147-yard second hole at Reserve Run Golf Course in Ohio 

on August 23. Witnesses to the event were Joe’s playing partners that day, 

Jim Bernard, Don Henry, and former North Fayette Township Police Chief Mike 

Smith. 

VOLLEYBALL LOOKING FOR THREE-PEAT 

The West Allegheny girls volleyball team has compiled a winning percentage 

of .863 over the past four years prior to this season. In that span, the team 

won 69 games and lost only 11 while winning a State Championship in 2006 

and back-to-back WPIAL titles in 2008 and 2009. 

Despite having only four returning seniors in their starting rotation of nine 

after losing Koren Wengryn, Jaimie Borchart, Haley Hanzar, Alexa Seybold, 

Angela Devereaux, and Chelsea Katkich to graduation, the Indians were preseason 

favorites to three-peat in the WPIAL. They were ranked number one 

at the start of this season despite having a new head coach. Brian Begor is 

the fourth Indian varsity volleyball head coach in five years. 

The "Terrific 21" Girls Volleyball Program All-Stars versus the Ohio 

District One All-Stars is Sunday, November 28, 4 p.m., at Bishop 

Canevin High School. Tickets prices are $8 for 18 and over, $4 for 

students under 17, and $3 for each youth group member who attends 

the event with (10) or more players in their group. Tickets will be 

available at the door. For more details, contact Jonathan Whaley via 

e-mail at stwjwhaley@comcast.net or call (724) 289-8376. 

The four returning seniors are Carissa Miara, Katelinn Long, Jess Borrella, 

and Lindsay Keeley. Miara already has a scholarship to IUP. 

Also in the starting rotation mix are juniors Jaclyn Placha, Morgan Seybold, 

Barele Lesko, Emily Murn, and Kaci Vandergrift. 

IT’S A GENE THING 

For years, Hankey Farms resident Chuck Singiser was a regular on Saturday 

mornings at Blackhawk Golf Course. Chuck’s knowledge of the course must 

have rubbed off on his grandson, Chris, who is a sophomore on the West 

Allegheny golf team. 

Chris Singiser shot a career high -- one under par 71 -- to win the WPIAL 

Division I Section 5 qualifying tournament that was held at Blackhawk on 

September 20. 

“Winning the sectional has to be the biggest win so far for Chris,” says his 

dad, Mark, who is a member at Quicksilver Golf Club, which is also the home 

course for West Allegheny. 

Singiser and five of his teammates advanced to the Division 1 play-offs that 

culminate in an individual championship on October 6 and a team championship 

tournament on October 14. The WPIAL champions advance to the PIAA 

semi-finals to be held later in October. 

In the sectional qualifier, WA junior Garrett Browning, the defending state 

champion, tied for second with an even par 72. Other Indians that shot 80 or 

better to qualify were Donnie Hall, 75; Matt Kocher, 78; Tyler Cherilla, 79; and 

Alex Reilly, 80. 

The Indians followed up their dominant showing at the Individual Sectionals 

by repeating as Midwestern Athletic Conference Champions two days later at 

Fox Run Golf Course. Browning led the Indians with a 74. Singiser had a 76 

and Reilly had a 77 as the Indians amassed 227 team points for the win. 

ABOVE: The Pittsburgh Spirit 12U Gold team compiled a 51-5-1 record, complete with 5 championships and three runner-up titles, during the summer 

2010 fast-pitch softball season. In addition, the team placed third in the PONY Nationals tournament. Spirit 12U Gold posted a 7-2 record falling to 

eventual champion Michigan Finesse, 6-3, in the semifinals. Played in Cary, North Carolina, the PONY Nationals featured 38 teams from 20 different 

states including Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Connecticut and 

Michigan. Spirit 12U Gold produced championships in the ASA Spring Explosion in Garrettsville, Ohio; NSA Diamond Dogs tournament in Peninsula, 

Ohio; NSA IUP Showcase; NSA Firecracker Showcase in Zelienople; and NSA Blast in the Burgh in Monroeville as well as runner-up acclaim in the 

PONY Northern Virginia Shootout in Winchester; NSA state championships in Penn Trafford and NSA Lou Gehrig Lady Lasers event in Amherst, N Y. 

Pictured from left to right are (front row) Heather Mueller, Ashley Brady, Alayna Jones, Molly Welsh, Taylor DiPerna and Tara Lesick. Middle: Niki 

Orzechowski, Laura Cotter, Makayla Shore, Kelly Haslett, Emily Quinn and Brooke Bagnell. Back: Don Brady, Greg DiPerna, Jim Welsh and Doc 

Quinn. 


Preparing the Soil for Fall 

Fall is the perfect time to prepare your soil for the spring 

planting season. Begin by testing your current soil for soil pH and 

a breakdown of available nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. 

Most plants like a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 but some plants 

like more acidic soil so consider what you will be planting before 

adding things to your soil. The nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, 

and mineral needs of individual plants also vary so be sure to 

research your plant’s needs before amending your soil. 

Once you have tested your soil and conducted your research on 

the nutritional needs of your individual plants you may find that 

you have to raise (make the soil more alkaline) or lower (make 

the soil more acidic) your soil pH. To raise the pH add dolomite 

limestone or wood ashes. To lower your soil pH, add sulfur. 

To address your plant’s nutritional needs you may need to add 

several things to the soil. If you need to enrich your soil’s 

nitrogen content, add animal manure or consider planting some 

green manures (also called cover crops). Be careful to till fresh 

animal manures into the soil in the fall in order to avoid burning the 

roots of plants in your spring garden. If you choose to plant green 

manures, consider planting crimson clover, winter rye, hairy vetch, 

or a variety of legumes in the fall and tilling them into the soil in the 

spring. Fall is also a great time to gather leaves and grass clippings 

to till into your garden soil. These items will add beneficial microbial 

properties to your soil. 

If you find it necessary to increase the phosphorus content of 

the soil, add colloidal phosphate, rock phosphate, or bone meal. To 

increase potassium levels, add granite dust, green sand, or 

langbeinite. Always follow label instructions on these products when 

enriching/amending your soil. You can easily have too much of 

something and this will negatively impact your plants. 

To learn more about the 

North Fayette Garden 

Club, call (724) 693-8413. 

presented by the 

North Fayette Garden Club 


Parkway West Career & Technology Center 

Lincoln Electric Awards Portable MIG Welder to School 

Lincoln Electric, a leader in the manufacture of top 

quality welding equipment, donated three portable 

MIG welders to the World of Wheels Custom Car Show 

in January 2010. Due to the high level of participation 

of students from Parkway West Career & 

Technology Center at the Lincoln Electric booth, the 

Parkway Auto Body Repair program was awarded one 

of the three welders. 

Sean Ulanowicz, show chairman of World of Wheels, 

delivered the welder to Mr. Todd Kieffer and Mr. David 

Pallerino, instructors of the Auto Body Repair 

program at Parkway West CTC on September 21. Mr. 

Ulanowicz was representing Mr. David Daugherty, of 

Lincoln Electric’s Aliquippa office. 

According to Parkway West’s Auto Body instructors, 

the MIG unit is one that is common in any full service 

auto body shop. Basically, a MIG welder is used in 

vehicle re-construction to weld body panels and 

seams and to replace factory spot welds after an 

accident. 

