December 2010 - Allegheny West Magazine

Proud to ServeOur Neighborhoodsfor the Past12 YearsRIGHT: Gabrielle Prevade of Oakdale performs the leadrole of “Clara” in the Carnegie Performing Art Center’sproduction of “The Nutcracker” at the Andrew CarnegieLibrary & Music Hall this month. She is a sixth gradestudent at West Allegheny Middle School. Gabrielle hasstudied at CPAC since she was four years old. She is thedaughter of Cassandra (Sandy) and Alex Prevade.“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 ofthe 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 EditionVOL. 12, NO. 69, ISSUE 3DECEMBER 2010FEATURES36 Joey’s Lights37 The 3/50 ProjectPreserves Local Businesses52 Light Up Magic60 By Bike or Boots They TraveledSPECIAL SECTIONS13 West Allegheny School District“WA Today” Newsletter38 Annual “Shop theNeighborhood Gift Guide”ABOUT THE COVERThe West Allegheny community and its residents immersethemselves in the sights and sounds of the holidayseason. Backdrop and top right: Christmas Light-Up inClinton coordinated by Lloyd and Patty Faux; GabriellePrevade of Oakdale; Joey Falcioni of North Fayette.LIGHT UP PHOTOS BY DAVE KNOERMORE INFOCOLUMNS06 Publisher’s Note08 On the Horizon09 ACTA Transportation25 Around Your Town27 Library News49 Your House & Senate50 Your Schools53 Business Briefs54 Groundwork56 Sidelines58 Fire Watch62 Municipal Roundup65 Chamber Link69 CommunityConnections70 Personal PerspectiveMerry Christmas from All of Us atAllegheny West Magazine!Allegheny West Magazine-West Allegheny Edition is published in February, April, June, August, October, and December, six issues a year, by JennetteCommunications 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, andbusinesses. Available by mail subscription for $12 annually. Story ideas welcomed. Community events and announcements from non-profit groups must bereceived 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 JennetteCommunications Group. Copyright 1999 Allegheny West Magazine. All rights reserved. Views and opinions expressed by contributors and/or advertisers arethe responsibility of the contributors and not those of the publisher of Allegheny West Magazine.The parish of St. Columbkille was established by Most Holy Rev. RichardPhelan, Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The mission of Holy Trinity inMoon Run was attached to the parish until 1944. The first parish purchaseof land was two acres to be used for a parish cemetery. It cost $350. In1912, for $300, one-fifth of an acre was purchased from the coalcompany for the parish house. (from Celebrating Our Past, Present and Future, St.Columbkille Church)TO REACH US15 Walnut Street, Suite 101, Imperial, PA 15126Phone: 724.695.3968 Fax: 724.695.2089E-Mail: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.netwww.alleghenywestmagazine.comPUBLISHING TEAMPUBLISHER AND EDITORPat Jennette, APRPHOTOGRAPHERSG. Paul DeBor,Dave Knoer, Christopher RolinsonWRITERSKiley Brady, Kaitlin Busch,Dick Glovier, Jessica Harman,Heather Schiefer MurrayADVERTISING SALESMichele ShraderWEBMASTERwww.ddswebdesign.comFALL/WINTER INTERNSJocelyn Grecko, Shane ZyskCONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUEPittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of CommerceFindlay Township, North Fayette TownshipOakdale Borough, McDonald Borough, West Allegheny SchoolDistrict, North Fayette Garden Club, North Fayette VFD,Western Allegheny Community LibraryErma Dodd, Catherine RobertsOUR OTHER PUBLICATIONSJennette Communications Group also publishes theMontour Edition of Allegheny West Magazine, andthe Moon Edition of Allegheny West Magazine.MEMBER:2007 WinnerBBB TorchAward forMarketplaceEthicsRegistered with Dun &BradstreetWE PROUDLOUDLY Y SPONSOR AND SUPPORT:The Western Allegheny Community Library Capital BuildingCampaign and the Annual Christmas Drive-Through Light-UpDisplay in Clinton ParkAllegheny West Magazine partners with KnepperPress in Clinton to print its magazines. KnepperPress purchases wind energy credits to offset 100%of its electricity usage, energy which is used to printour magazines. We are also committed to recyclingour used and leftover products by sending them toShared 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 thismagazine when finished enjoying it. Consider passing it along tosomeone else, or placing it in your neighborhood recycling bins. Thankyou in advance for doing your part for our earth.December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 3

OURAdvertisersAs with every issue, your community businesses are the reason for the publication of Allegheny West Magazine. Please support thesebusinesses. Their support allows us to mail this magazine, free, into the households of Findlay, North Fayette, Oakdale, Sturgeon, andportions of McDonald as a community service.A Door to Memories, p. 10, (724) 630-1212, www.adoortomemories.comAllegheny West Eye Care, p. 11, (724) 695-3371, www.alleghenywesteyecare.comAll State Insurance-Jeff Myers, p. 43, 412.787.0710Aniko’s, p. 41, 412.788.4005, www.anikosspa.netArcher’s Edge, p. 47, 412.489.5670, www.thearchersedge.comAunt Penny’s Pet Sitting, p. 38, 724.515.7790, www.myauntpenny.comAvon, the Premiere Store, p. 39, 412.489.6440Bob’s Diner, p. 66, (412) 695-7400Business Legal, p. 10, (724) 693-0588, www.businesslegal.netCarol Leone, Inc., p. 6, (412) 262-1638, www.carolleones.comBocktown Beer & Grill, p. 43, 412.788.2333, www.bocktown.comCafe Chocholade, p. 41, 412.788.4041, www.cafechocholade.netCarn. Perf. Arts Ctr., p. 38, 412.279.8887,www.carnegieperformingartscenter.comCarousel Kennel, p. 42, 724.683.0794, www.carouselkennel.comCenter for Organ Recovery (CORE), p. 67, 888.DONORS.7, www.core.orgChartiers Custom Pet Cremation, p. 43, 412.220.7800, www.ccpc.wsClearview FCU, ins.bk.cov., 800.926.0003, www.clearviewfcu.orgClearview Stables, p. 66, (724) 693-9686, www.clearviewstablesinc.comClinton Wesleyan Church, p. 24, (724) 695-7076, www.clintonwesleyan.orgCornerstone at Tonidale, p. 35, 412.787.1125, www.cornerstoneattonidale.comCovenant Family Church, p. 67, (724) 263-7147, www.covfamchurch.orgDanielle Thomas Massage, p. 38 (412) 519-4566, www.ddtmassage.comDavey Tree, p. 67, (724) 746-8852, www.davey.comDDS Web Design, p. 48, (412) 965-0688, www.ddswebdesign.comDiSanti, Dr. Judy, D.M.D., p. 67, (412) 264-6229, www.coraopolisdentist.comEagle Medical Supplies, p. 67, 724.218.1051, www.pittmedicalsupply.comEdible Arrangements, p. 45, 412.489.6234, www.ediblearrangements.comEmily Davis Photography, p. 44, 724.561.8431, www.emilydavisportraits.comEmmert Dental, p. 46, 712.787.5050, www.emmertdental.comEnergy Guided Healing, p. 33, 412.980.0900, www.energyguidedhealing.comEnlow Station, p. 11, 724.695.8181Eyetique, p. 7, 1.800.422.5320, www.eyetique.comFamily Chiropractic Ctr., p. 9, (412) 787-3320, www.familychiropracticcenters.bizFindlay Township, ins.bk.cov., (724) 695-0500, www.findlay.pa.usFirst Steps Pediatrics, p. 54, (412) 788-1999, www.fspkids.comFitness for Life, p. 25, (724) 695-2239, www.mkfitness4life.comFloral Magic, p. 40, 412.787.0380, www.floralmagic.netFrametech Construction, p. 33, 724.849.1512Freedom Fellowship of Pgh., p. 26, (412)787-2393, www.ffop.orgGabriel Pain & Spine Ctr., p. 11, (412) 490-0400, www.gabrielpainandspine.comGoosecreek Gardens, p. 45, 412.841.0478, www.goosecreekgardens.comGrtr. Pgh. Jt. & Muscle Ctr., p. 44, 412.444.4455, www.gpjmc.comHeritage Valley Health System, bk. cover, 877.771.4847, www.heritagevalley.orgHeritage Valley Healthcare, p. 11, (724) 695-2411, www.heritagevalley.orgHozak’s, p. 39, 724.899.2400, www.hozakfarms.comImperial Chiropractic, p. 39, 724.695.0788Imperial Tax & Accounting, p. 23, (724) 695-7354Janoski’s Farm & Greenhouse, p. 44. 49, (724) 899-3438, www.janoskis.comJTM Tax Services, p. 66, 412.480.2446Kavic Winery, p. 46, 412.279.9463, www.kavicwinery.netKovach Body Shop, p. 66, (724) 926-8706LaStone Therapy by Michelle, p. 66, (412) 809-9809Lazarowicz & Associates, p. 30, (412) 299-7390Liechti, Fred E., JD, CPA, p. 66, (412) 787-5280Luther Dentistry, p. 30, (412) 788-6300, www.pittsburghlaserdentist.comMall at Robinson, p. 42, 412.788.0816, www.shoprobinsonmall.comManpasand Restaurant, p. 29, (412) 787-0713, www.manpasands.comMedical Group Robinson, p. 5, (412) 490-2500, www.medicalgrouprobinson.comMeyers, Tom Plumbing, p. 12, (724) 693-2880Montour Dental, Dr. Picciano, p. 23, (412) 787-3366, www.montourdental.comMontours Presbyterian Church, p. 26, (412) 787-1050Moody Funeral Home, p. 25, (724) 695-0411Movement Studio, p. 47, 412.401.9052, www.movementstudiopittsburgh.comMTO Clean, p. 40, (412) 809-9300, http://allegheny.mtoclean.comMy Laundromat, p. 39, (724) 227-0513Naughton’s Tree Service, p. 66, (412) 331-5952, www.naughtonstreeservice.comNorth Fayette VFD, p. 39, 412.787.2883, www.northfayettevfd.orgNorth Fayette Twp. (Recycling), p. 55, 412.788.4888, www.north-fayette.comOakdale Foot & Ankle Center, p. 29, (412) 787-8380, www.oakdalepodiatrist.comOakdale U.P. Church, p. 24, (724) 693-8950PA Fitness West, p. 6, (412) 787-1518, www.pafitnesswest.comPkwy. West Career & Tech. Ctr., p. 50, (412) 923-1772, www.parkwaywest.orgPaws Here Awhile Pet Resort, p. 45, 724.573.4665, www.PawsHereAwhile.comPgh. Comfort Tech, p. 49, (412) 788-8654, www.pittsburghcomforttech.comPgh. Airport Area Chbr. of Commerce, p. 64, (412) 264-6270, www.paacc.comPgh. Technical Institute, ins.fr.cov., 1.800.784.9675, www.pti.eduPlay Academy, p. 28, (412) 299-0616, www.play-academy.orgPolidor Family Dentistry, p. 29, (724) 695-8447Pustover Financial Services, p. 8, (724) 695-8885Robinson Chiropractic, p. 38, (412) 706.7129, www.myrobinsonchiropractic.comRobinson Self Storage, p. 23, (412) 809-0900, www.robinsonstorage.comRohm Dental Offices, p. 66, (724) 695-2100, www.drjohnrohm.comSantiago Distributing, p. 47, 724.695.7289Self Storage of North Fayette, p. 51, (724) 695-8875Selma’s BBQ, p. 43, 412.329.7003, www.selmasbbq.comSleep Wellness Center, p. 44, (412) 264-4611, www.sleepwellnesscenter.orgSmokestack, The, 412.758.5973, www.TheSmokeStackPgh.comSt. Johnsbury Candles, p. 42, 724.695.7008, www.sjperfectscents.comStonePeppers Grill, p. 41, 412.788.0201, http://stonepeppers.comSuzanne Givi Piano, p. 67, 412.787.9879Thomas Studio of Dance, p. 25, (412) 787-7686, www.thomasdance.comThomas-Little Fun. Svcs., p. 28, (724) 926-2800, www.thomas-littlefuneralservice.comToday’s Hair, p. 28, (724) 695-0478Tipperary Farm, p. 31, 724.926.1700, www.tipperaryfarm.comTrello Chocolates, p. 41, 1.800.222.6372, www.trellochocolates.comUp in Arms Tattoo, p. 67, (724) 695-1313, www.upinarmstattoo.comValley Presbyterian Church, p. 24, (724) 695-0300, www.valleychurchweb.comVolant Mill Winery, p. 6, (724) 899-3438, www.volantmillwinery.comWest Allegheny Aqua Club, p. 8, 56, 412.608.4583, www.waswim.orgWharton-Herrick Funeral Home, p. 12, (724) 695-7332Willows, The, ins.fr.cov., 1.888.219.4105, www.integracare.comYa Fei Restaurant, p. 30, 412.788.9388, www.yafeirestaurant.com4 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