ABOVE: Students in the Parkway Auto Body Program with instructors Todd Kieffer, left, and David 

Pallerino, right, and the welder the school received from Lincoln Electric. 


State Rep.Mark Mustio and State Senator John Pippy both offer a variety of resources, information, and 

news items on their Web sites. Their site addresses are listed to the right. 

The legislators will jointly host a senior expo on Thursday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crowne 

Plaza Hotel in Moon Township. This is a free event. 

Flu shots will be available. However, participants must call Rep. Mustio’s office in Moon Township at 

(412) 262-3780 to schedule their timeslot, as spaces are limited. 

Additionally, both Senator Pippy’s and Representative Mustio’s offices offer a wealth of resource information 

that is available during office hours. Their offices are located in the office building behind the Hoss’s Steak 

House in Moon Township. Elevator access is available to their offices on the second floor. 

STATE SEN. JOHN PIPPY 

1009 Beaver Grade Road, 

Suite 210 

Moon Township, PA 15108 

(412) 262-2260 

www.senatorpippy.com 

jpippy@pasen.gov 

STATE REP. MARK MUSTIO 

1009 Beaver Grade Road, 

Suite 220 

Moon Township, PA 15108 

(412) 262-3780 

www.repmustio.com 

News from Community College of Allegheny County 

The Community College of Allegheny 

County (CCAC)–West Hills Center will partner 

with the Pittsburgh Regional Clean Cities 

(PRCC), Three Rivers Clean Energy, and the 

National Alternative Fuels Training 

Consortium (NAFTC) to raise awareness and 

foster a greater understanding of alternative fuels, 

alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), and advanced 

technology vehicles as part of the DOE Clean 

Cities Program’s Odyssey Day on Friday, October 

15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is open to CCAC students 

as well as the general public. The CCAC West Hills 

Center is located at 1000 McKee Road, Oakdale. 

The goals of Odyssey are to enhance understanding 

and enthusiasm regarding AFVs to 

advance the nation’s economic, environmental and 

energy security by supporting local decisions to 

adopt practices that contribute to the reduction of 

petroleum consumption and dependency on 

foreign oil. 

The CCAC–West Hills Center will offer hybrid 

training classes in the spring. The CCAC Green 

Institute programs will also be showcased during 

Odyssey. 

For more information, call Bob Koch, (412) 788- 

7378 or Gretchen Mullin-Sawicki, (412) 369- 

3616. 


County (CCAC) now offers free training for 

veterans in two healthcare-related fields. 

The goal of the Veterans Health Career Education 

Project is to train qualified veterans to become 

certified paramedics or nursing assistants. 

Through a grant from the U.S. Department of 

Education, the training is free to honorably 

discharged veterans and their spouses who are 

currently unemployed, underemployed, or on 

public assistance. 

For those who may want to explore alternative 

career opportunities, the CCAC Veterans Services 

Center provides a variety of services and 

education options to veterans. The Post-9/11 GI 

Bill is in effect for a second year, giving those who 

have served in the armed forces on or after 

September 11, 2001 access to education benefits 

and financial support in continuing their education. 

CCAC currently has over 500 veterans 

utilizing their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits this year. 

“Student veterans bring with them enthusiasm, 

optimism and a host of complex social, family, 

financial and educational issues,” related Donald 

Wall, CCAC coordinator of Veterans Services. “It is 

essential that community colleges understand the 

profile of this student population and are 

prepared to provide the necessary support and 

services across campus to guide them as they 

make the transition.” 

In addition to offering education, workforce 

training and business opportunities to veterans, 

the CCAC Veterans Services Center also provides 

academic advising, counseling, disability services, 

financial aid and other support services. In 2008, 

CCAC expanded the Online Early Intervention 

program - a web-based system that allows faculty 

members to refer struggling students for 

assistance via a secure website—to include all 

credit students. While only veterans themselves 

can disclose their military status, the Early 

Intervention program is an available resource 

to all students who may need extra support. 

For more information about the Health 

Career Education Project please call 

412.237.2560 or for CCAC Veterans Services, 

please call 412.237.2635. 


County (CCAC) is introducing a new online 

Job Placement Assistance program this 

fall for all residents of southwestern Pennsylvania 

interested in obtaining or changing jobs. 

CCAC is providing this program as a free 

service to the community. 

Residents who may be interested will be able 

to find solutions online to help them build job 

searching skills, discover a new career path, 

and identify job prospects. The program 

services can be found at www.ccac.edu, where 

individuals will find the CCAC Job Search 

Manual and receive more information about 

jobs, careers and searching strategies. They 

will be able to review sample interview 

questions and find links to other search 

engines that provide local job postings. 

Those that find this program useful may also 

prepare and upload a resume online and 

search through job postings from local 

employers by creating an account at CCAC 

College Central. Please visit 

www.collegecentral.com/ccac to sign up. 

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! 

Since 1999, we have served the airport area. We publish three distinct community magazines, 

all mailed free into the homes across 14 area communities, with 42,000 copies. To learn more 

about our publications, call 724.695.3968 or visit our new Web site at: 

www.alleghenywestmagazine.com. 


BUSINESS BRIEFS 

Chef Jeff Moore, owner of A Taste for Something Moore, located in 

Clinton, has recently updated his Web site, www.tastemoore.com. 

PA Fitness West will open in January 2011 in the former Body Systems 

Fitness center in Penn Lincoln Plaza in Imperial. The new fitness facility is the 

result of a merging of services from Body Matrx in the RIDC Park West and 

House of Fitness on Steubenville Pike in North Fayette. 

The Archer’s Edge indoor archery center held its grand opening on 

Hunting & Fishing Day, Saturday, September 1. The store is located at 7261 

Steubenville Pike in North Fayette Township. 

Papaya Asia Food has opened in the former location of Honey Baked Ham 

on McHolme Drive near Panera Bread. The 60-seat restaurant features 

Chinese and Thai food and includes a sushi bar. 

Clearview ® Federal Credit Union has merged with A-K Valley 

Federal Credit Union. As a result of the merger, all of A-K Valley FCU’s 

nearly 11,000 members automatically became members of Clearview. In 

addition to A-K Valley FCU’s member base, they reported assets valued at 

over $61 million as of June 30. Clearview will maintain A-K Valley FCU’s four 

branches in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, bringing the credit 

union’s total to 17 branches in Southwestern Pennsylvania. A-K Valley FCU 

branches will continue to be staffed by the same employees who have 

served their members for years. 

Premier Boutique, a boutique store featuring Avon products, has opened 

under the ownership of Joyce Shaffer. The store is located at the corner of 

Clever Road and Silver Lane in Robinson Township. Joyce’s store is the only one 

of its kind in the region, the closest being Erie and Philadelphia. 

Selma’s Texas Barbeque has opened at 9155 University Boulevard in 

Moon Township. The store is owned by David Brown, who formerly managed 

the Chartiers Country Club in Thornburg. 

Businesses: Have e You e 

Moved 

Added ded a Web site 

Won an Awar 

ard Expanded Let us know here e at 

Alleghen 

gheny y West y 

Magazine: 

azine: (724) 695-3968. 