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PUBLISHER’SNoteBEING THANKFUL FOR THEGOODNESS IN OUR NEIGHBORSDespite a world full of depressing news, withthe economy down and unemployment up,putting together yet another issue of this magazinefor you, our neighbors and readers, reaffirmsfor me the sincere goodness in people. We’ve beensharing good news of your neighborhood for 12years, yet it never ceases to amaze me how muchpositive news there is to share.There is a buzz going on at the Hyatt - PittsburghInternational Airport, where Moon residentand executive hotel chef, Chris Koegel and histeam assembled one of the largest gingerbread houses ever as part of thehotel’s month-long effort to bring awareness to autism. The hotel hasteamed up with the Autism Center of Pittsburgh.Lloyd and Patty Faux, once again, with their small but mighty groupof volunteers, have transformed Clinton Park in Findlay Township into aone-mile drive through Christmas wonderland.We share news of student achievers and others in the communitydoing so many good deeds for their neighbors in need as this holidayseason approaches.I don’t know about you, but when I finish putting together all of thisgood news, I am comforted by knowing that we have a great communityfull 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 remindyou 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 itover time with good news and information for you.Pat Jennette, Publisher & Editorfeedback. . .I would like e to thank you for the greaeat t articticles les you do on theMontour area ea youth.The he spring articticle on the High SchoolMusical’s triple threat kids was great. It was so refreshing to haveemphasis placed on the arts ts in our area.ea. -- Dolores RobinsonYou ou have e a greaeat t magazine azine that t is verery y useful to both new w andexisting residents! Thank you -- Amy McCloskeyFantastic response to the articticlele. I put a lot of weight on yyourourmagazine and it lived up to its reputation!!!!!! -- Marge e Bauer,My LaundromatI’d like to commend you on the newest issue of Allegheny WestMagazine. It was informative, attractive and interesting. Keep upthe good work!! -- Linda Pastin, Crescent6 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

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on the horizonWest Hills Symphonic Band concertseason’s upcoming series at WestAllegheny High School: Sunday, December12, 3 p.m., Gala Holiday Concert featuringlocal choirs and festive favorites; Sunday,March 27, 3 p.m., Spring Concert with Musicof the Masters and Broadway Gems;Sunday, May 15, 3 p.m., Swing into Summerwith the Best of the Great AmericanSongbook. The WHSB will once againperform outreach concerts for many otherlocal events. Organizations interested inhosting an outreach concert, contactPrincipal Conductor/Music Director ClemRolin, (412) 788-4713.First Place 4 Health, a 12-week Christcenteredweight-loss and healthy livingprogram, begins at Crossroads Church inNorth Fayette again on Tuesdays, January11, 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. (childcare provided).Wednesdays, January 12, 5 to 6:15 p.m., orThursdays, January 13, 5:45 to 7 p.m. Initialsession fee is $110 for materials. Call(412) 494-9999.100th Anniversary of Scouting Boy ScoutTroop 248 Alumni CelebrationCalling all Alumni members of Boy ScoutTroop 248 to join in an alumni celebration atOakdale Community Center, Saturday,February 12, 2011, between 2 and 4 p.m.,(724) 693-0549 or visit the Web site,www.Oakdaletroop248.org.SNPJ Lodge 106, Imperial, every Saturdayduring the college football season, offershalf-price pizza, whole wings, and all youcan eat spaghetti dinners (dine-in only) for$8 from 2 to 6 p.m. The lodge will hold itsNew Year’s Eve Party in the clubroom. Call(724) 695-1411.New 4-H Club to Start in West AlleghenyA new 4-H group is organizing in the West Allegheny area. It has been some time since a 4-Hgroup has operated in this area of Allegheny County. Manely Horses is a new 4-H group devotedmostly to the study and enjoyment of horses. It is open to anyone ages 8-18 that loves horses andwants to learn more about them. Horse ownership is not required. The first organizational meetingwill be held at Hebron Church, Route 30 in Clinton on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 7 p.m. For moreinformation, contact Michelle Wilson, (724) 899-3403 or by e-mail: mwilson4@zoominternet.net.Enrollment is limited to the first 15 students.Winter Events at The ROCK in OakdaleThe ROCK, Youth & Family Center After School Program in Oakdale is open from 3 to 4 p.m. forHomework Hour and 4 to 7 p.m. for Open ROCK, Monday through Thursday. Come to FamilyNight Saturdays, 7 to 9 p.m. Season memberships are $15/child or $30/family. (724) 693-2777,www.rockoakdale.org.Send a bit of “home” to someone you know!We Do Gift Certificates!Send a Holiday Gift Subscription of Allegheny West Magazine for thatout-of-town relative,college student, or someone who has moved away. Subscriptions arejust $12 per year for six issues!CALL: (724) 695-3968 or e-mail: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net.8 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

COMING UP IN NORTH FAYETTE . . .Mommy and Me, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $2.Chess for Kids, Mondays, 4:45 p.m.Exercise classes at the Community Center include Line Dancing, Mondays,9:30 a.m.; Silver Sneakers, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,10:30 a.m.; Zumba, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.; Yoga, Tuesday andThursday, 11:15 a.m., Thursday, 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.; and IntervalCircuit, Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 pm.Silver Sneakers Splash at the Donaldson Elementary School pool, Tuesdays andThursdays, 4:30 p.m., and Water Walking, Monday through Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m.The gym is open every morning from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. for people to walk andstay out of the colder weather.Senior Citizen Luncheons will be held on Thursday, December 9 and January 27 atthe North Fayette Community Center starting at 11 a.m. Cost is $3 for NorthFayette Township residents and $4 for non-residents for the holiday lunches and$2 for residents and $3 for non-residents for all the regular lunches.Community Center Rentals are available also for the gym and community roomstarting at $50 for two hours.The P.A.L.S. program is running basketball clinics for children with special needson Friday nights from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Community Center gym. P.A.L.S. is alsohosting a Christmas party on Friday, December 10 from 6 to 7 p.m., also at thegym. These events are free.On December 11, children can participate in the children’s library ChristmasParty at 2 p.m.For more information on any of these programs, to register, or to get on theSenior Citizen mailing list, contact North Fayette Parks and Recreation at(412) 788-4888, ext. 118, (724) 693-3118, or e-mail rbrozovich@northfayette.com.Become a friend of North Fayette Parks and Recreation on Facebook.COMING UP IN FINDLAY . . .Findlay Township is offering a preventive health event. Life Line Screening, thenation’s leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will host itsaffordable, non-invasive, painless health screenings on Monday, January 31, 2011,9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Activity Center, 310 Main Street, Imperial. Five screenings will beoffered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries, abdominalaortic aneurysms, hardening of the arteries in the legs, atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat, and a bone density screening; for men and women. Call 1-888-653-6441, or visitwww.lifelinescreening.com, for more information or to pre-register.Those Snow BootsWere Made forWalkin’Keep up your walking fromthe 2010 Ready, Set, Walk!Challenge and jumpstart 2011with the See a Smaller ShadowWinter Walk Challengesponsored by the AirportCorridor TransportationAssociation (ACTA) and theOakland TransportationManagement Association(OTMA). Register at www.walkchallenge.organd start recordingsteps on January 1, 2011. Stepswill be recorded for four weeksand the top walker will beannounced on February 2, 2011– Groundhog Day. Participantswho log their steps will beeligible for weekly prizes with the top walker in theprogram receiving a grand prize valued at $300.Contact ACTA at (412) 809-3508 with questions.When it’s all said and done, we hope you are well onyour way to seeing a smaller shadow!Robinson Plaza Two, Rt. 60 & Park Manor Dr.Suite 420, Pittsburgh PA 15205(412) 809-3505, Fax: (412) 809-3509,www.acta-pgh.orghelping othersLet us know about a project orevent that helps others. We willpost it here. These are always freelistings. (724) 695-3968 or e-mail:alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.netDecember 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 9

on the horizonNews from the“Drop 10 in 10 Program” weight management program begins Wednesdays, January 5through March 9. Cost is $18 for Highmark members. Participants enrolling in the Drop 10 in10 program will be given a free ten-week facility membership to the Western Area YMCA.The YMCA will host a “Holiday Dek Hockey Classic” on January 2 for hockey enthusiasts16 years old and up. Play Dek Hockey outside on the Dek Hockey Rink. All registeredparticipants will receive a t-shirt, be placed on a team, and given a game time upon registration.Cost is $20 in advance/ $25 at the door; walk-ins welcomed. Games start at 10 a.m.and will be played every hour on the hour. All proceeds go to the Youth Sports Program. Formore information contact, Steve Fox at (412) 787-9622 or sfox@ymcapgh.orgBayer Corporation, Pittsburgh Cares, United Way of Allegheny County, and the WesternArea YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh joined together on a project to support and strengthenyouth development. As part of the collaboration, 20 Bayer employees volunteered at theYMCA through United Way’s “Day of Caring” to renovate the Dek Hockey Rink at theWestern Area YMCA.Opened in 1987, the Western Area YMCA Dek Hockey Arena has been a place forgenerations of children to play the game of hockey. This project will ensure the YouthJunior Penguins Dek Hockey program at the Western Area YMCA for many years andgenerations to come.Beginning in January, 2011, the Western Area YMCA is adding new group exerciseofferings. The new classes will include Zumba Gold, Tai Chi, 15 Minute Extreme AbsWorkout, Strength on the Ball, Beginner Pilates, Tennis Fit, and Family Self Defense. Also stillbeing offering will be prior favorites such as Kettlebell, Power Up, Boot Camp, and 20/20/20.For information about any of these programs, call the YMCA at (412) 787-9622.Come to Christmas at the ROCKOakdale United Presbyterian Churchpresents “Christmas at the ROCK” onSaturday, December 11. The WestAllegheny Show Choir performs at 5 p.m.,followed by a free soup and sandwichsupper at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., the OakdaleU.P. Church will present the Christmas Play,“Rose of Bethlehem.”The ROCK Family and Youth Center islocated in the former Good ShepherdChurch in downtown Oakdale. Call (724)693-2777 for information.also coming up around the areaWant a new challenge?? Climb up 37 floors of Pittsburgh’s Gulf Tower to promote lunghealth and fund lung disease research! The American Lung Association is hosting itsannual Fight for Air Climb on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Event details, registration, andsponsorship opportunities are available at www.lunginfo.org/pittclimb or contact Tiffanyat (724) 933-6180 ext. 227.Wings Over Pittsburgh has announced its dates for the 2011 Air Show. Next year’sshow will be held September 10 and 11, 2011. The show’s featured performers will beannounced after the International Council of Air Shows Convention in December.The Penn State Beaver Office of Continuing Education is offering a SustainableLandscape Technology Certificate, a six-course program that begins in January. Theprogram will also be available at Penn State Fayette and the Penn State Center-Pittsburgh.The first two courses will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., January 11 through March 31.A class in Horticultural Science will be held on Tuesdays and a course in HerbaceousPerennial and Annual Identification will be held on Thursdays. The four remaining courseswill be offered October through December 2011 and January through March 2012. Thecurriculum will emphasize sustainable techniques, including integrated pest managementand environmental weed management, with a focus on native plants. This certificateprogram is designed for beginning landscapers, established landscape contractors, andthose who work or wish to work in the green industry. For information, call (724) 773-3816.10 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

We Have Gift CertificatesDecember 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 11

Legislators’ Senior Expo a HitABOVE: Each year State Senator John Pippy and State Representative Mark Mustio host a Senior Expo in theirdistrict so that residents either nearing retirement age or older can visit dozens of local representatives. Theserepresentatives provide valuable information on such topics as healthcare, senior housing, taxes, safety, andmore. This year’s Senior Expo was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Moon Township. Top: Senator Pippy, left,and Representative Mustio, right, with a local resident; center, left to right: Gary and Mary Lou Buell; SenatorPippy greets a senior resident.Chamber Recognizes Publisher for AwardABOVE: Members of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadorspresented a certificate of recognition to Pat Jennette, front, center, for winning the nationalAward for Publication Excellence (APEX) this year. Pat is the owner and publisher of AlleghenyWest Magazine, and a long-time member of the chamber’s all-volunteer Ambassadors group.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 communityaffordably! CALL: 724.695.3968or e-mail: alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net.12 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

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NEW! 24-Hour Kiosk Machine, around-the-clock access to set up a lease, make payments, access a siteDecember 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 23

around your townBUSINESS BRIEFSClearview Partners Again withPitt Basketball for Juvenile DiabetesContinuing its support and involvement in the Southwestern Pennsylvaniacommunity, Clearview ® Federal Credit Union is proud to announce itscontinued sponsorship with the men’s basketball team at the University ofPittsburgh throughout their 2010 – 2011 season. Clearview is proud topartner with the Pitt Panthers once again to offer the special “Points forPediatrics” program. Through this program, Clearview will make a $40donation for each three-point basket made by a Pitt player during a PittPanthers men’s basketball game. All proceeds will benefit the Juvenile DiabetesResearch Foundation (JDRF).The Prima Learning Center LLC is Midland’s new state-licensed child carefacility for age 4 kindergarten classes, infant and toddler child care, preschooland after-school programs.Parents of small children who are considering enrollment are welcome to call(724) 643-8184.Prima houses the age 4 kindergarten school programs of Midland BoroughSchool District and Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, both of whichwere formerly housed at Neel Elementary.The House of Martial Arts Karate Academy in Oakdale once again heldits “Rock for Food” on December 5 at the Oakdale Community Center to raisemoney and food donations for the West Allegheny Food Pantry. Participantstook part in owner Gino Bovo’s original rock and roll workout routine, all thewhile raising donations for the local food pantry.Magazine & School District Partnerto Improve Coverage and CostsThe West Allegheny School District is piloting a change for its quarterlycommunity newsletter WA TODAY effective December 2010. Rather thanproducing and distributing its own 16-page January issue, the district hasentered into a partnership with Allegheny West Magazine for a ten-pageinsert of school news in both the magazine’s December 2010 and February2011 issues.Currently the district produces and distributes a 16-page newsletter fourtimes each year in October, January, April, and July. The district believes thatthe school/business partnership will be a cost effective solution forimproving the quality of the publication, increasing circulation, andstimulating reader interest.Businesses: Have You Moved?ed? Added ded aWeb b site? Won on an Awarard? Expanded?Let us know w here e at Alleghengheny WestMagazine: (724) 695-3968.December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 25