New Degree Program Offered 

Mountain State University and Airline Transport Professionals (ATP) have 

signed an academic services agreement to reflect a new bachelor’s degree 

for aviation students, the Bachelor of Science in Airline Transport Professional 

Pilot Operations, with flight training being completed through ATP. 

The program allows students to complete flight training through one of 

ATP’s 22 locations across the country while attending college classes through 

MSU. Approximately 16 months into the degree program, students will be 

qualified to work as a flight instructor and begin working towards their total 

flight experience time while also pursuing an airline-respected bachelor’s 

degree. In addition to gaining the necessary FAA pilot certifications and flight 

instructor certificates, students will develop skills in leadership, business and 

management, communications, and aeronautics. 

For additional information, call 800.255.2877. 

The Cornerstone at Tonidale opens this month to the public. The 

banquet facility has been completely revamped. The original banquet room at 

the Tonidale and the adjacent restaurant have been fully renovated. The 

original Tonidale Restaurant was owned by Richard Saveikis, who retired from 

the business after his family had operated it since its original opening in 1952. 

3 Sisters Spa Salon at 5022 Noblestown Road, Oakdale, held its open 

house on October 8 and 9. The business offers hair care, manicures, 

pedicures, tanning, massage, and other services. 

Sturgeon VFD Purchases Canine Resuscitation Kits 

With the help of a grant from the Pennsylvania American Water 

Company, the Sturgeon Volunteer Fire Department recently 

purchased 2 “Pet Resuscitation Kits.” These devices assist 

firefighters and medical personnel in providing oxygen or 

administering CPR to a pet if they are overcome by smoke at a fire 

scene or involved in an accident. Each kit is made up of three 

different size masks, one for cats, small dogs and large dogs. 

Melanie Culley, EMS Coordinator and K-9 Officer for the Sturgeon 

Volunteer Fire Department stated, “Pets become a very important 

part of a family. Losing your house or personal belongings can be 

devastating enough, but losing a pet can be additionally overwhelming.” 

The kits were purchased from a vet hospital Arizona. Fire Chief 

Craig Delaney said we would be running one kit on the QRS (Quick 

Response Medical Vehicle) and the other would be placed on the 

first out fire engine. He said the department has had several 

incidents in the past where this equipment could have been 

utilized. 

The equipment has a special meaning to this department; they 

are one of the few in Western Pennsylvania providing a K-9 Search 

and Rescue Team, made up of several dogs and handlers. 

The equipment has already been placed in service and all of the 

department personnel have been trained. To see the Pet 

Resuscitation Kits or their K-9 team dogs, contact the department 

through their Web site at www.sturgeonvfd.org. 




BY PAT JENNETTE 

PHOTOS BY JJ 

Meeting Advertisity Head On 

The journey to recovery can be slow .. 

or it can open up doors of opportunity. 

Matt Berwick chose the latter. 

February 2003 

“Come on, Matt, get up; quit fooling around” 

were the words that resounded that fateful day of 

February 1, 2003. That was the day that Imperial 

resident Matt Berwick’s life changed in an instant. 

Matt, always full of life and a prankster, slipped 

from a railing at Valley Church while waiting to 

go with a group of youths for what was to be a 

fun skiing trip to Hidden Valley. Everyone around 

him at that moment thought he was laying on the 

ground making “snow angels.” Even his parents 

insisted, “Come on Matt, get up off the ground,” 

until Matt said, “I CAN’T MOVE..I’M 

SERIOUS; I CAN’T MOVE.” 

Then 15 years old, the life that Matt envisioned 

for his future changed drastically. Now being 

rushed to a hospital to have emergency intervention 

on his vertebrae, it seemed all too unreal. 

He spent the next three months in intensive 

rehab at Harmarville Rehabilitation Center. His 

life had changed forever. 

Life sometimes doesn’t go the way we plan it. 

This talented teenager played soccer and loved 

performing in school musicals. He even attended 

Parkway West Career and Technology Center in 

his sophomore year to take its Travel and Hospitality 

Program, thinking he could parlay his acting 

talents into a career as the entertainment 

director on a cruise ship. 

His hopes and dreams began to melt away on that 

fateful winter day. 

Suddenly, Matt had to focus on the task at hand. 

He spent the rest of his sophomore year trying to 

regain his strength, getting used to being wheelchair-bound. 

He was now paralyzed in both legs 

and had lost some motor movement of his arms and 

hands. 

Fortunately, Matt confronted his disability and 

chose to forge on. 

There are desperate times in one’s life where there 

are angels along the way to help. Matt found some 

of his angels in the people he met who had similar 

physical problems, but they refused to let those 

problems keep them down. 

Coupled with the need to keep physically fit and 

have some camaraderie with people facing similar 

challenges, Matt joined the wheelchair rugby team. 

There, he drew off the strength of those who chose 

to fight. He also joined the Pittsburgh Curling 

Club. While not nearly as intense as rugby, Matt 

got to interact with individuals with and without 

disabilities. 

June 2005 

It’s a standing ovation when Matt is helped across 

the stage to receive his high school diploma. It had 

been two long years to reach that 

point. There wasn’t a dry eye in the 

packed gymnasium as he held up his 

diploma. 

Fall 2005 to present 

Matt decided to attend Point Park 

University in downtown Pittsburgh 

and pursue a major in Elementary 

Education. 

His parents, Kevin and Joanne 

Berwick, who both work downtown, 

have been a constant force in 

his educational career. At first, they 

drove him into school every day 

until he was able to obtain his 

license. 

“They have been wonderful and

ABOVE: West Allegheny alumnus Matt Berwick, Class of ‘05, seated in the back, center , with the students in Diane Wiechelt’s second grade class at 

McKee Elementary where he is undertaking his student teaching this semester. 

so supportive of everything,” he says. 

For the past four years, he has achieved so much already. Matt is 

getting some strength back in his legs, he has gotten his driver’s 

license, and he is on his third modified van that he drives himself. 

It’s not a typical drive; Matt must get out of his wheelchair, 

manipulate it into the van, drive to his destination, then retrieve the 

wheelchair, get in it and get to where he needs to go. But he is a 

determined young man. 

And he does get around. His sports schedule is an endurance test 

even for one without a disability. 

“Sports keep me going, they help with my upper body strength,” 

Matt explains. He practices rugby every Sunday from mid-September 

through mid-March, making the drive to Harmarville where 

the team practices. He’s now a veteran player on the team. He also 

travels to Slippery Rock, and even out of state, to play in the 

tournaments. 

Starting next month, he will start playing with the Pittsburgh 

Curling Club on a regular basis at the RMU Island Sports Center. 

It will be challenging because, he explains, “There are players 

with and without disabilities and in ages ranging from 20 to 60 

years old.” 

August 2010 

It’s a typical fall day in the classroom at McKee Elementary 

School. Matt is in his final year at Point Park and doing his student 

teaching right in his own back yard, at his alma mater -- West 

Allegheny School District. 

He is excited to have the opportunity to student teach in the 

second grade at McKee Elementary under the tutelage of Diane 

Wiechelt. 

“I’m currently teaching math, spelling, and science (the students 

were learning about frogs on this particular day). 

Because of today’s technology in the classroom, teaching for 

someone like Matt is a bit easier. No longer using the traditional 

chalkboards that required standing in front of the class and 

reaching up to write on the board with chalk, Matt can comfortably 

instruct the students from his seat, using a Smart Board. The 

board also allows the children to interact with the material being 

presented. 