Church of the Living Christ - December 19, Children’sMusical, 10:30 a.m.; December 31, New Year’s Eve Celebration,9 a.m. to midnight, (724) 695-7188Church of the Nazarene - December 11, Christmas Dinner,5 to 7 p.m., Findlay Activity Center; December 12, showing of themovie, “The Nativity, 6 p.m. at the church; December 19,Christmas program, 10:30 a.m.; December 22, CandlelightService, 7 p.m.; December 31, New Year’s Eve CandlelightServices, 10 p.m. to midnight, (724) 947-9223Clinton United Presbyterian Church - Christmas Eve,December 24, Cantata “Behold Emmanuel,” 7 p.m.; Sunday,December 26, Festival of Songs, 11 a.m., (724) 695-7993Clinton Wesleyan Church - December 12, children’s play,“A Shepherd’s Faith,” 6 p.m.; December 18, Christmas Concertfeaturing “Unto Him,” 7 p.m.; December 24, Christmas EveCandlelight Service, 7 p.m., (724) 695-7076Covenant Family Church - December 23 Christmas Service,7 p.m. at Springhill Suites, the Pointe at North Fayette, (724) 263-7147Crossroads Church - Oakdale Campus - 1000 CrossroadsDrive, Thursday, December 23 - 5:30 and 7 p.m., Friday, December24 - 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m., and 11 p.m., (412)494-9999Hebron Church - December 19, Children’s Program, 11 a.m.and Christmas Caroling, 5 p.m. for all; Christmas Eve, December24, 6:30 p.m. Candlelight Service, (724) 899-2276Montours Presbyterian Church - Sunday, December 19,Christmas Pageant, 11 a.m.; December 24, Christmas Eve,Candlelight Service with Communion, 7 p.m., (4121) 787-1050Noblestown United Methodist Church, FederalUnited Methodist Church, and First United MethodistChurch of McDonald - Christmas Eve Candlelight Servicewith [open] Holy Communion @ 7 p.m. @ First UMC of McDonaldOakdale United Presbyterian Church - Christmas Eve,December 24, 7:30 p.m. candlelight Service of Lessons and carolswith communion, (724) 693-8950Resurrection Lutheran Church - 7600 Steubenville Pike,Oakdale, PA 15071, December 24th at 9 p.m., Christmas EveCandlelight Service with Holy Communion, December 26th at 9a.m., Worship and Hymn Sing, (412) 788-4513St. Columbkille Church - Christmas Eve: December 24,4 p.m. (Children’s Mass), 6:30 p.m., 10 p.m.; Christmas Day:December 25, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., (724) 695-7325The Bible Chapel in Robinson - PTI Campus, 1111 McKeeRoad, Oakdale, Christmas Eve, December 24, 6:30 p.m.(724) 941-8990West Ridge Christian Community Church - ChristmasCelebration Service, December 19, 10 a.m.; Christmas EveCelebration & Candlelight Service, December 24, 6 p.m.; WestRidge will present the Christmas production, “Love Has Come” atboth the Sunday and Christmas Eve Service, as well as thetraditional candlelight portion of the service on Christmas Eve,(724) 695-7500Valley Church - Advent Adventure, December 8 and 15, 6-8p.m., family-oriented evening program of crafts, activities, and morewith free dinner, open to the public; December 12, Christmas Dramapresentation, “The Party,” 10:30 a.m.; December 24, Christmas EveCandlelight Service with Communion, 7 p.m.; No Services ChristmasDay; Sunday, December 26, Regular Service, 10:30 a.m.; ChristmasEve childcare available, (724) 695-030026 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

librarary newsBOOK COOKSCalling all young chefs! Join us at the library as wediscover how “scrumptious” learning can be! We’llshare stories and tasty treats from some of ourfavorite books! Come hungry…for food and fun!Children ages 3-5, Friday, December 17 at 11 a.m.,or children grades K-5, Wednesday, December 15,at 4:45 p.m.MOVIE MADNESSShe’s back! Join us for some movie madness afteryour hectic holiday! Popcorn’s on us! For kids ages3 and up, Tuesday, December 28, 11 a.m.TODDLER TALESFor children ages 2 and 3 with a parent orcaregiver. Interact with your toddler to nurture alove of books. Learn letters, sounds, and new words.Be active with music and movement. Mondays,11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m., through December 13BODIES IN MOTIONPreschoolers ages 2 and up are invited to join us aswe wiggle, giggle, move and groove! We’ll havestories, music, dancing….even parachuting! So puton your dancing shoes and head to the library forsome super silly fun! Thursdays, 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.,through December 16PRE-K KAPERSFor children ages 4-6. Your preschooler can join usas we build pre-reading skills and enjoy stories,crafts and fun! Tuesdays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. throughDecember 14HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT& FOOD DRIVEFood Drive hosted by the W.A.C.L. Teen AdvisoryBoard (TAB) to benefit the West AlleghenyMinisterial Association Food Pantry. TAB will becollecting canned goods and non-perishable fooditems as admission, if possible, Saturday, December11, 7-9 p.m.TEENS: Follow the WACL Teen Department(Grades 6-12) on Facebook (WACL Teens) forupdates on the latest books and programs ORwww.freewebs.com/waclteenscene.PARENTS DAY OUTDecember 11, starting at 12 p.m. For ages 4-12,Cost: $5. Need time to do any last minute shoppingfor the holidays? We’ll watch the kids while you getthings done. We will offer arts and crafts, music,games, movies, and fun.Celebrating 20 YearsHOLIDAY PARTYSaturturdaday, December 11 from om 2 - 4 p.m..m.Provided to the community by y the staffs fs of the North th FayetteTownship Pararks ks &Recrecreaeation tion and the librarary. Arts ts & craftsafts, musicusic, gamesames, and a special guest!Kids of all ages are welcome (little ones with a grown-up)Pre-Re-Registrgistration tion is REQUIREDUIRED. Fororms may y be picked ed up at t the librarary y circulaculationtiondesk. Mail or drop op off your completed fororm m with your checheck,k, made payable le to NorththFayetteette Township Pararks & Recrecreaeation.3rd ANNUALCookie Exchangeat t the librararyDecember 18, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.Sign up at the Circulation Deskor call (724) 695-8150for details!PICTURED: On November 9 WAFEL(Western Allegheny Friends to Enhancethe Library) sponsored a 20th birthdayparty at the Western Allegheny CommunityLibrary and invited the community.There were balloons, cake, cupcakes,coffee, bookmarks, and a free raffle forall guests. Dana Longstreth won the giftbasket. If interested in becoming a friendof the library, stop by the circulation deskat the library.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) 695-8150www.westernalleghenylibrary.orgPlease register on the library’s Web site or at the library’s Circulation Desk, or by calling for all programsDecember 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 27

around your townNorth Fayette ResidentLeads Blue Ribbon DistrictT.SALVIE PHOTOGRAPHYABOVE: Donna Belas, North Fayette Township resident andsuperintendent at Cornell School District.When North Fayette resident Donna Belas joined Cornell schools in the midseventies,she did not imagine her career path would lead to the 2010 NationalBlue Ribbon Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., 35 years later.After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Donna joined the CornellSchool District as an English teacher. She earned a master's degree from Pitt in1974 and went on to teach until 2000. Over the years, she taught English ingrades seven through 12, as well as journalism, creative writing, filmmaking,and related subjects. She sponsored many clubs and extracurricular activities.Donna earned special education, supervisor, and principal certifications fromDuquesne University, and from 2000 to 2005 she served as supervisor ofspecial education and alternative programs. She was building principal from2005 until fall 2008, when the school board named her acting superintendent.Pulling double duty, she also served as high school principal that year. In June2009, she earned a superintendent's letter of eligibility from WestminsterCollege and looked forward to assuming the head post in the district she knowsso well.Originally from Brentwood, Donna lived in Moon for 25 years before movingto North Fayette in 2005. She has a daughter, Jennifer, and granddaughter, AvaMarie."I'm one of the lucky people who has a rewarding career and looks forwardto getting up and coming to school/work every day," she said.28 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

A Holistic Approach tothe Cold and Flu SeasonDo you struggle with recurrent colds, allergies or upper respiratoryinfections? The question I have for you then is, ‘Have you investigatedwhat is lowering your immune system?’ A weakened immune systemcould be the result of irritations to the intestines, food or environmentalallergies, or toxicities from metals or chemicals.Your intestines are your fountain of youth, the healthier they are, thehealthier you will be. If they are under attack from eating foods you areallergic to; or from pathogens like fungus, virus, bacteria, or parasites;or from metal or chemical toxicity, chances are your immune system isgoing to suffer. This is where you may benefit profoundly from a formof testing called applied kinesiology and from nutritional regimes tostrengthen weaknesses found during the testing.The Chinese figured out thousands of years ago that energy flowsthrough distinct channels in the body and that there are reflex pointsalong those channels for all of the organs and systems of the body.Applied kinesiology is a method of contacting these reflexes andsimultaneously testing the strength of a muscle giving you resultsinstantly and painlessly where your body has weaknesses. It will also tellyou which nutritional supplements strengthen those weak responses.Using this same method you can easily discover what foods andenvironmental factors you are reacting negatively to or are challengedby. You can then undergo natural treatments to reverse allergies andboost your immune system.This information is provided by Jeffrey Niznik, owner of, EnergyGuide Healing. To contact Jeff, call (412) 980-0900 or visit the Website at www.energyguidedhealing.com.Learning Curves is provided as a service by advertisers of Allegheny West Magazine to shareeducational and/or informational knowledge with the readership. To inquire about LearningCurves, call (724) 695-3968.December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 29

PTI’s Professional Dress SaleReadies Young Adults for WorkStudents in the Meeting and Event Planning, Professional Selling, RetailManagement, Visual Merchandising, and Principles of Marketing Classes at PTIare getting a hands-on learning opportunity through the school’s ProfessionalDress Sale. The next sale will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2011, from11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m. in the school’s Gallery. In 2011,the next such event will be held in June.The New to You Professional Dress Sale gives business students theopportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in actionthrough hands-on learning.The school is accepting all gently worn, professional clothing for men orwomen (suits, pants, shirts, skirts, blouses, belts, ties, coats, accessories).Most needed are men’s size dress clothing, especially larger sizes.The students run the event from beginning to end. They have been operatingthis program for the past three years.Because young students starting out don’t always have the proper clothingto wear on their internship or job interviews, and because student budgets arestretched, this provides an opportunity for them to purchase business suitsand professional attire. This sale offers a wide variety of clothing appropriatefor interviewing and working at reasonable prices. Students can use the suitsand accessories they purchase as the foundation of their professionalwardrobe.All items are priced at $1 or less. All PTI students can shop the sale, butthose students close to graduation receive a $2 merchandise voucher, makingit possible for them to acquire a complete suit or outfit without payinganything.PTI also invites a local hair salon in to demonstrate professional hair andmakeup styles.Any proceeds generated by the sale are used for PTI community serviceprojects. Donations are welcome at any time and will be stored for the nextsale. Anyone wishing to donate gently used professional clothing can contactMichael Discello, Department Chair, School of Business, atdiscello.michael@pti.edu or call (412) 809-5100.COMING UP: Concept Car Competition, http://www.pti.edu/events/concept-car.html, Registration deadline: January 14, 2011, Competitiondate: April 30, 2011, 6 p.m.30 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

NEW IN TOWNStonePepper’s GrillStonePepper’s Grill has opened at Settler’s Ridge. This is the third location forStonePepper’s, owned by Jeff Joyce. The other locations are at 1614 WashingtonRoad in Upper St. Clair, and 300 Adams Shoppes in Mars.The Settlers Ridge store opened in September. StonePepper’s Grill is a fullservice, casual restaurant and bar offering take-out and a “Parties to Go” menu.Prior to starting the StonePepper restaurants, Jeff was the founder and ownerof the 1902 Tavern in Market Square. He opened that tavern in 1982 andoperated it until selling it in 2008. Jeff’s experience in the restaurant business isalso diverse, in that he was also the founder and operator of FireWaters NorthShore Saloon in 1998. Jeff closed FireWaters in 2009 to focus on hisStonePepper’s Grill concept.A lifelong resident of the area and residing in the South Hills, Jeff is lookingforward to serving the airport area residents with his special concept atStonePepper’s Grill. There is a great bar with many flat screen televisions towatch favorite sports teams. The restaurant also has the NFL Ticket and Big TenNetwork programming. Its casual, inviting atmosphere offers a separate diningroom, as well as a large patio during warm weather months.Purchase $100 in SPG gift cards and receive a free SPG $20 promotionalcard to use from January 1 through March 31, 2011.Currently, SPG offers Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.with half off prices on most beer, liquor, and wine by the glass in the bar area.Also, enjoy all of their appetizers at $5 during Happy Hour. SPG also offers aDaily Beer Special; check their Web site for specials and events. There is a realspecial on Tuesday Wing Night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., when wings are 35cents each. Also, StonePepper’s Grill has a late night menu available Sundaythrough Thursday, 10 to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 p.m. to close,presenting a great option for after a movie.StonePepper’s Grill is located at 1200 Settlers Ridge Center Drive, RobinsonTownship, PA 15205. Call (412) 788-0202 or visit their Web site atwww.stonepeppers.com for more information.The Archer’s EdgeFamily owned and operated, The Archer’s Edge is the premier destinationfor bowhunters and target archers in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Locatedin Oakdale, (one half mile from Robinson Town Center) the facility includesan archery retail store, pro-shop, and regulation indoor temperaturecontrolledrange featuring the TechnoHUNT gaming system, which is avirtual archery hunting simulator. The Archer’s Edge proudly carriesBowTech, Carbon Express, TenPoint, PSE, and Hoyt.Owners Steve and Jen MacBride, along with their almost two-year-oldson, Sawyer, and Steve’s father, Walt, launched The Archer’s Edge onSeptember 25 (National Hunting and Fishing Day). Since opening, theyhave introduced community events such as poker nights, organized huntingtrips, local shoots, and a sharp shooter lecture series. Also, the Archer’sEdge is home to a variety of archery leagues, and the “Heroes Discount,”which is a 10% discount for veterans, firefighters, and police officers. TheHeroes Discount can be used on any purchase except for bows,crossbows, pro-shop fees, instruction fees, and TechnoHUNT/range time.Proper identification is required.Steve and Jen reside in Bethel Park, with their son, Sawyer. Stevepreviously worked in financing and Jen was in pharmaceutical sales andnutrition when they decided to pursue their passion for archery, and opentheir own business.The Archer’s Edge is located on 7261 Steubenville Pike in Oakdale,(North Fayette) and is open Tuesday - Thursday from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.,and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, call(412) 489-5670, e-mail info@thearchersedge.com, or visitwww.thearchersedge.com.Tipperary FarmJo Lynn announces the opening of her new riding academy at Tipperary Farm,located at 1185 Stewart Road in McDonald.“I have had horses for over 20 years and I still have the first horse I ever bought in1989,” Jo explains. “I started breeding Irish Draught horses and Glen of Imaal terriersin 2007, and I welcomed my first Kerry Bog pony foal, Tipperary Mariah, just thisyear.”Jo now has five of this rare breed of small Irish pony who were used to bring thedried peat in from the bogs of county Kerry in southwest Ireland.Tipperary Farm is now offering English riding lessons for children on its three lessonponies, Mini Cooper, Maeve, and Wizard.Tipperary Farm will offer half-hour or one-hour private lessons under the instruction ofKristen Kolenda, a graduate of Lake Erie College’s equestrian program. When notteaching, Kristen enjoys show jumping her horse, Maverick, and teaching yoga.The indoor riding arena offers a rider guard to help protect the rider’s knees, as wellas a natural misting system to control dust. Parents can view their children in actionduring their lessons in a comfortable heated viewing lounge.Jo is offering lesson package specials for the holidays and will accept credit and debitcards.For more information, visit her Web site at www.tipperaryfarm.com. To reach thefarm, call (724) 926-1700 or send an e-mail, info@tipperaryfarm.com.Edible ArrangementsEdible Arrangements has opened a new store in Robinson Township, at 6506Steubenville Pike, in the plaza adjacent to Eat n’ Park. Owned by Amy Wilhelm andmanaged by Kyle Norrell and Ivette Hussain, the new store continues the tradition ofcelebrating events and holidays through its unique presentation of fresh fruit bouquets.Edible Arrangements offers a refreshing spin on the occasion-based gift industry:freshly cut and/or dippedfruit arrangements that areideal to make anyoccasion a special andmemorable one. Thestore offers both localdelivery and pickupoptions, and has 988stores worldwide.This is Amy’s secondlocation. Her first location,the Mt. Lebanon store,opened its doors a littlemore than five years ago.Through November 25,Edible Arrangements is offering an “early bird” special. Anyone placing a delivery orpickup order for the month of December gets a 10% discount when they use couponcode EBSP2010 at checkout.For more information, contact Edible Arrangements at (412) 489-6234, fax at (412)489-6094, or by e-mail at: pa1103@dofruit.com. Visit the Web site atwww.ediblearrangements.com.December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 31

NEW IN TOWNThe Cornerstone at TonidaleKeeping it in the family, North Fayette Township residents ToniVosseler and Kris and Erica Kruze have transformed the formerTonidale banquet hall in North Fayette into a brand new, state-of-the-art,multi-use banquet facility called the Cornerstone at Tonidale. Theupscale, elegantly understated decor includes a new entryway with agreeting hall, a private, separate preparation room for bridal parties, anda banquet facility that can be converted from one smaller room forsmall group venues to a larger room for events and weddings of up to300. The Cornerstone has engaged three independent cateringcompanies that will provide services, depending on each client’sneeds and budgets.Erica Kruze, who worked with her husband, Kris, and his mother,Toni, to design the new facility, said that keeping it in the family wasthe right thing to do. Originally, the restaurant and bar that was thebuilding’s daily fare closed due to the competition of 60+ restaurantsthat had emerged in the airport area over the past 20 years. Toni’sbrother, Richard Saveikis, had operated the establishment for manyyears before retiring and selling it to another owner. Richard’s parents,Anthony and Lurline Saveikis, originally opened the Tonidale back in1952.With a third generation of the family resurrecting the building into abeautiful banquet hall on one side and a separate pub on the other,residents, businesses, and guests will continue to enjoy the tradition ofthe Tonidale at the new Cornerstone facility.Erica explained that the new facility was named the Cornerstonebecause “Anthony, Sr. was the cornerstone of the Saveikis family, aswas this building which is situated on the corner of North Fayette andRobinson Township.”An added plus is that the Comfort Inn-Pittsburgh Airport is on thesame property, directly adjacent to the Cornerstone. Toni and her son,JTM Tax and AccountingJames T. Martin, Jr. of North Fayette announces the opening of hisbusiness, JTM TAX and ACCOUNTING SERVICES. He startedthe business in September and offers individual and business taxpreparation, individual and business tax planning and consulting,general accounting and bookkeeping, financial statement preparation,and QuickBooks consulting.Jim’s offices are currently located at 1525 Park Manor Boulevard,Suite 284, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, although he said he is currentlysearching for office space in North Fayette.Prior to starting the business, Jim worked for Alpern Rosenthal, alarge regional public accounting firm in Pittsburgh, for 20 plus years,in the tax department, dealing with all areas of tax for small andmedium businesses and individuals.As an incentive for new customers, he is offering a current specialof a no obligation, no cost tax and accounting consultation. He is alsooffering free E-filing of tax returns.Said Jim, “I have over 20 years of experience working withindividuals and business owners. I work to build quality relationshipswith my clients to understand their business, to learn about theircurrent accounting and tax functions. I will work directly with myclients to analyze their business and/or tax situation and discuss taxstrategies to minimize their tax liabilities.”Jim is married to Susan and they have lived in Walden Woods inNorth Fayette for the past 31 years. Their children are Dustin andBrendan, both graduates of West Allegheny High School and PennState University.For more information, call (412) 480-2446 or e-mailjtmtaxacctg@gmail.com. Visit the Web site at www.martintax.com.JIM ZACCONE PHOTOGRAPHYKris, with his wife, Erica, also own and operate the Comfort Inn.Said Erica, “We’re excited to be able to offer this space for meetings, weddings, events,showers, parties, funerals, and other celebrations.”The family even tested the waters with the new banquet space when they hosted Toni’sgrand-nephew, Nic Mink, and his new bride, Natalie, for the first wedding.“I was a nervous wreck the whole time, but it went beautifully,” Erica added.Barb Emma, who worked at the Tonidale for many years in the banquet area, hasstayed on board as the Cornerstone’s banquet manager. She will work with customers tohelp them coordinate the details to make sure their event is a success.The Cornerstone offers everything from a corporate breakfast package and companymeeting breaks to breakfast/brunch menu selections, buffet packages, and hors d’oerves.For more information, contact The Cornerstone at Tonidale, located at 7001 SteubenvillePike, Oakdale, PA 15071, at (412) 787-1125 or e-mail Barb atbarb@cornerstonettonidale.com. For more details, visit the Web site atwww.cornerstoneattonidale.com.Premiere, the Avon StoreTo shop from a catalog is one thing. To actually see the items in a catalog is a plus. That’sthe reason that Robinson Township resident Joyce Shaffer is proud to announce the opening ofPremiere, the Avon Store, at 1144 Silver Lane in Robinson, on the corner of Silver Lane andClever Road. This is a unique concept that Joyce has taken advantage of within the Avonindustry that showcases and sells award-winning Avon products in the store, as well as skincare, newly released items and current sale items in the store. The store carries toiletries andfragrances for men and women, makeup, women’s clothing, footwear, and jewelry, at pricesthat are 30 to 60 percent lower than department store items, Joyce explains.Joyce became an Independent Avon Representative last January. The store opened inOctober. She is a member of Avon’s President Club and serves as unit leader for 15 Avonrepresentatives.Prior to becoming involved in Avon, Joyce had 30 years of experience in sales. Shepreviously owned a telecommunications company and a computer consulting company.In addition to the items on display at the store, customers can select items on-site for customgift baskets, which Joyce assembles right at the store.“This makes for a great, stress-free gift for customers, friends, and family,” she said.Joyce also offers the Military “Comforts of Home” packages. Starting at just $10, they canbe shipped directly to a soldier serving in the military.Gifts can also be shipped to anywhere in the United States from the store. Customers canalso pick up their products at the store, or even have them personally delivered.Additionally, Premiere, the Avon Store offers a fun, boutique-style environment with afriendly atmosphere. It is available to rent for showers, small parties, “Girls Night Out”events, and small get-togethers. The facility holds 25-30 people and can be used Mondaythrough Friday, 6:30 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays. Call (412) 489-6440 or e-mailjoyce.a.shaffer@verizon.net.The store is located at 1144 Silver Lane, Robinson Township. Joyce accepts major creditcards, debit cards,and cash. All products have a 100% money back guarantee.32 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

Monark Transportation Honors Military Veteran EmployeesFor years, Monark Student Transportationhas honored its employeeveterans with a gift in recognition oftheir service to the country. This yearMonark’s vets were presented with ared polo-style shirt, embroidered withthe company logo,and the Americanflag with the word, “Veteran” on thesleeve. The company also recognizedits employees at its other locationsacross the region. Each location took agroup photo of their employeeveterans wearing their new “red shirts.”The photos will proudly be displayedin the upcoming company newsletter,“The Gentle Carrier News.”Monark Student Transportation ishonored to recognize ALL of theveterans who bravely served thiscountry. They want to take theopportunity to let the communityknow that they are honored tohighlight their veteran employees.ABOVE: Monark Student Transportation Corporation’s Employee Veteran’s in 2010 at its West Allegheny location; Pictured front Left to Right: DanLeonard, Chuck Adamski, Charles Firkaly, Wayne Ehle, Jim Stafford, Jim Malesky, and Scotty Stover; pictured rear Left to Right: Harry Amend, EdSmith, Francis Nations, Al Rosensteel, Joe Kasper, and Todd Coleman.December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 33

NEW IN TOWNSelma’s Texas BBQRyan Courter, and his partner, David L. Brown, are the owners of Selma’sTexas Barbecue, which opened recently on University Boulevard in MoonTownship, across from Sheetz. Named after Brown’s grandmother, Selma, therestaurant offers smoked meats, fried catfish, and freshly made side dishes thatwould commonly be found in barbecue joints all over the South. At Selma’s allthe meats are dry-rubbed and smoked, and they offer six different styles ofsauce so that you can customize your meal to your liking. Brown calls them“dressing sauces” and emphasizes that the flavor of the meat is most important,that the flavors in the sauce should enhance, not cover up the meat.“Barbecue is a very regional food, with different flavors and styles throughoutdifferent parts of the country,” Brown explains. “We offer sauces that are eacha different flavor profile.”The road to Selma’s has been a long one for the two partners, who eachdreamed of being restaurateurs after working in restaurants in high school andcollege. Brown started at the age of 13 at a restaurant in his hometown ofChampaign-Urbana, Illinois. After getting a degree in Hotel Administration, heworked at a number of private clubs and resorts in California, Illinois, andMichigan before settling in Western Pennsylvania in 2003.“I worked in Pittsburgh for two summers when I was in college in the ‘80sand when the opportunity to return here presented itself, I came back,” BrownMovement Studio PittsburghLongtime resident Walter B. Nesbit announces the opening of MovementStudio Pittsburgh, located at 271 Main Street, Imperial, in the building thatformerly housed a dance studio.Walter opens the facility this month. He offers fitness classes that includeKickboxing, TRX Suspension Training (the first one offered in WesternPennsylvania), Yoga, Basic Nutrition, NMR Testings, and more to come, heexplained.Previous to starting the business, Walter was a personal trainer/kickboxinginstructor/nutritionist/martial arts instructor at Body Systems, and a personaltrainer /kickboxing instructor/nutritionist at Body Matrx.Current specials for customers are half off of regular class prices for the monthof December.Walter has lived in the Oakdale area for 41 years.He said, “In today’s society, people are more aware and educated about theCafe ChocoladeA new bakery with a European flavor has emerged in the community,providing a much-needed place to pick up a pastry, a donut, or a cup ofroasted coffee.James and Aniko Kaufmann announce the expansion of their business withthe addition of Cafe Chocolade, which opened in November.Aniko’s Hungarian Skin Care and Spa opened in 2007 at 7061 SteubenvillePike, Oakdale, PA 15071 (in North Fayette Township) between the ParkwayWest Career and Technology Center and Pointeview Place. The bakery isfully handicap accessible.This year, the couple remodeled the building, moving the spa upstairs andconverting the original spa space on the lower level into the bakery nowknown as Cafe Chocolade.The combined services provide a full service day spa with facials, nail andpedicures, waxing, massage therapy, and full hair services, with a Europeanbakery serving Hungarian, French, German, Italian, and American products,as well as baked items of Austrian and other countries.Explained Jim, “We make all of our products from scratch. We as well roastour own coffee and have a number of handmade chocolates, fresh bakedexplains. “I had wanted to open my own place for years, and the time, place andconcept all seemed to come together now in Moon.”Courter met Brown through a mutual former coworker from Michigan whenCourter’s wife took a job in Western Pennsylvania. Courter recounts, “My friend,Eric, gave me Dave’s name and number and told me to look him up when I got toPittsburgh. I called him, he offered me a job, and we worked together for twoyears at Chartiers Country Club. When he was developing this concept I told himI wanted in.”The two worked for over 18 months planning and putting together the business.Brown visited barbecue joints all over the Midwest and south and even studiedbarbecue at Texas A&M University with a seminar sponsored by the NationalBBQ Association.Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant serves lunchand dinner, with customers ordering at a counter and seating themselves. Carryoutis a popular option, and the restaurant offers family and bulk packs for carryoutwhich appeals to larger groups.Selma’s Texas Barbecue, 9155 University Boulevard, Moon Township, (412)329-7003. Web site: http://www.selmasbbq.com. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9p.m. Selma’s accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, andgift cards.importance of physical and mental health.Movement Studio Pittsburgh is dedicated toinspiring, motivating, and challenging individualsto lead healthier lifestyles and focus on workoutsfor the mind, body,and soul. Our classes provideunique workouts using your own body weightand continuous movement that leave youfocused, fit, and stress free. Each class providesits own level of energy, intensity, and spirituality.Our staff is certified, experienced, and insured.As Movement Studio Pittsburgh, a healthylifestyle is a MOVEMENT.For more information, contact Walter at (412) 401-9052, by e-mail atinfo@MovementStudioPittsburgh.com, or visit the Web site which will be up soon atwww.MovementStudioPittsburgh.com.bread, and a light lunch special.”Jim has been in the restaurant business for 29 years. He started in California,where he finished a two-year hospitality management program, before moving toSwitzerland and then France. In Paris, he did his apprenticeship at the ChezFouchon and Hotel Lutetia. He moved back to California’s Napa Valley and then toCarmel, soon after going to Hungary.“While in Hungary I ran a large bakery that supplied 60 establishments. CafeMozart was the best bakery in Budapest five years running. I made the birthdaycake for the president of Hungary and cakes for the parliament,” Jim shares.His background includes being a pastry chef for a private resort in southernPortugal and teaching at a Pittsburgh-area culinary school for ten years. He has wona number of ACF culinary competitions and has demonstrated his work at theChocolate Show in New York.Cafe Chocolade offers fresh European items that include strudels, muffins,croissants, cheesecake, brownies, and daily fresh bread.Jim can prepare bulk orders in advance for holidays and special events, too. Forinformation, call (412) 788-4041, e-mail: cafechocolade@aol.com, or visit the Website at www.cafechocolade.net.34 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