“The kids have been good,” he says. “It feels good to be back in 

the district.” 

Matt will move to Tom Hamm’s fifth grade class soon, and help 

teach his students, until graduation from Point Park University in 

December. 

When asked what his long-range goals are, besides landing a fulltime 

teaching job, he says, “I think I’d like to pursue maybe further 

education to get a certificate in technology, or a degree in adaptive 

physical activity, so I can not only be a teacher, but a mentor to 

others with disabilities.” 

So, when on that cold February day seven years ago when Matt 

was told to get up, quit fooling around, and get going, he obviously 

was listening. But this 23-year-old young man has done it in a 

much different way. 


BY PAT JENNETTE 

PHOTOS BY G. PAUL DeBOR 

Football Is Underway! 

and it’s not just football this year ... 

Attending a home football game to watch the West 

Allegheny Indians play has taken on a whole new meaning 

this year 

ear. . We’re e talking about the Golden Knights 

parachuting achuting onto the field, the Junior ROTC paying 

tribute to local emergency rescue providers and dressed in 

uniforms of the same, football players walking a “special 

child of the week 

eek” -- that home game’s s “honorar 

ary 

captain,” -- onto the field before e each game, and police 

officers presenting a signed football to that special child. 

But then again, this is West Allegheny 

llegheny, 

and WA people do things in a special way, , on a field 

named after a special man. 

If only the late Joe DeMichela could see it now, this spot here 

on earth called the Joe DeMichela Stadium at West Allegheny 

High School. 

He would be proud. 

Those who have been around the neighborhood for awhile, 

whether having gone to school here since childhood, or having 

put their roots down here a few decades ago, would remember 

the infamous Joe DeMichela, West Allegheny’s former football 

coach who also served as junior high principal from 1969-1977. 

“Joe D” was also a teacher in the district, and held the 

distinction of being one of just a few district employees to hold 

40 years or more tenure. In fact, he served the district for 50 

years. He also was an attendance officer during his years in the 

district, and even worked in summer maintenance. 

Anyone who attends a West Allegheny High School football 

game and gets a program will see prominently displayed at the 

front of each year’s book a tribute to “Joe D” from his son, 

Michael. 

When the football field was dedicated in Joe’s name, it 

became a place where students of all ages and all abilities took 

part in activities ranging from competitions for Special 

Olympics and playoff games, to powderpuff football games 

that raise funds for community needs. It became the setting for 

proud moms and dads walking their sons and daughters onto 

the field for senior nights and the Little Indians testing the 

waters for the first time in a football setting. 

It’s become a field of dreams for many. It’s the way Joe D 

would have wanted it. 


OPPOSITE PAGE: Left, Students from the West Allegheny High School Junior R.O.T.C. carried the colors into the stadium to open the home 

game against Central Valley. Each of the students wore the uniform representing a facet of those who protect our safety -- police, fire, EMS, and 

military. Right, members of the Golden Knights parachutists hit their mark on the field before the game. 

THIS PAGE: Top, Zach Wajda, center, is escorted onto the field prior to the game as honorary chairperson for the evening. He is escorted by 

C.J. Revtai and Jesse Broda. Zach also got to wear player Mike Caputo’s shirt. 

THIS PAGE: Bottom left, North Fayette Police Chief Jeff Falconer, Ron Beaumont, Zach Wajda, and Sergeant John Bates. Ron is helping to 

coordinate the honorary captains for the games. Bottom, right, Mike Caputo, Aaron McKinney (wearing Mike’s shirt as honored player of the 

week), C.J.Revtai, Jesse Broda, and Chris McGough, with Zach (front) and members of the Golden Knights. 



Sam’s Club Cuts Ribbon for Renovated and Enlarged Addition 

ABOVE: A crowd was on hand at the newly renovated and enlarged Sam’s Club at The Pointe at North Fayette, when the ribbon was cut, cake was 

served, and dignitaries were on hand to applaud the store’s continued involvement in the North Fayette and surrounding neighborhoods. Sam Tyra, 

store manager, also presented checks to a number of local community organizations as part of the celebration. Counterwise, from top left: Sam’s Club 

associates, members of the Pittsburgh Airport Chamber of Commerce, and Sam Tyra officially cut the ribbon; the Robinson American Legion honor 

guard led the opening of the ceremony and stand at attention during the presentations before the assembled guests; Sam’s Club associates cut the 

official cake; a number of local dignitaries spoke and applauded the store for its continued growth and service. 

News from Heritage Public Library 

LIBRARY HOURS: 

Mondays: 4-8 

Tuesday, Wednesday, 

Thursday: 12-8 

Fridays: 10-2 

Saturday: 10-4 

PHONE: (724) 926-8400 

www.heritagewpublib.org 

Computer classes are being held at the library 

on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants 

are required to sign up in advance so the library 

is prepared for the class. For details and the 

types of computer activities being offered, 

contact the library at (724) 926-8400. 

Weight Watchers meets at the library on 

Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m. 

The Fall Auction is underway, and will continue 

through October 30. Tickets for the drawing of 

more than 24 items are available at the library - 

- 3/$1 or 15/$5. There will also be a bake sale 

on the day of the draw. 

The library offers a community meeting room. 

It is available for meetings and parties. Call to 

inquire. 

The Friends of Heritage Public Library 

want you to take a chance on their 

BLACK FRIDAY RAFFLE! 

A $10.00 donation ticket with 

two numbers for the month of November! 

Drawings are on the 7:00 pm 

PA Daily Lottery. 

Thursday, November 25 is worth 

$750.00!! 

Every day is a winner! 

Tickets available at 

Heritage Public Library 

724-926-8400 


Little Dribblers Program to Help 

Youngsters with Basketball 

North Fayette resident Tony Castelluci is sponsoring a Little Dribblers 2010 

clinic for youngsters this fall at Donaldson Elementary School. 

Tony is also a teacher at West Allegheny High School, where he works with 

students with special needs. 

The program will teach children how to improve their ball handling and 

dribbling skills. The children will practice in two age levels -- grades 1 through 3 

and grades 4 through 6. Practices will be held on Tuesdays from October 

through December 7. Grades 1-3 will practice from 6 to 7 p.m.; grades 4-6 will 

practice from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cost of $60 per child includes all practices 

sessions, a t-shirt, and basketball. 

Following the practice sessions, the dribblers will have the opportunity to 

perform at the West Allegheny Boys’ Tip-Off Basketball game on December 10. 

For more information, contact Tony at (412) 787-5934. 

Since 1999, we have served the airport area’s 

churches with placement of a variety of 

announcements, etc. over the years. Keep in mind 

the upcoming holiday season and send us your 

news. Thank you! 


Findlay Township News 

www.findlay.pa.us 

Chapman Commerce Center has begun construction of Phase I-A off of 

the Westport Interchange of the Findlay Connector. Phase I-A will comprise 

a reconfiguration of Westport Road to a Boulevard entrance into the site and 

prepare 64 acres for commercial development of industrial and flex space 

buildings. 

Sun Ridge has begun to install utilities and the roadway for Phase I of the 

residential planned development off of Birch Street in Imperial. Phase I will 

have 22 single family dwellings. 

Findlay Township plans to design and build a new fire station for the 

Imperial Volunteer Fire Company. The new station will be located on a lot 

on Pine Street in Imperial which was donated by the township. It would replace 

the current station on Main Street, also in Imperial. The township approved a 

five-year, $125,000 loan to pay for the design of the new station, and other 

related items. 

The firefighters have operated out of their current location for 85 years. 

The fire department also has substations on Aten Road in Westbury and on 

Matchette Road in Clinton. 

FROM THE POLICE CHIEF 

www.north-fayette.com 

Facebook can be a wonderful and useful source of information; but it can 

also lead to unwarranted concerns due to unsubstantiated misinformation. 

To that end, the North Fayette Police Department is in the process of 

establishing its own Facebook site to inform residents of current concerns 

and issues. It will also contain an anonymous “Tip” line for residents to 

report your concerns. 

In addition to Facebook, the department is discussing the feasibility of a 

Citizens Emergency Notification System with a number of companies which 

would deliver a voice, email, or text message or notification via cable to 

resident’s phones and computers. 

On August 31, North Fayette Township Police Department responded to a 

“Home Invasion Robbery” on Green Meadow Drive in Walden Woods. Over 

the next several days, Police Chief Jeffrey Falconer spoke with numerous 

residents concerning this incident as well as other alleged “home invasions” 

in North Fayette Township. 

All concerns seemed to be generated through Facebook among the 

neighbors and residents of this community. 

Chief Falconer notes that, there has been only one reported “home 

invasion” and, by the victims own statement, he was targeted. There have 

been no other random home invasion robberies. 

Chief Falconer also reminds residents to lock their vehicles at night. 

Unlocked vehicles are easy targets for the criminal wishing to take GPS 

units, iPods, cameras, lap tops, and CD’s, even as it sits in your driveway. 

He said, “It takes the thief only seconds to enter your vehicle and take 

what they want. It takes you less time to lock the vehicle or remove these 

valuable items from your vehicle.” 

“If you have any concerns, please fill free to call me at the police 

department at (412) 787-8900, or stop one of our police officers.” 

LEAF AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION 

In a continuing effort to comply with PA Department of Environmental 

Protection regulations, Findlay Township will provide SEPARATE PICK-UP 

OF LEAF AND YARD WASTE ON TWO (2) SATURDAYS THIS FALL. This 

is being done as an effort to reduce use of landfill space for these 

materials. Leaf and yard waste collection will occur on Saturday, 

November 6 and 20. During these separate collections, material must 

be placed in paper (30 gallon) biodegradable bags only and put at 

curbside before 6 a.m. that day. Limbs and branches are to be bundled 

and are not to exceed 3 inches in diameter and 36 inches long. Waste 

Management, the Township's Contractor, will be doing the collection. 

LEAF BAGS CAN BE PURCHASED AT MOST HARDWARE STORES (HOME 

DEPOT, LOWES, IMPERIAL HARDWARE ETC.). Do not use plastic bags 

since they y are e not biodegrada 

adable 

le. 

Another option for addressing disposal of Leaf Yard Waste is backyard 

composting. Composting is the natural decomposition of organic 

materials into a form that returns nutrients to the earth and allows for 

better soil aeration. Findlay Township strongly encourages the practice 

of backyard composting. Composting workshops sponsored by the 

Penn State Cooperative Extension are held seasonally. Call (724) 774- 

3003. In the Spring of 2011, Findlay will schedule a Saturday for 

Yard Waste collection. 

North Fayette Township News 

The Tonidale Bridge replacement project is underway. Traffic is 

being detoured for those traveling Montour Church Road at the Tonidale 

exit. Traffic on Route 22-30 is being funneled into a single lane, and traffic 

delays may be possible during the bridge project. 

Patrick Felton was hired as the new public works director in North 

Fayette. He will work with Vic Rogale during the transition of Vic’s 

retirement, and will assume all responsibilities thereafter. 

REAL ESTATE TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS 

Did you know that the township and Allegheny County offer tax relief 

programs for qualifying residents 

Allegheny County offers the Act 50-Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion. 

Under this program, the initial $15,000 in assessed value of each owner 

occupied property, and certain farmstead properties, within the county are 

exempt from county real property taxation. If you have filed for this 

exemption, there is no need to do it again. Call (412) 350-4100. 

Both the township and county also offer Act 77-Senior Citizen Property 

Tax Relief Programs. Qualified applicants are entited to a flat 30% discount 

from the county (25% from the township) of the real estate tax on their 

primary residence for each year they are eligible. Qualifications are: 1) must 

have owned and occupied a primary residence continuously for the past ten 

years; must be 60 or older, or if married, either spouse must be 60, or may 

be a widow or widower age 50 to 60 years, or may be permanently disabled 

and age 18 to 60; gross household income must be $30,000 or less. 

(excludes up to 50% of certain incomes). 

For more details and applications, call (412) 350-4600, or contact Tom 

Falcioni at the township tax office at (724) 693-9366. 


Grant Gives McDonald Borough Storefronts New Facelifts 

A new face on buildings and places is in progress in downtown McDonald. 

The Facade Improvement and Parking Lot projects were initiated, explained Tim 

Thomassy of McDonald Borough Council, on the recommendation of a formal 

downtown redevelopment study that the borough completed in 2006 by a 

professional urban renewal consulting company, Mullin and Lonergan Associates, 

Inc. 

Tim said the company recognized the borough’s downtown commercial district 

for its significant historic architecture, efficient layout, and future commercial 

potential. The study also identified the need for some cosmetic improvements and 

sprucing up the storefront facades. 

“The bridge repair projects are part of our ongoing community infrastructure 

improvement program,” Tim noted of the Arabella Street Bridge replacement and 

the School Street Bridge repair. 

PHOTO BY JJ 

Five property owners were awarded funds to improve the facades of seven 

buildings from the grant monies totaling $45,000. Total costs for the seven 

projects was estimated at $145,000. 

A $30,000 grant was awarded from the state Department of Community and 

Economic Development, which represented monies from the Meadows Casino 

local share account program. McDonald Borough provided another $15,000 for 

the program. 

A number of prominent and historic buildings in the community will receive a 

new facelift as a result. They include the Pitt Hotel, the Cook and Shane 

Buildings, the former Murphy 5 & 10, China Dragon, Gladden Building, and 

Municipal Place. 

In total, these buildings house 17 different store fronts. Work is underway on 

some of the facades, including the former Murphy 5 & 10 building owned by 

Dale Csonka, pictured, left. 

Tim said it is anticipated that the facade improvement projects will be 

complete by the end of this calendar year. 

In addition to the facade and bridge improvement programs, McDonald 

received a separate local share account grant from casino money to purchase 

a large undeveloped lot in the middle of the downtown commercial district. The 

lot sits between Barr and O’Hara Streets. Once the design is complete, the lot 

will be constructed next spring, and hopefully be available to the general public 

by summer of 2011. 

“The parking lot was also identified by the study (by Mullin and Lonergan 

Associates, Inc.) as a strong need in the downtown area to provide easy to 

reach public parking for potential customers,” Tim explained. 