Liability Protection Options forOwners of Boarding/Riding StablesBoarding and riding horses is an inherently dangerous activity. However, there areseveral steps owners can take to assure that should a riding accident occur on theirproperty, they are protected from the loss of their personal assets:Business Structuructure:Although it is perfectly legal to run a business in anindividual’s name, there is no separation between the individual and the risks thatarise through the operation of the business. Relying solely on insurance or merelyposting the property is not sufficient. Therefore, the first step for the owners toconsider is to form a corporation or LLC.Contracts and Waiaiverers:The second step in protecting the owner from liability isto assure the contracts that are used include language that protect the owner fromcertain inherent risks associated with the business operations; and that appropriatewaivers are always used.Statutortutory y Compliance: As with waivers, it is important, in order to maintainimmunity, under Pennsylvania’s immunity law for equine activity, that the property isproperly posted.Insurance: Regardless of all of the above precautions, the business owner willalways need Commercial General Liability and Property and Casualty insurance for thebusiness operation. Policies should be read carefully so the owner knows what is andwhat is not covered.In summary, there are steps owners can and should take to minimize the riskassociated with their equine business operations: the appropriate entity choice; theuse of well written contracts and waivers, statutory compliance and the rightinsurance. If in doubt about how well protected your business operation is, thenseek out the advice of a professional.Lynn R. Emerson, Esquire is the managing attorney of BusinessLegal, PC, alaw firm dedicated to the needs of small businesses and individuals. This articleis published with the understanding that the information provided is of ageneral nature, and that the author is not rendering specific legal advice orcreating an attorney-client relationship. If legal advice is required, contactBusinessLegal, P.C. or an attorney of your choice.Learning Curves is provided as a service by advertisers of Allegheny West Magazine to share educational and/orinformational knowledge with the readership. To inquire about Learning Curves, call (724) 695-3968.Senior Groups in theWest Allegheny Area CommunityOakdaleCommunity CenterContact: 724.693.8540FindlaySenior CitizensContact: 724.695.0500North FayetteSenior CitizensContact: 724.693.3118 or412.788.4888St. ColumbkilleSenior CitizensContact: 724.695.7325ABOVE: Attendees at North Fayette’s Halloween party tookto the dance floor.OAKDALE CENTERLifespan, located at the Oakdale CommunityCenter on Seminary Avenue in Oakdale, offers,besides its daily lunches, bingo, games, and otheractivities. The center is open to seniors age 60 andover. Call (724) 693-8540.December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 35

STORY AND PHOTOSBY CATHERINE ROBERTSThe Christmas season brings out many colorfulsights and sounds. Almost everywhere you go youcan see brightly lit houses strung with lights tocelebrate the season. On occasion, you can find a housethat has a unique kind of light display. Joey Falcioni, 14, of NorthFayette, has just that. He single handedly programs and sets upChristmas lights that are annually displayed on his house. Joey evenhas his own radio station which you can listen to for the songs that heis playing.The lights are programmed to do certain sequences and patterns foreach song that is played. Additionally, music can be heard playingoutside his house and on his radio station. The display is amazing toview, and it is not uncommon for people to stop and watch.When asked what inspired him to do his display he replied, “In2007 I saw a video of a guy’s Christmas lights synchronized to music.After researching it, I came across the necessary hardware and softwareto do this myself.”He first started his light display three years ago. Since then hisdisplay has grown and has gotten more advanced. In previous yearsJoey synchronized lights to songs such as “The Carol of the Bells,”“Let it Snow,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “All I Want for Christmas isYou.” This year the songs include “Winter Wonder Land,” songs from“A Miracle on 34 th Street,” and “Carol of the Bells.”Each song takes around twelve hours to complete on the computerprogram. From there, the lights are plugged in and controlled by thecomputer. He sets up over 6,000 lights that are all LED. Because eachstring has to be individually plugged in, Joey has over 2,000 feet ofextension cords.“It’s actually costfriendly.”he said.“The lights arecomputer controlledso they are usuallyon only 60% of thetime. And with theLEDs the cost isnot much morethan usual.”The lights are onfrom around7 to 10 p.m. onweekdays andeven longer onthe weekends. Tosee the display foryourself, take a ride to Walden Woods inNorth Fayette, and, as you near Joey’s house at 107 Forest GlenDrive, tune your radio to 90.1FM.His advice to those who are interested in setting up their owndisplay is, “Start as soon as possible, watch for when lights go on sale,and have fun and enjoy the experience.”The tradition of putting up Christmas lights has captivated Joey,and he plans to continue it for many years to come. So whether youput up lights of your own or enjoy looking at others, it is a great wayto get in the holiday spirit and enjoy the season.36 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

BY PAT JENNETTEHave You Heard About The 3/50 Project?Chris Dilla, owner of Bocktown Beer and Grill in North Fayette,does it. So does Michelle Mason, owner of LaStone Therapy, alsoin North Fayette. So, too, does Donna Dobos, owner of WillowCreek Crossing in the heart of downtown Oakdale. Add to that listRWG Archery and The Painted Giraffe, both in Imperial. Oh, anddon’t forget The Flowersmith in Kennedy and the Village Shoppein Moon. Even local stores The Happy Baby Company, West HillsPet Center and Northern Light Company, also all local businesses,are doing it.What do they do? They are all locally owned, independent, smallbusiness owners who support and promote The 3/50 Project, agrowing national movement to encourage local residents to makeeducated decisions about their dollars when they go out to spend.In a nutshell, it is about frequenting three local businesses eachmonth and spreading one’s $50 in discretionary spending amongthem. Do it each month, and small business will stay alive and wellhere in the airport suburbs.Donna Dobos passes out the flyer provided on The 3/50 ProjectWeb site to her customers. Chris Dilla shares the flyer and also hasa blog online about the importance of spending local and doingbusiness with local people.In an age when online shopping is becoming more and morepopular and as more people short on time find it easier to orderfrom the computer, it is important to point out that by doing one’sshopping in this way, none of the money stays in the localneighborhood. Yet, by stopping at the local gift shop or hardwarestore to buy that special item, local people can keep local businessalive.Everyone has $50 a month to spend. We spend it on everythingfrom food and drinks to health and wellness products. With thenational economy at a near standstill, it is more important thanever to support the hundreds of small businesses that work so hardto keep their storefronts alive.Cinda Baxter, creator of The 3/50 Project, is a veteran consultantand one-time retailer who has launched a national effort topromote regional economies. She provides the collateral materialsonline for a nominal cost or even no-cost, so that small businessescan get the message out among their neighborhoods that it isimportant to buy local.Says Chris Dilla, owner of Bocktown, “I learned of The 3/50Project from Kim of McGinnis Sisters, who insisted that I‘google’ it. I did the very next day, because the message alreadymade sense to me. Bocktown needed to be involved.”“I was already saying the same thing as Cinda Baxter in myown way. Bocktown has Pittsburgh Pride Partners whom we dobusiness with to bring the best quality ingredients to ourmenu,” she added.“I want the area’s shoppers to find us, and other locally ownedbusinesses in the area. We need them. We want them, and we can offer abetter and unique experience. I firmly believe you will get more qualityand satisfaction when doing business within your community with yourneighbors,” Chris stressed.And thus, the reason for The 3/50 Project. More details are outlined onthe materials below.As you begin your holiday shopping this season, be sure to take a look atthe promotions being offered by our local businesses that are shared on thefollowing pages. Stop in. Buy something. Thank them for being part ofyour community. Help them stay there.December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 37

Local Holiday y HappeningsAroundTownThis SeasonWest Allegheny School District holiday concert schedule is as follows:Wilson Elementary SchoolGrade 7 Band & ChorusDonaldson Band & ChorusDecember 16 at 7 p.m.December 7 at p.m.High School AuditoriumDonaldson Elementary School Grade 8 Band & ChorusMcKee Band & ChorusDecember 21 at 7 p.m.December 9 at 7 p.m.High School AuditoriumMcKee Elementary SchoolHigh School ChorusGrade 6 Band & ChorusDecember 23 at 7 p.m.December 14 at 7 p.m.High School AuditoriumHigh School AuditoriumSewickley’s Christy House will host a Christmas Victorian Luncheon onFriday, December 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Christy House is anhistorical landmark and former rector’s home. Fridays, Septemberthrough June, lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteersserve as waitresses, kitchen, and shop staff. Shop in the Needles Eyefor unique new gifts and in Earthly Treasures for used items. Proceedsfrom the $9 lunch benefit women’s and children’s missions, (412) 741-5960 after 9 a.m. on Fridays for groups over four.38 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

Old Economy Village in Baden will host “Christmas Around the World”on Saturday, December 11 from 2 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adultsand $5 for children ages 3-11. Children under age 3 are free. Tour thedecorated Village, enjoy musical performances, and shop for uniquegifts made by traditional craftsmen at the Weihnachtsmarkt. Children andtheir parents will enjoy many hands-on activities, carriage rides, anddas Kinderhaus. Enjoy delicious homemade German food prepared bymembers of St. John’s Lutheran Church, in the original house of worshipof the Harmony Society. Parking shuttle service is available. Visitwww.oldeconomyvillage.org or call (724) 266-4500, ext. 101.10 am- 8 pmdailythroughDec. 23December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 39

40 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010ABOVE: This gingerbread house was created by the staff at the Hyatt,Pittsburgh International Airport as part of its holiday season partnershipwith the Autism Center of Pittsburgh. Artwork by the children of the AutismCenter of Pittsburgh is also is on display in the lobby and available throughthe auction that is currently underway. See information, below, for details.