By the end of 2011, McDonald’s downtown district will be more accessible 

with new or renovated bridges and a public parking lot, and with a more 

pleasing exterior presentation that will hopefully encourage more customers to 

enjoy the downtown shopping ambiance. 

Oakdale Borough 

Oakdale Borough has received a $40,000 grant for the 

beautification and development into a parklet of the 

empty lot in the downtown area where Boock’s Bar was 

formerly located. The borough purchased the vacant land for 

$10,000. 

Sprout, the organization that provided the artist for the 

mural, pictured, right, will host a dedication of the lighted 

mural and greenery in the park on Saturday, November 27 at 

7 p.m. 

This will coincide with the borough’s Light-Up Night 

event that same evening. 


Oakdale Borough will hold its annual leaf pick up on the 

following dates: Wednesday and Thursday, October 27 and 

28, Wednesday and Thursday, November 10 and 11. 

Residents are reminded to rake their leaves to the curbs; 

and keep the height reasonable. No bags are needed. Long, 

narrow piles are easier for the maintenance department to 

pick up. 

www.oakdaleborough.com 


Look for 

the 

Chamber 

on 

Facebook, 

Twitter, 

and 

LinkedIn 

1 

2 

Welcome 

New 

Members 

ABOVE: Chamber Ambassadors welcome members who have reached membership milestones. 

1) Bayer, 30 years; 2) Greater Pittsburgh Business Connection, 20 years; 3) State Representative 

Mark Mustio, 5 years; 4) Doubletree Pittsburgh Airport, 4 years; 5) Embassy Suites, 20 years. 

ADP, Inc. 

Baby Boomers & Beyond Realty 

Bean Counters Tax & Accounting Service 

Compuwiz, Inc. 

ConCorrx Holdings (medical services) 

Courtyard by Marriott-Settlers Ridge 

Ditto Document Solutions 

Edible Arrangements 

Eyetique 

Interactive Swim 

Mattress Discounters 

Mutual of Omaha - Ernie 

October is 

Pennsylvania 

Chamber Recognition 

Month 

3 

4 

5 

Faulds 

New York Life Insurance - 

John W. Cucarese 

The Winery at Wilcox 

Visual Spotlight 

Wrecking Crew Media 

Coming Up . . . 


BizBlast@Noon, Cornerstone at Tonidale, 

11:45 am – 1:30 pm 


Core Four Business Planning Course 

Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of 

Commerce – Carnegie Location 

6 – 9 pm 


Breakfast Briefing - Economic Forecast 

Radisson Hotel - Pittsburgh 

7 - 9:30 am 

To Reach Us 

850 Beaver Grade Rd., Moon Twp., PA 15108 

Phone: (412) 264-6270 

Fax: (412) 264-1575 

Satellite Office: 

One Veteran’s Way, Carnegie PA 15106 

Phone: (412) 276-1414 x1326 

www.paacc.com E-Mail: info@paacc.com 

Serving These Areas 

Aliquippa, Ambridge, Carnegie, Clinton, Collier, 

Coraopolis, Crafton, Crescent, Edgeworth, 

Findlay, Glenfield, Greentree, Haysville, 

Heidelberg, Hopewell, Ingram, Kennedy, 

Leetsdale, McDonald, McKees Rocks, Moon 

Township, Neville Island, North Fayette, 

Oakdale, Osborne, Pennsbury Village, 

Robinson, Rosslyn Farms, Sewickley, Stowe, 

and Thornburg 

Chamber Officers 

SEAN HENDERSON, Chairman 

GLENN LYTLE, 1st Vice-Chair 

BERNADETTE PUZZUOLE, 2nd Vice-Chair 

JOHN DALEY, Vice-Chair 

RONALD PASIC, Treasurer 

DR. NEAL FANELLI, Immed. Past Chairman 

Chamber Staff 

Sally y Haas-President 

Michelle Kreutz 

eutzer 

er-VP, Business Dev. & Mktg. 

Tamm 

ammy y Lynn- 

ynn-Bookkeeping 

Casey y Mahavenen-Special 

Events Rep. 

Connie Ruhluhl-Special 

Projects Coordinator 

Amber Beezelel-Communications 

Coord. 

Andrea DeLorenz 

enzoo-Membership 

Services 

Jill Kipper-Special Projects Assistant 


librar 

ary news 

BOOK BABIES 

Birth-24 months with parent or caregiver. Delight and 

stimulate your baby’s senses with books and music. 

Build brain power! Mondays, 10:30 -11 a.m. through 


PRE- K-KAPERS 

Ages 4-6. Preschoolers: join us as we build pre-reading 

skills and enjoy stories, crafts and fun! Tuesdays, 1:30- 

2:30 p.m. through October 19 

BODIES IN MOTION 

Ages 2 and up: join us as we wiggle, giggle, move and 

groove! We’ll have stories, music, dancing….even 

parachuting! Thursdays, 1:30- 2:30 p.m. through 


TODDLER TALES 

Ages 2 and 3 with parent/caregiver. Interact with your 

toddler to nurture a love of books. Learn letters, 

sounds, and new words. Be active with music and 

movement. Mondays, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. through 


CREEPY CRAFTERS 

Creepy, crawly, lots of fun...it’s crafting time for 

everyone!(All ages, little ones with a parent.) Wednesday, 

October 20, 6:45 p.m. 

HALLOWEEN 

SPOOKTACULAR! 

Join us for ghastly goodies, spine-tingling tales, and 

spooky fun! Costumes welcome! All ages! (Little ones 

with a parent), Saturday, October 16, 1 p.m. 

POP CULTURE 

What’s the most popular pet in America What color are 

Spongebob’s square pants Come whiz through our 

quiz and see who will be the reigning queen or king of 

pop culture! Ages 8 and up, Wednesday, October 13, 

6:45-7:30 p.m. 

GOING BATTY! 

We’re batty with excitement to bring you a day filled with 

freaky, creepy flying friends! Preschool/Kindergarten, 

Friday, October 22, 10:30- 11:30 a.m. OR 1-2 p.m. 

TEENS 

Follow the WACL Teen Department (Grades 6 – 

12) on Facebook (WACL Teens) for updates on the 

latest books and programs OR www.freewebs.com/ 

waclteenscene. 

ORIGAMI 

Thursday, November 11, 6-7:30 p.m. 

Practice the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, 

origami. Make a variety of shapes, including paper 

cranes, lilies, boxes and other forms. 

CHRISTMAS CARDS 

& DIY GIFTS 

Thursday, December 2, 6-7:30 p.m. First, design a unique 

Christmas card for residents of a local nursing home. 

Then, create one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, 

including photo magnets, an homemade message board 

and others. 

BOYS ONLY 

TABLE FOOTBALL 

Thursday, October 21, 6-7:30 p.m. Participate in some 

lively table football using quarters. Think of a team name 

and compete against others players following a bracket. 

DESIGN YOUR 

OWN COMIC BOOK 

Thursday, November, 6-7:30 p.m. 

Write and illustrate a comic book with exciting superheroes 

and action-packed adventure 

GIRLS ONLY 

RE-FASHIONED T-SHIRTS 

Thursday, October 14, 6-7:30 p.m. Need a use for a 

favorite T-shirt that’s too small or old Bring it and 

transform it into an iPod or cell phone holder. 