December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 41

Happy Holidays!42 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

Merry Christmas! Happy New w Year!December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 43

44 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

Visit our Website in December atwww.alle.alleghenghenywywestmgestmgazineazine.comfor a calendar of December events.Also, join our Faceacebook page e to receieceiveupdated listings of holiday events around theneighborhoods!December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 45

The West Allegheny High School Show Choir, under the direction ofEarl Wiechelt, Jr., high school music teacher, is busy performingChristmas carols during the holiday season. The show choir consistsof around 30 high school students selected by audition. Theirperformances this year include:Tuesday, December 7: Montour Country Club; Masonic Village, 7:30 p.m.Friday, December 10: Oakdale Senior Center, 12:15 p.m.Saturday, December 11: The Rock Youth & Family Center, Oakdale, 5 p.m.; ClintonChristmas Light-Up Display: 7 p.m.Tuesday, December 14: Findlay Twp. Senior Citizens, Activity Center, 5:45 p.m.Wednesday, December 15: Renaissance Hotel, 5:30 p.m.Saturday, December 18: Byham Theater, Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., show ticket requiredSunday, December 19: St. Andrew’s Church, Moon Township, 7 p.m.Thursday, December 23: High School Christmas Choral Concert, Auditorium, 7 p.m.Thursday, January 5: National Honor Society Induction, High SchoolThe West Allegheny Aqua Club will host a holiday Pancake Breakfaston Sunday, December 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Findlay TownshipCommunity Center. Cost is $6 for adults, $4.50 for kids. There will be aChinese auction and a spot for children to deliver their letters to Santa.Santa will be there between 10 a.m. and noon. (724) 693-0721..The Trinity Jazz Band will perform its Christmasconcert at The ROCK Family and Youth Center inOakdale on Monday, December 20 at 7 p.m. RetiredWest Allegheny Middle School teacher, Dan Hanczar,performs acoustical guitar as a member of this 20-piece orchestra that specializes in big band jazz ofboth Christian and secular nature. (724) 856-0856.Santa and Kids Party at McDonald Trail Station on Saturday,December 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. Santa will arrive on a McDonald FireTruck to visit with the children. Take a hayride along the PanhandleTrail, enjoy treats, raffles, and more. For information, call SandiAlbertini, (724) 926-9137.The Nutcracker will be presented by the Carnegie Performing ArtsCenter located in Carnegie, Pennsylvania at the historic AndrewCarnegie Music Hall. Presented the first two weekends of December,through Sunday, December 12, performances will be at 8 p.m. onFriday and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Directed andchoreographed by Monica Ryan, the cast of the Nutcracker engagesover 100 local children and adults in this annual display of Victorianinteriors, winter snowscapes and the frothy Land of the Sweets.Dancing the role of Clara isGabrielle Prevade, 11 years oldand a sixth grader at WestAllegheny Middle School.Gabrielle lives in Oakdale andhas taken ballet since she was 4years old from the CarnegiePerforming Arts Center.Tickets are $12 for adults and$10 for students and seniors,and available at the door. grouptickets are also available. Call(412) 279-8887 or visitwww.carnegieperformingartscenter.com46 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 47

around your townPeople You Know .....Jared Detwiler wasawarded the Honor Graduateof Marine Combat Training atCamp Geiger, North Carolinain October. He was #1 of320 Marines. A graduate ofWest Allegheny Senior HighSchool in June 2010, he iscurrently in Camp LeonardWood, Missouri attendingMOS, Marine OccupationalSpecialty of Military Police.He will attend Penn StateUniversity starting in January2011.Emma Wilson of Clinton was 8th in the4-H State Finals in Harrisburg in October.She placed 8th in “Classic Hunter UnderSaddle,” junior rider, riding her horse,Zippos Mistress. She belonged to the SilverSpurs 4-H, led by Jessica Swogger and KimFisher, and was trained at Youthtowne byJulie Beatty.Kent McElhattan, co-founder andchairman of Industrial ScientificCorporation, Oakdale, was recently electedchairman of the National Safety Council fora two-year term. He began his term onOctober 1 to serve this nonprofitorganization of 55,000 members.Courtney Holdrieth, a senior at Washington and Jefferson College and2007 graduate of West Allegheny, recently recorded her 1000th careerdig in a match against Grove City College, October 26. She then followedup that milestone by getting her 800th career kill against Bethany collegeon Senior Day in front of the home crowd.Courtney has produced another stellar year on the outside for thePresidents this fall. She leads the team with 207 digs and ranks third in kills(198) and service aces (17). She has amassed seven double-doubles,including a season-best 20 kills and 11 digs in a 3-2 loss at Thiel onSeptember 11.During her four-year career at W&J, Courtney has played in 111 matchesand has totaled 807 kills, 1030 digs and 91 service aces. (From the W&Jwebsite).Courtney will graduate in May with a double major in Art and Psychology.She will either attend school in New York City in order to follow her passionof becoming a professional make up artist or pursue graduate studies inart therapy.She has a 3.48 GPA and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.Courtney’s parents are Jeff and Beth Holdrieth and she has a sisterKaleigh.Bob Gambone, a resident ofWestbury in Findlay Township, recentlypublished his first book, “Pecan Pie:32 Business Success StoriesPassionately Baked to Order.”Previously, Bob was involved withGiant Eagle for 36 years where herose from cashier to a managementposition. He received dozens ofawards, including three President’sAwards, during his employment.Bob accepted an early retirementand started, Passion, Leadership,Results, a personal coachingbusiness for entrepreneurs to helpthem grow their business by tappinginto their passion and leadership.To learn more about Bob, or topurchase Bob’s book, visit http://bobgambonerecommendations.blogspot.com/or http://passionleadershipresults.blogspot.com.48 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

State Rep. Mark Mustio has announced that Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)is now accepting applications for cash grants. Crisis grants will be available on January 3, 2011. LIHEAP helps lowincomepeople pay their heating bills through home energy assistance grants and crisis grants. Cash grants are awardedbased on household income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Crisis grants are provided in the event of aheating emergency, including broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced, lack of fuel,termination of utility service or danger of being without fuel or of having utility service terminated. In most counties,assistance with home heating crisis situations is available 24 hours a day.Applications may be obtained by contacting the Allegheny County Assistance Office at (412) 562-0330 (CashAssistance) or 1-800-851-3838 (Crisis Assistance). Applications are also available from local utility companies andcommunity service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.STATE SEN. JOHN PIPPY1009 Beaver Grade Road,Suite 210Moon Township, PA 15108(412) 262-2260www.senatorpippy.comjpippy@pasen.govSTATE REP. MARK MUSTIO1009 Beaver Grade Road,Suite 220Moon Township, PA 15108(412) 262-3780www.repmustio.comDID YOU KNOW?• Since 1991, the Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) program hascoordinated the processing and distribution of donated wild gamefrom hunters to Pennsylvanians in need.• Did You Know? An average-sized deer will provide enough highlynutritious,low-cholesterol meat for 200 meals.• In an average hunting season, the HSH program will channel about100,000 pounds of processed venison annually through the state’s21 regional food banks, which then redistribute the meat to morethan 3,000 local provider charities such as food pantries, missions,homeless shelters, Salvation Army facilities, and churches, in additionto families.• Hunters donating their harvest voluntarily pay a $15 taxdeductiblefee toward each processed deer. The remainder of theprocessing fee is covered through HSH sponsors and donations.Interested in Donating?Anyone interested in donating venison to the HSH programshould call 1-866-474-2141.WEST ALLEGHENY EDITIONWE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! Since 1999, we have served the airport area. We publish three distinctcommunity magazines, all mailed free into the homes across 14 area communities. To learn more about our publications, call724.695.3968 or visit our Web site at: www.alleghenywestmagazine.com.See Dealer for Details - Offer Expires 12/31/10December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 49

Parkway West Career & Technology CenterHonor Society and CornellTeam Up to Help Others This Holiday SeasonThe National Technical Honor Society members are teaming up with theCornell School District by collecting gently used coats for those in need in thePittsburgh area. Last year, more than 80 units were collected. In addition tocoats, other items are being collected such as blankets, tarps, boots,sweatshirts, sleeping bags, gloves, hats and scarves. Donated items wouldbe greatly appreciated! Items do not have to be new, but preferably in goodcondition. All sizes for men, women, and children are needed. The collectionwill end on December 15. Please donate any gently used items to TracyMarschik’s office, located by the main office of PWCTC. Questions orconcerns, please e-mail marschik@parkwaywest.org or call (412) 923-1772.Community Donations Support SchoolWelding Technology - American Welding Society Chapter17,000 pounds of THANKS to Ryerson Steel in Ambridge for their donationof steel plate to the school’s Welding Technology program. The steel plate willbe used for student projects in class. Each student project adds to thestudents' skill set to help prepare them for various welding industry certifications.Ryerson Steel wants to ensure that productivity in Welding does not stop.ABOVE: Welding Program students with the steel plate donated byRyerson Steel.Auto Body Repair & Automotive TechnologyStudents and program instructors wish to thank Bar’s Product, Inc., apremium automotive chemical company, for donating a case of UV Dye to helpfind and seal leaks in automotive air-conditioning systems. With support fromBar’s Product, Inc., students from Parkway West will continue to receive a topquality education and work with top quality supplies as well.50 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

Community College of Allegheny CountyThe CCAC–West Hills Center will offer hybridtraining classes in the spring. For moreinformation, call Bob Koch, (412) 788-7378 orGretchen Mullin-Sawicki, (412) 369-3616.The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)is introducing a new online Job PlacementAssistance program this fall for all residentsof southwestern Pennsylvania interested in obtainingor changing jobs. CCAC is providing this program asa free service to the community.Interested residents will be able to find solutionsonline to help them build job searching skills,discover a new career path, and identify jobprospects. The program services can be found atwww.ccac.edu, where individuals will find the CCAC JobSearch Manual and receive more information aboutjobs, careers, and searching strategies. They will beable to review sample interview questions and findlinks to other search engines that provide local jobpostings.Those that find this program useful may alsoprepare and upload a resume online and searchthrough job postings from local employers bycreating an account at CCAC College Central. Visitwww.collegecentral.com/ccac to sign up.The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)is offering a Lead Base Paint CertifiedRenovator Training program. Two trainingcourses will be held: November 22 andDecember 17. Sessions will be held at theCCAC West Hills Center 1000 McKee Road,Oakdale. The cost of the program is $239.New EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) regulations requirehomes, childcare facilities, and schools builtbefore 1978 to be certified as lead safe.Contractors performing renovation, repair,and painting projects that disturb thesebuildings must be certified or trained as EPAlead safe contractors and follow specificwork practices to minimize public exposureto lead hazards contained in lead paint.The Lead Base Paint Certified RenovatorTraining program is a one-day, 8-hour courseand will provide EPA mandated training forindividuals or contracting firms to becomeEPA lead certified renovators in compliancewith the new federal law. This course isapproved for purposes of certification andunder Section 402 of Toxic Substance ControlAct for Renovator Training.Classes are limited to 25 students. Formore information or to register, call MargeCurtin at (412) 788-7386 or e-mailmcurtin@ccac.edu.The Community College of Allegheny County(CCAC) now offers free training forveterans in two healthcare-relatedfields. The goal of the Veterans Health CareerEducation Project is to train qualified veterans tobecome certified paramedics or nursing assistants.Through a grant from the U.S. Department ofEducation, the training is free to honorablydischarged veterans and their spouses who arecurrently unemployed, underemployed, or onpublic assistance.For those who may want to explore alternativecareer opportunities, the CCAC Veterans ServicesCenter provides a variety of services andeducation options to veterans. The Post-9/11 GIBill is in effect for a second year, giving those whohave served in the armed forces on or afterSeptember 11, 2001 access to education benefitsand financial support in continuing their education.CCAC currently has over 500 veterans utilizing theirPost-9/11 GI Bill benefits this year.In addition to offering education, workforcetraining and business opportunities to veterans, theCCAC Veterans Services Center also providesacademic advising, counseling, disability services,financial aid and other support services.For more information about the Health CareerEducation Project, call (412) 237-2560, or, forCCAC Veterans Services, call (412) 237-2635.December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 51

52 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010ABOVE: Long-time residents Lloyd and Patty Faux of Clinton inFindlay Township coordinate all of the details, from setting up,scheduling nightly volunteers, tearing down and storing thedisplay,annually.

BY PAT JENNETTEPHOTOS BY DAVE KNOERIf a picture says a thousand words, these picturessurely tell a story that could be a book.And, if angels do exist, then Lloyd and Patty Faux ofClinton would be among them.Since 1993, the annual Christmas Light-Up Celebrationin Clinton Park, Findlay Township, has dazzled thousandsof visitors who come to drive through this one-mile lightextravaganza.There are no major sponsors, although there are manygood-hearted businesses and organizations in theneighborhood who donate products,services, equipment, and in some cases,cash, to help.Christmas in the West Alleghenyneighborhood isn’t complete without a visitto the light display.It is a true labor of love, spearheadedby Lloyd and Patty, 80 and 74 respectively,and with the help of local residents,youths, scout troops, moms, and schoolchildren who help string the lights, carrythe decorations out of the shed, put itemsin place, and do whatever is needed tobring it back to life each season.The vision and inspiration for theChristmas Light-Up Celebration began in1993 as the couple and others visualized the park lit upin celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas.Its mission is simple: to generate unity within thecommunity by celebrating the Christmas spirit together.And its goal is simple: to help those who are in physical,emotional, spiritual, and financial need as well asorganizations, individuals, and groups who need suchsupport.Many have donated over the years, either throughtheir time, talents, or dollars. All money raised goes rightback into the community to help with a variety of differentTHE DETAILS:Clinton ParkFindlay TownshipRoute 30, 1/2 mile westof ClintonPost OfficeDaily, 5-10 p.m.,including holidays$7/carWest Allegheny ShowChoir performs in thepark on December 11(724) 899-3602needs and activities. On average, the group donates about$20,000 annually.Among the beneficiaries have included a diverse group ofcharities, groups with various needs, families or individualswith serious health challenges, and scholarships forstudents.Early on, the volunteers formed a committee to ensurethe funds are disbursed each spring, and throughout theyear on a case by case basis.“We try to help others in our own neighborhoods whoneed it, and are glad to donate when thesituation arises where someone is in aserious situation,” Lloyd explained.After New Year’s Day, weather permitting,volunteers, coordinated by Lloyd andPatty, head back out to the park to beginthe dismantling process. It’s akin to takingdown one’s Christmas decorations, buthundreds of times over.What’s more, after the park project is inplace, Lloyd and Patty put up their owndecorations at their home just down thestreet from the park on Route 30.Findlay Township worked with Lloyd andPatty to provide a parcel within the parkthat enabled the Light-Up committee topurchase and build a large storage barn where thedecorations can be stored until next year.Said Patty, “We always need help setting up the display inthe fall and taking it down in the winter.”This all-volunteer community gem that started with avision has become an integral part of the West Alleghenyneighborhood during the Christmas season.BELOW: Some of the displays arepurchased and donated to theevent by families who wish tohonor the memory of a loved oneLEFT: Patty Faux greets a visitor atthe gate.BELOW:Children can drop their letters toSanta in his special mailbox whenthey come with their families to seethe lights; the Santa Claus displaywas created in memory of the lateRoger Mance of Imperial, who wasknown as the community’s SantaClaus for many years;December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 53

Poinsettia TipsPoinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are a popular plant to give as giftsduring the holiday season. The plant, native to southern Mexico, was firstintroduced in the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, the first U.S.ambassador to Mexico.If you plan to give a poinsettia as a gift this holiday season, choose plantsthat have large bracts (brightly colored petal-like leaves), tightly closed yellowbutton-like centers (the plants true flowers), and a full complement of rich,dark green leaves that grow down to the plant’s base. The plant should standon its own without the aid of ties or sticks and should not be stored in a plasticsleeve. Check plants for insects and carefully wrap them before goingoutdoors. If the plants are exposed to cold temperatures (50° F or lower)they will drop their leaves.When you get them home, place them in bright, indirect sun in a warm room(60°-70° F) and keep them away from cold drafts or direct heat sources. Theplants should be checked daily to see if they need water. If the soil is dry,water the plants until the water runs out the bottom and discard the excesswater immediately so the roots are not damaged.If you want to keep your plants for the following year, continue to waterthem as directed. In May cut the stems back to approximately 3-6 inchesabove the soil and fertilize every 2-3 weeks. When the outdoor temperatureis consistently above 60° F, set the plant outside in partial shade. As theshoots grow, increase the frequency of your watering and pinch the top inchof growth back when the shoots are several inches long. Wash the sap offthe plant and move the plant to a sunny indoor location in late August/earlySeptember, keeping the plant at a consistent 65° and 70° F. In order to getthe plants to flower in December, the plants must endure an 8-10 weekperiod of less than 12 hours of daylight. In October place your plant intotal darkness from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. and in a sunny location from 8 a.m. to5 p.m. You should water and fertilize every week as needed until the bractcolor develops. Once this color develops you can stop placing the plant inthe dark in the evening and it should bloom for the holiday season.To learn more about theNorth Fayette Garden Club,call (724) 693-8413.presented by theNorth Fayette Garden ClubNews fromHeritage Public LibraryComputer 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 isprepared for the class. For details and the types of computer activitiesbeing offered, contact the library at (724) 926-8400.Weight Watchers meets at the library on Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m.The Friends of Heritage Public Library campaign is underway. Ask at thelibrary how to become a friend. Additionally, the library is seeking boardmembers. If interested, stop by the library for more information.The library offers a community meeting room. It is available for meetingsand parties. Call to inquire.Scrapbooking workshops will resume in February.A book discussion group meets the second Tuesday of each month at1 p.m. The book title for December is “The Lost Quilter” by JenniferChiaverini.LIBRARY HOURS:Mondays: 4-8Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 12-8Fridays: 10-2Saturday: 10-4PHONE: (724) 926-8400www.heritagewpublib.org54 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

North Fayette Township 2011 Recycling CalendarRepresents holiday with no garbage pickupRepresents garbage pickup 1 day lateand boxed Represents recycling weeksS M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 52 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 129 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 1916 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 2623 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 27 28 29 30 3130 31S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 43 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 1110 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 1817 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 2524 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 33 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 1010 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 1717 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 2424 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 3031OCTOBERS M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 32 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 109 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 1716 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 2423 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 3130 31JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCHAPRILMAYJUNEJULY AUGUST SEPTEMBERNOVEMBERDECEMBERWhen:What:Not acceptable:Instructions:Important Info:Questions:Holidays:On your regular garbage pickup day during the weeks shaded above.Clear and colored glass, aluminum and bi-metal beverage cans and steel ( tin)food cans, plastic food, soda and milk containers. Plastic types 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.Unmarked plastic, motor oil containers, grocery bags, drinking cups, toys, fast foodcontainers, styrofoam items, sheet plastic, Aerosol cans, paint cans, window glass,light bulbs, pyrex, or ceramics.Remove lids and metal rings - rinse - do not break glass. Metal and plasticcontainers may be flattened. Place in recycling container. Do not use plastic linerin container. All recyclables can be placed in the same container.The special container(s) provided for recycling are property of the Townshipand must be returned if you move (unless purchased by resident). They are to beused for recycling only.Contact the Township Office at 412-788-4888 or 724-693-9601There will be NO garbage pickup on the following holidays: Memorial Day,Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.Garbage service will then be one day late for the balance of that week.Website: www.north-fayette.comDecember 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 55

FOOTBALL OVERCOMES ADVERSITYIn the annuls of West Allegheny football, 2010 will be remembered as theyear of Mike Caputo. Not because of his participation but because of hisnon-participation. A University of Wisconsin recruit and an All-State Performeron the 2009 WPIAL Championship team, Mike injured his ankle while ondefense in the first half of WA’s first game of the season at South Park andwas lost for the season.Step-up time for the Indians who were ranked number one and favored torepeat as WPIAL Champions before the injury to Caputo. They took turnswearing his number 7 jersey in games and were always aware of his presenceon the sidelines. The Indians made it to the play-offs with a 6-3 record afterfinishing second in the Parkway Conference. They won over Trinity, 34-7, athome in the first round. But Mars ended their season in the WPIALquarterfinals 29-3 in a game much closer for three and a half quarters thanthe final score would indicate.Seniors Aaron McKinney and Alex Sinclair and junior Dylan Bongiorni ledthe team in most offensive categories.McKinney rushed for 1,177 yards on 184 carries and scored 22touchdowns. He caught 14 passes for 237 yards and 2 TDs. He completed15 of 20 passes for 127 yards. McKinney accumulated 1,551 all purposeyards and led the team in scoring with 144 points.Alex Sinclair was the team’s leading receiver with 21 for 279 yards andthree TDs. He also rushed for 583 yards for a 7.4 average on 79 attempts.Bongiorni completed 76 of 145 passes for 1,030 yards and 8 TDs for aquarterback rating of 124.8.Senior Jesse Broda, senior Mitch Posel, and junior Mike O’Donnell were atthe top of the Stat List on defense. Broda, a defensive end, led the team with43.5 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.Posel had 31 tackles and three assists with 8 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.He also was credited with three fumble recoveries, one of which he returned45 yards for a TD.O’Donnell will be a key returnee next season after making 24 tackles andassisting on 24 others this season. As a wide receiver on offense he had 12receptions for 121 yards and a TD.(Statistics for this article were provided by WA football statistician BillMorosetti.)56 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010IT’S A GIRL THINGIt’s called Powder Puff Football. A team of West Allegheny junior girlschallenged a team of West Allegheny senior girls before a large crowd at JoeDeMichela Stadium on Memorial Day.The event was the 26 th annual affair sponsored by the National HonorSociety to raise money for the organization’s Christmas Family fund.Powder Puff is more like flag football than the American football versionand there are no scrums allowed like in European Rugby. But there is blockingand the emphasis is on strategic maneuvering.Guys are permitted to cheer in the stands and are encouraged to do so bya squad of male cheerleaders that are also part of the halftime show.“We had a blast,” said Mary Trax, even though her team was blasted 32-6by the more experienced seniors.Chalk it up as a learning experience for Mary and her junior teammates.“Next year it will be our turn,” said the teenager that carried a 4.0 grade pointaverage into the game.Physical Education instructor Munaii Franjione acts as one of the coaches.She has been doing it for the past 15 years.“The girls are just phenomenal. They only have time for two or threepractices but they have so much fun doing it and its all for a good cause,” shesaid.ABOVE: Congratulations to the West Allegheny Youth Football 7Uteam on their outstanding season. They capped an 8-0 season withan 8-0 victory over Baldwin. They outscored opponents 154-46 andposted 4 defensive shutouts. “This group of 6 and 7 year old footballplayers showed tremendous disciplineand enthusiasm. The coaching staff ledby Jeremy Horton challenged them allseason long and they responded likechampions,” said assistant coach JeffPalaima.RIGHT: Emily Garvin, a freshman at WestAllegheny High School, was selected tocompete in the 18th Queen of DiamondsShowcase North (QDSN) at Kent StateUniversity in Kent, Ohio, January 8 and 9,2011. These events are the largestfastpitch softball showcases in thenation. The event attracts athletes whoapply from 30+ states and two CanadianProvinces to be selected. Emily starts atsecond base for the Metro Express 16 &U travel team where, as a three-yearstarter, she has received MVP awards atthe Motor City Showdown in Detroit, andthe Toledo Tune Up in Toledo. Emily alsoplays for the West Allegheny Indians andthe Oakdale Youth League fastpitchteam. At the age of 14, she is one of the youngest applicants everselected.

ABOVE: Oakdale 10U slow pitch team won the Mt. Washington Tournament by going 5-0, defeating Brookline 13-4 in the championship game,and also placing second in the Beechview tournament. The 8U softball team won the Oakdale Tournament going 6-0 defeating Chartiers-Houston, 19-14, in the championship game. The 15U slow pitch team won first place in the CVC regular season with a 12-2 record and won theCVC League championship game by defeating Kennedy 8-7. The 12U Little League team won 1st place in the WABL regular season with a 14-1record and won the WABL Little League Championship Game.West A Athletes Selected to Attend Olympic Training CenterTwo West Allegheny Aqua Club members were among ten topswimmers chosen for this year’s visit to the Olympic TrainingCenter in Colorado Springs, Colorado by the AlleghenyMountain Swimmers organization.Kara Kaulius, a sophomore at West Allegheny High School,and Ashley Niznik, a junior, were chosen as part of the group ofoutstanding male and female swimmers from Western Pennsylvania,explained Bob Miller, their coach, for their fast times and thenumber of events they did at ahigh level of competition.The girls traveled to theOlympic Training Center inOctober, where they spent aweek with top swimmersaround the nation. Theytoured the training center tosee what the Olympiansactually do while there. Theytrained in the Olympicswimming pools twice a day.They also spoke with some ofthe Olympic coaches andathletes. The girls also metwith a nutritionist, andwatched videos.This was the first timeathletes from West AlleghenyHigh School were chosen toattend.Allegheny MountainSwimmers also paid for thegirls’ trip.Said Coach Miller, “They got a taste of the Olympic competitionlife, and the opportunity to see what is available to them when thereach that level.”He noted, “Both girls were top swimmers at States last year, finishingin the top ten.”“Kara this year is one of the top in State in the 500-yard freestyle.”December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 57

Laws Changing Re: Residential SprinklersBeginning in January 2011, a change in the Pennsylvania building codegoes into effect that mandates sprinklers be installed in all newlyconstructed single family homes. This has been a hotly contested subjectand has fueled many litigation battles over the past months. On one sideof the debate is the Professional Builders Association (PBA), who claimthat making sprinklers mandatory will drive up the cost of newconstruction and may persuade many to not build new homes and thushurt their business. The PBA maintains that with the housing marketstruggling to regain its footing during these challenging economic times,new regulations that may hurt new housing starts is hardly a good way toattempt a recovery from a tough period.On the other side of the fight is the fire service in Pennsylvania, bothcareer and volunteer. The fire service insists the sprinkler requirement willsave the lives of citizens, firefighters, and property from the devastatingeffects of residential fires. There is no doubt that adding sprinklers willincrease the cost of building a new home. Both sides will throw out variousfigures as to how much. I have been told that many upgrades to kitchenand bathroom items will exceed the cost per square foot that thesprinklers will add to the final cost of the home. There is also a very realpossibility that homeowners who have sprinklers will see a decrease intheir homeowners’ insurance premiums.Some may ask why do this now? Firefighters who have witnessed firsthand the damage a fire can bring might ask, what took you so long? Hereis a firefighter’s take on this subject. I have no intention of listingnumerous statistics to confuse the issue. However, there is one statistic Iwant to share. In a letter to state senators in October, state FireCommissioner Ed Mann wrote, “please consider that since the late 1980s,when sprinklers became law in Prince George County, Maryland not oneperson has died in (a) home protected by automatic sprinklers. On theother hand, at least 100 people have died in the same time period inresidential fires where no sprinklers existed.”Another reason why firefighters feel this change is needed is that newconstruction and the items that fill our homes these days are much moredangerous than ever. Most of the items in our homes are made of plastic orother materials that, when they ignite, give off poison gas that can kill quickly.The sprinklers will quickly extinguish or at least keep fires contained, thuslimiting an occupant’s exposure to the hazardous, deadly smoke, giving themthe time they need to escape. Many new homes are built with pre-engineeredand lightweight structural components. When exposed to fire these itemsbecome compromised and are prone to fail in as little as five to eightminutes, just about the time the first fire truck is pulling up to the scene. Theunknowing fire fighters walk or crawl into the zero visibility and the floorunder them gives way sending them into the fire below.It used to be that a firefighting crew had time to mount an interior attack ona fire before collapse became a concern. Unfortunately, with fires in newhomes, the battle may be lost before the firefight begins, sometimes with avery tragic result. Will sprinklers increase the cost of building your dreamhome? Yes, they will, but what price can you put on your families safety orthat of the firefighters who come to help?For those who have watched a movie or TV show where a sprinkler headactivates and suddenly all of the sprinklers in the room are flowing, that isjust Hollywood theatrics. It does work like that in the real world. Surely thecourt battles will begin anew in January as the builders try to repeal thesprinkler requirements. I hope our newly elected or re-elected officials inHarrisburg do what is right to keep a measure in place that is meant to makeus all safe and protect our property. After all, “our home is our castle,” andwe all want our castle and those who live in it to be there for many years tocome.Heritage Valley NewsHeritage Valley Signature BusinessCare was recently recertified as aNationally Accredited for Administration of Drug and Alcohol TestingPrograms (NAADATP) by the Drug & Alcohol Testing IndustryAssociation (DATIA). Achieving NAADATP status indicates that HeritageValley Signature BusinessCare’s facility, operations and personnel meetthe highest standards in the drug and alcohol testing industry.Heritage Valley Signature BusinessCare partners with 560 activeemployer clients in the Heritage Valley service area to promote thehealth, wellness and safety of their employees. In addition to drug andalcohol testing, Signature BusinessCare provides a host of services tolocal employers including physical exams, injury care, immunizations,laboratory, radiology, and rehabilitation services.Heritage Valley Sewickley Foundation is pleased to welcome Rich Archer toits board of directors. Heritage Valley Health System is pleased to welcomeDavid Motley to its board of directors.The annual Unique Boutique event to benefit the Childhood ObesityPrevention Program of Heritage Valley Health System brought out 441shoppers this year, noted Terri Tunick, coordinator. The event also providedan opportunity to promote the businesses of several local women-ownedbusinesses.Next year’s Unique Boutique date is November 10, 2011.Monthly Pregnancy and Infant Loss SupportGroupMeets at Heritage Valley-Sewickley the second Monday of each month from7 to 8:30 p.m. in the small dining room.58 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 59