CUPCAKE QUEEN 

COMPETITION 

Thursday, November, 6-7:30 p.m. Try a hand at cake 

decorating on cupcakes. The participant with the best 

cupcake design will be crowned the Cupcake Queen. 

Don’t forget to check out the monthly contests in the Teen 

Department! 

MAKE A SOCK MONKEY 

FOR LOCAL HOMELESS 

CHILDREN 

In partnership with A.C.L.A. & THE SOCK CAMPAIGN “PUT 

YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD” - The entire family is 

welcome to participate in this great community service 

project. Stop by between 11:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. to make a 

sock monkey. Please provide one pair of socks per 

person. For more information, contact Ms. Carrie at 

(724) 695-8150 

MOVIE NIGHTS 

& FOOD DRIVE 

Food Drive hosted by the W.A.C.L. Teen Advisory Board 

(TAB) to benefit the West Allegheny Ministerial Association 

Food Pantry. TAB will be collecting canned goods and nonperishable 

food items as admission, if possible. Thanks for 

your support. October: Scary Movie, Saturday, October 

16, 7-9 p.m; November: Saturday, November 13, 7-9 p.m.; 

December: Holiday Movie Saturday, December 11, 7-9 

p.m. * Call the library for titles. 

Wii WEDNESDAYS 

October 27, 3:30-5 p.m. 

November 17, 3:30-5 p.m. 

December 8, 3:30-5 p.m. 

Bring Wii games, rated T or less. 

WISE WALK 

W.A.C.L. & North Fayette Recreation invite you to 

once again join us for a Wise Walk. Visit us every 

Friday 10-11 a.m., report your steps, receive a 

healthy snack, and discover great resources. 

W.A.F.E.L.’s 

FALL BOOK SALE 

During Regular Library Hours – November 16 – 

20. Titles available for both children and adults. 

In addition to bestselling titles are audio tapes, 

CDs, videos, DVDs, puzzles, and games. 

F U N D R A I S E R 

Macy’s Shop for a Cause Tickets on sale at the 

library for $5. Tickets to be used @ Macy’s on 

OCTOBER 16. Call the library for details. 

LIBRARY IS 

CLOSED:OCTOBER 11TH – 

In Service Day 

Carrie Nurnberger, 

above, has joined 

the library as the 

new young adult 

librarian. Stop in and 

say hi to Carrie 

when you’re at the 

library! 

PHOTO BY JJ 

M-Th 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

8042 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale PA 15071 (724) 695-8150 

www.westernalleghenylibrary.org 

Please register on the library’s Web site or at the library’s Circulation Desk, or by calling for all programs 


Community Cards 

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, ORGANIZATION, 

PRODUCT, OR SERVICE HERE! Just $115 for a 

black and white business card, or $125 for a business 

card in color. 

No contract required. For more information, call (724) 

695-3968. 

Community Marketplace 


Gift a gift that costs 

nothing but means 

the world to 

someone. 

Sign up to be an 

organ donor. 

Center for 

Organ Recovery & Education 

800-DONORS-7 ~ www.core.org 

COMMUNITY CENTER 

ASSISTANT 

(Must be 55 or older, unemployed at least 6 

months, and meet income eligibility) 

Assist in nurturing an atmosphere of 

friendliness, service toward the neighbor, 

welcome and respect; creating and 

maintaining a dignified, attractive atmosphere 

for all persons who enter the Center. 

Assist with food pantry stocking, seasonally 

decorate the center, etc., answer phone. 

Contact: Focus on Renewal: 

(412) 771-6460, ext. 230 

Sell An Item, Post a 

Job Opening, 

Offer a Rental, 

Provide a Service ... 

Do it Right Here for 

JUST 

$50! 

REACH 

14,000 in each 

of 3 editions -- 

42,000 total, 

for just 

$50 EACH! 


Neighborhood Coupons 

10/31/10 

JANOSKI’S PUMPKINLAND! 

October 9 & 10, 16 &17, 23 & 24, 30 

10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Costume party Saturday, October 30 

Corn Maze ~ Haunted Barn 

Tractor ride to the pumpkin patch 

Petting Zoo ~ Bike Path 

Straw Jump ~ Face Painting 

Refreshments Available 

and much more! 

WEST ALLEGHENY EDITION 

An effective yet affordable way to reach 14,000 homes and businesses plus copies distributed around the 

neighborhood each issue. Just $125 for these spaces costs LESS THAN ONE PENNY EACH! It’s the most affordable 

way to reach out with your product or service! The coupon page is available in all three editions -- 

West Allegheny, Moon, and Montour. To inquire, call (724) 695-3968, or send an e-mail to: 

alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net. 

Be Part of Our Annual “Shop the 

Neighborhood Gift Guide” in Nov. & Dec. 

Colorful, information-filled, center section of all three issues serving West 

Allegheny, Moon & Montour with INCREDIBLE RATES! Deadline is October 30 

for November issues, November 20 for December issue. 

E-Mail: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net 724.695.3968 

Offer expires 10/31/10 


Community Connections 

MUNICIPALITIES 

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP 

1271Route 30 

Clinton, PA 15026 

(724) 695-0500 

www.findlay.pa.us 

NORTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP 

400 North Branch Road 

Oakdale, PA 15071 

(412) 788-4888 

www.north-fayette.com 

OAKDALE BOROUGH 

6115 Noblestown Road 


(724) 693-9740 

www.oakdaleborough.com 

McDONALD BOROUGH 

151 School Street 

McDonald, PA 15057 

(724) 926-8711 

www.mcdonaldboro.com 

EMERGENCIES: 

Dial 911 

COMMUNITY GROUPS 

PUBLIC & PRIVATE 

SCHOOLS K-12 

West Allegheny 

School District 

600 Donaldson Road 


(724) 695-3422 

www.westasd.org 

Parkway West Career & 

Technology Center 

7101 Steubenville Pike 


(412) 923-1772 

www.parkwaywest.org 

This list includes only those public and private 

schools located within the municipalities served 

by the West Allegheny Edition of Allegheny West 

Magazine 

Al-A-Non, West A area, (724) 926-3396 

American Legion Post 171 Oakdale, (724) 693-8759 

American Legion Post 335 Imperial, (724) 695-0491 

Boy Scouts-Grtr. Pgh. Council-Frontier, (412) 325-7971 or 7995 

Findlay Athletic Assn., (724) 255-3139 

Girl Scouts WPA, (724) 774-3553 

Heritage Public Library-McDonald, (724) 926-8400 

Kiwanis Club #1571, (724) 899-3695 

Lions Club Imperial, (724) 513-7616 

Masonic Lodge #669, (724) 693-8274 

McDonald Area Redevelopment Assn., (724) 926-4617 

Meals on Wheels-Oakdale, (724) 693-8540 

Meals on Wheels-W.A., (724) 695-0634 

Montour Run Watershed Assn., (888)205-5778 

Montour Trail Council, (412) 257-3011 

Montour Valley Grange, (724) 695-0481 

Mothers of Preschoolers-Crossroads, (412) 494-9999 

Mothers of Preschoolers-Hebron, (724) 899-2276 

Mothers of Preschoolers-Valley, (724) 695-0300 

North Fayette Athletic Assn., (412) 580-0655 

North Fayette Garden Club, (724) 693-8413 

Oakdale Youth League, (724) 693-8951 

Rotary - Parkway West, (412) 287-9273 

CHURCHES 

Allegheny West Christian Church 

7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071 

(412) 788-4988 

Church of Jesus Christ 

57 Moore Road, Imperial, PA 15126 

(724) 899-3935 

Church of The Living Christ 

220 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126 

(724) 695-7188, www.cotlc.com 

Church of the Nazarene 

507 Route 30, Imperial, PA 15126 

(724) 695-7669, www.nazarene.org 

Clinton UP Church 

25 Wilson Road, Clinton, PA 15026 

(724) 695-7993 

Clinton Wesleyan Church 

1022 Clinton Road, Clinton, PA 15026 

(724) 695-7076 

Covenant Family Church 

P. O. Box 15533, Pittsburgh, PA 15244 

(724) 263-7147, www.cfc-church.com 

(meets at Springhill Suites) 

Crossroads Methodist Church 

1000 Crossroads Drive, Oakdale, PA 15071 

(412) 494-9999, www.crossroadsumc.org 

Hebron Presbyterian Church 

1767 Route 30, Clinton, PA 15026 

(725) 899-2276 

Montours Presbyterian Church 

3151 Montour Church Road, Oakdale, PA 15071 

(412) 787-1050 

Noblestown United Methodist Church 

7313 Noblestown Road, Oakdale, PA 15071 

(724) 693-2755 

Noblestown United Presbyterian Church 


(724) 693-8250 

Oakdale United Presbyterian Church 

62 Hastings Avenue, Oakdale, PA 15071 

(724) 693-8950 

Resurrection Lutheran Church 

7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071 

(412) 788-4513 

St. Columbkille Church 

103 Church Road, Imperial, PA 15126 

(724) 695-7325, www.saintcolumbkilleparish.org 

St. Patrick’s Church 


(724) 693-9260, www.saint-patrick-parish.com 

The Bible Chapel 

@ PIttsburgh Technical Institute 

(724) 941-8990, www.biblechapel.org/robinson 

Valley Presbyterian Church 

237 Main Street, Imperial, PA 15126 

(724) 695-0300, www.valleychurchweb.com 

West Ridge Christian Church 

100 Gorwood Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108 

(724) 695-7500, www.wrccc.org 

Senior Citizen Groups: 

- Findlay Township, (724) 695-0500 

- North Fayette Township, (724) 695-9118 

- Oakdale Community Center, (724) 693-8540 

- St. Columbkille, (724) 695-7325 

SNPJ Lodge 106, (724) 695-1411 

Sturgeon Athletic Club, (724) 926-2150 

The ROCK Community Center, (724) 693-2777 

VFW Ladies Auxiliary, (412) 788-4674 

VFW Post #7070 Oakdale, (412) 427-9195 

VFW Post #7714 Imperial, (724) 695-8866 

West Allegheny Food Pantry & Thrift Shop, (724) 695-1305 

West Allegheny Foundation, inquiries@wafounation.org 

West Allegheny Friends to Enhance the Library (WAFEL), (724) 695-8150 

West Allegheny Ministerium, (724) 693-8950 

West Allegheny Booster & PTA Groups, visit www.westasd.org 

Western Allegheny Community Library, (724) 695-8150 

West Allegheny Aqua Club, (412) 608-4583 

West Allegheny Arts Advocacy, (724) 695-3374 

West Allegheny Inline Hockey, (412) 334-2640 

West Allegheny Youth Assn., (724) 695-2449 

West Allegheny Youth Soccer Assn., (724) 695-1984 

West Allegheny Youth Wrestling, (724) 695-3787 


PERSONAL 

Perspective 

“True greatness knows gentleness.” 

Unknown 

By 

Erma Dodd 

North Fayette Township resident 

Kyle did a bad thing. He had to face 

the magistrate. 

The magistrate sentenced Kyle to 

community service. He had to spend 

time with helping the emergency medical 

service staff. He learned First Aid, CPR, 

etc. 

Time passed. One day Kyle was 

hanging out at his friend’s house. Anger 

took over Kyle’s friend. He put his fist 

through a plate glass window. Blood was 

everywhere. Jorden’s arm had been cut 

open. An artery was severed and the 

second artery was hit, too. “It looked like 

a murder scene,” one said. 

Jorden’s uncle applied pressure to the 

wound. Kyle made a towel into a 

tourniquet. Paramedics and ambulance 

arrived. They made the statement, if Kyle 

had not done what he did, Jorden would 

have bled to death before they arrived. 

A five-hour surgery saved his friend’s 

arm. But Kyle saved his friend’s life. 

Kyle did a good thing, a very good 

thing. 

P.S. We thank you, Kyle. 

Riley, age 7, went to gramma’s house to 

help her get ready for Thanksgiving 

dinner. As they were properly setting the 

table, she asked, “Can I say the prayer 

tomorrow gramma” 

What a pleasant surprise. 

Grandmother, Kay Wilson, answered, 

“Of course you can.” 

Riley told Kay, “I’m going to write 

it, so I can remember it.” 

This second grader at Holy Cross 

School, Dover, Delaware, was ready 

when her family joined hands. She 

began her prayer. 

“Let us praise the Lord, 

For the Indians and the Pilgrims. 

We thank you God, 

for the Indians teaching how to 

grow the corn. 

And for the Pilgrims that went all 

this way, 

Just to find America and this place 

we all love. 

Thank you for this wonderful day. 

Amen.” 

(NOTE: Kay and Bob Wilson made 

their home in Hankey Farms for 20 

years. Their oldest daughter, Tracey, 

was diagnosed with leukemia in 

1974 at age 9, and lived ten 

months. In her honor, the Wilsons 

hosted 14 leukemia benefits until 

they moved back home to Dover in 

1988. Granddaughter Kiley is the 

daughter of David and Robin 

Wilson McQuaid.) 

Nic Mink and Natalie Vattimo 

were planning their wedding and 

future. 

At the same time, plans and 

difficult decisions had to be made 

about the Tonidale Restaurant’s 

future. Competition of 60+ area restaurants 

led to the January decision to tear 

down. 

Then in March the decision became 

“bring it back as a banquet facility, and a 

pub.” 

That decision came just in time to say 

“Yes” to Nic and Natalie’s wedding 

reception. 

How amazing is that Nic is the first 

great-grandson of Tonidale’s founders, 

Tony and Lurline Saveikis. Nic is fourth 

generation Tonidale. He and his bride 

were the first to be announced as the new 

Mr. and Mrs., the first to dance the 

wedding dance, the first to laugh and 

celebrate with friends and family in the 

all new Tonidale Cornerstone Banquet 

room on October 2, 2010. 

Second cousin, Judge Anthony Saveikis, 

married Nic and Natalie on Janoski’s 

Farm. Second cousins, Kris, Erica, and 

Kirk Kruze worked along with Great 

Aunt Toni and Uncle Harry to be sure the 

renovation was complete and this 

wedding celebration was a dream come 

true for Mr. and Mrs. Mink. 

It was ... a new beginning and a new 

beginning. 

Erma Dodd has launched a Web site, 

www.ermajournals.com. Soon readers will be able 

to find Erma’s articles on the site. Log on to 

ermajournals.com. 


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October 2010 - Allegheny West Magazine

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