BY JOCELYN GRECKOPHOTOS PROVIDEDTwo stories of residents who took ajourney and discovered a lot aboutthe landscape, and the people, alongthe way.Their long journey homefrom the nation’s capital testedtheir strength and proved thattheir friendship couldendure any bumpsalong the way.60 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010They say the journey of a thousand miles begins withone single step, but Imperial residents Ron Frees andDave Jungling had bigger plans when they decided totake their own journey from Washington, D.C. to Imperial,– on their bikes. Their long journey home from the nation’s capitaltested their strength and proved that their friendship could endureany bumps along the way.In November 2007, a 334.5 mile-long trail was created betweenPittsburgh and Washington, D.C. The trail connects the 184.5 mileC&O Canal towpath in Cumberland, Md. to the Great AlleghenyPassage and allows bicyclists to travel throughout the wooded andmountainous terrain. Since its development, the trail has become apopular attraction to residents of the airport area. This past summer,traveling the trail was an adventure on which Ron and Dave embarkedtogether.Ron, 66, and Dave, 62, have been neighbors the past few years. Ronremembers one day asking Dave if he could borrow his power washer –the rest is history. Dave explained to Ron that he had biked the trailbetween Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh in 2008 and 2009. Ronshared with Dave the various trips he had taken from Cumberland toWashington D.C. ten years prior. By the end of the day, Dave challengedRon to a bike trip in 2010.“As 2009 ended, he would ask me if I was going to commit to theride,” Ron said, “I believe it was January that I told him I was on for thetrip.”Although Ron and Dave had previous experience on rigorous biketrails, this was going to be their first trip together. It would be a test oftheir strength. Biking over 300 miles would be quite a remarkable featfor them to endure in their sixties.

In order to prepare for the trip, Ron and Dave would go to their localgym.“We would see each other there working out during the winter anddiscuss the trip while puffing and panting,” Ron said.When summer arrived, the two neighbors rented a van and were ontheir way to D.C. They left their rental at Reagan National Airport, andfrom there, they began their long journey home.In D.C., Ron and Dave unloaded their gear and took theMount Vernon Trail five miles to Georgetown – the locationof the C&O Canal towpath’s “0” mile marker. Dave carried 50 pounds ofequipment and food in a trailer attached to his bike. Ron carried 30pounds in his panniers. They estimated their journey would take six days,from Sunday to Friday; however, the duo experienced some unexpectedobstacles while on the trail. But with those obstacles, came angels andmost importantly, Ron and Dave endured in both friendship and pedalingalong the way.During their first day on the trail, Ron and Dave experiencedtemperatures of over 107 degrees. They decided to stop and cool off at arest area. At that point in the trip, a major storm occurred and set thetempo for the rest of their trip. It severely limited their travel distancesfor the next two days and led to the many obstacles they would have toovercome to make it back to Pittsburgh. After the storm was over, theydecided to head back to their bikes and travel toward mile post 54. Onehundred feet later, they hit a speed bump when Ron had his first of whatwould be four flat tires. Ron and Dave explained that they were only ableto travel eleven miles in five hours after the storm due to a countlessnumber of downed trees that they had to go over, under, and around.They had to portage their bicycles, gear, and equipment to clear theseobstacles. At 9 p.m. they stopped at mile post 26 for the night.On day two, Ron and Dave hit the trail in the early morning. Theywere forced to still travel through a path covered with numerous downedtrees. They decided to take a break for lunch near mile post 35 butrealized that the electricity had gone out in the area from the storm.Luckily, when they stopped at a place called White Ferry’s for lunch,the owner, Clark, was nice enough to open the store for them and providesome food and beverages. Looking back on the journey and rememberingClark’s hospitality, Ron said, “He was our first angel.”On Tuesday, they were on the trail by 8:20 a.m. The decided that noteven the poison ivy they both developed could stop them from asuccessful day of biking. Although the discomfort slowed them down,they didn’t let it get to their spirits and rode all the way to mile post 141.By the end of the day, they were able to shower and set up at LittleOrleans Campground. They spent the night enjoying their dinner. Theywere even able to do laundry at the camp and tend to their poison ivy. Afellow traveler asked Ron what happened to his foot. After closeinspection, they realized a tick had bored its way into Ron’s ankle.“At 11 p.m., with Dave’s encouragement, I called 911 and was takenvia ambulance to the Western Maryland Medical Center,” Ron said.Luckily, the doctor was able to treat Ron and cut the tick out of hisankle. Ron arrived back at the campground, via taxicab, at 6 a.m. Theydecided to take it easy that morning and head back on the trail by noon.While they stopped for a rest near Old Towne, Maryland, Ron and Davemet a couple from the area.“Donna was concerned about Ron’s ankle and offered to assist infinding a pharmacy in Cumberland to fill his medical prescription, ifneeded,” Dave said. When they continued on the trail, Dave experiencedissues with his tires and asked Ron to sprint to the bike store for someneeded parts. When Ron arrived at the store, it was closed, but low andbehold, another angel came to his rescue. “After a few exasperatingmoments, the lights came on inside the store and Hutch opened the doorand greeted me,” Ron said, “Hutch offered us beer and ice coldwatermelon.”“Hutch also helped us find lodging that night when there were no hotelor bed and breakfast vacancies in Cumberland,” Dave explained.Later on, Ron called his wife, Sandy. “I assured her that I was nowgoing to be alright,” he said. “This was a wonderful moment for me.”While they stayed at the Rivers Edge Bed and Breakfast in Confluence,Ron and Dave met Anna, the owner. She greeted them with a warm andgracious personality. According to Dave, River’s Edge is a stop that manycyclists frequent while traveling the trail.It wasn’t until Friday morning that Ron and Dave were in the homestretch. “It was a great day. The road is downhill. While negotiatingdown through a washed out area, Dave took a hard fall,” Ron said. “Ittook another biker and me to remove his bike and trailer off of him.” Bythe afternoon, Dave’s wounds were cleaned and bandaged and theycontinued on their way. By the end of the day, Ron and Dave hadtraveled 327 miles from their starting point.On Saturday, they were bound for Imperial. After traveling acrossbridges through McKeesport, Glassport, and Clairton, they made it tothe Montour Trail – the trail that would allow them to return home.Ron remembered that although they were close to home, “This part ofthe trip is not for the faint of heart.” He called his wife and said heexpected to be home by 4 o’clock that afternoon, but just after he gotback on the trail Ron was down under his bike. “Another biker helpedme up, Dave administered first aid, and we were off again.”“We got to US 22 and then could see the barn! Downhill to Imperialand home!” There was nothing that could stop them at this point –except another flat tire. After Dave helped Ron fix his tire. “I got 50pounds of air… I flew!” he said.By 4:10 p.m., the neighbors arrived home. “Dave and I proudly, withhumility, rode first into his driveway and into the arms of his wife, Sallyand then to my driveway and the arms of Sandy.” He remembers Sallyand Sandy telling them how skinny they looked. “We traveled a total of383 miles.”Ron explained that his trip with Dave was the most challenging trip heever took, but had it not been for Dave’s help, he would not have beenable to make the journey. According to him, the trail is not really“complete” from here to D.C., but it certainly provided for someunforgettable experiences. Although it was challenging, he explained thatit had the most rewarding finish and says he would do it again.Through their enduring strength and friendship, Ron and Dave provedthat just maybe age has no boundaries. It might have taken them anextra day, but they crossed the finish line. Their journey together is areminder that it doesn’t matter where you are or where you’re going, aslong as you have a neighbor along the way, the journey home isunforgettable.December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 61

Jennifer Britton’s boots really were made for walking, andwalk she did, from Philadelphia to North Fayette township.But she wasn’t the only one wearing boots on the 466-miletrek. Geronimo, an American mustang who accompaniedher on the journey, also wore boots made just for horses. Why walkacross the state with a horse, you wonder?“I wanted to do some kind of nutty walk and I thought taking ahorse along would make it more of an adventure,” says Jen, a formerNorth Fayette resident and a 1987 graduate of Bishop Canevin HighSchoolIt all started with a pesky little knee injury that doctors just couldn’tdiagnose. Jen, a lifelong outdoors enthusiast, began walking severalmiles a day to test whether new therapies were working. She hiked upto 30 miles at a time and discovered a love for photography. After adiagnosis of arthritis and a temporary cure of synthetic joint fluidinjections, an old idea to bike across the state evolved into a foot-trekTHIS PAGE: Jen Britton, Geronimo, friends andfamily make their way down Steubenville Pike to herparent’s home; family and friends with Jen andGeronimo; Wilson Elementary students Ben Reno,front, and Bobby Zysk, back, get acquainted; Jenand Geronimo in front of the historic Wilson LogHouse.62 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

BY KILEY BRADYPHOTOS BY G. PAUL DEBORwith a horse.“Part of the fun in developing an idea like this was having a style ofadventure in what people traditionally conceive of in wilderness, anddoing it by walking through suburbs and roads people use every day,”Jen explains.Jen, who says she was born with a horse-loving gene, began ridinghorses at 11-years-old at the Wissel family stables in Imperial. She laterboarded her 24-year-old Appaloosa, Rex, at Rock’n V Stables inMcDonald.She originally planned to hike cross-state with Rex, but she nixed thatidea after he began having eye problems typical of older horses. Next,she considered making the excursion with a friend’s mule. But he wasless interested in making new friends, let alone traversing the state, so itwas on to Plan C. Jen borrowed 10-year-old Geronimo from a friend,and he proved to be the perfect companion—except for constantlynudging her for carrots!Jen began preparing for the journey about one year before theirdeparture. A self-declared map nerd, she says the trip gave her an excuseto delve into maps and Google Earth. She planned her route accordingto boarding homes, farms, campgrounds, and horse-friendly bed andbreakfasts where she knew they could stay. About one month beforethey set out, Jen and Geronimo readied for their travels by hiking andcamping in local parks.On October 2, Jen and Geronimo began their 33-day journey at herhome near Center City in Philadelphia. The excursion would lead themfrom urban streets and suburban neighborhoods to side roads and ruraltrails. Along the way, they encountered livestock, including sheep, cattle,llamas, and longhorn cattle. Geronimo was especially curious aboutllamas, but he was terrified of the longhorn cattle.The traveling duo also met many people along their journey,one of whom mistook Jen for a homeless woman and offered hera $20 bill! For the most part, Jen says people were curious aboutwhat she was doing and why. Some people even chased herdown to give her muffins or apples for her and Geronimo.Many people warned Jen of the dangers of traveling alone, butshe says she was never afraid. She found it ironic that peoplewould warn her about ‘stranger danger,’ while generously givingher homemade treats.“The only palpable risk was when I was walking on busierroads,” Jen says. “I saw this whole gamut of incompetentdriving!”Geronimo’s daily intake of grains increased from just a few cupsto five to six quarts a day and he had access to all-you-can-eat hayat the farms he stayed. Jen survived on oatmeal she cooked with acamping stove, PowerBars, cans of Ensure, chocolate milk, andmeals provided by her host families. They stayed hydrated withwater from boarding homes, which Jen mixed with powder Tangfor a sugar boost for herself, and Geronimo drank from streamsalong the way.Jen’s daily schedule consisted of waking up around 6:30 or7 o’clock, feeding Geronimo and then feeding herself. Aftergrooming Geronimo and loading the packs onto the saddle, theteam started on their way around 9:30. They walked an averageof about 17 or 18 miles per day, taking breaks to eat and drinkevery four miles. Around four or 5 o’clock they arrived at theirdestination and settled in to eat dinner and spend time withtheir host family. In the evening, Jen checked the weather andmap for the next day’s journey. Jen and Geronimo walked for30 days, interspersed with three days of rest.THIS PAGE: Wilson Elementary fourth grade students JessicaCollins and Nick Faulk hold up a map of Pennsylvania so Jen canshow the students the route she traveled; the travelers are greetedby family, friends, and neighbors as they arrive home; Jen andGeronimo by a special sign made to greet them as they completedtheir journey.

33 - number of days the journey took466 - miles walked from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh250 - pounds of grain food Geronimo ateover the course of the trek6 - number of legs that packed from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh2.5 - pounds of carrots Geronimo ateper day during the journey17 - numbers of mountains they traversed1,200 - pounds that Geronimo weighs9 - gallons of Tang Jen drank on the trek12 - months it took to plan the walking route16 - number of counties they crossed through4 - major rivers they crossedTHIS PAGE: Jennifer Britton talks with the students at WilsonElementary School about her journey walking across the state ofPennsylvania with Geronimo by her side.Every four days or so, Jen’s husband or her father would bring hersupplies, including food for both her and Geronimo and clean laundry. Jenmade sure that the packs Geronimo carried were evenly balanced on eachside. She carried a backpack with her iPhone, iPad, Nikon camera, andGarmin GPS—items she didn’t want squished if Geronimo decided to rollin the grass.Technology came in handy when a trail they were walking on suddenlydisappeared. Jen used her Garmin and iPhone to navigate another route.“I didn’t get lost, the trail did,” she laughs. They also had to find analternate route when Geronimo became skittish walking across a bridge.When they reached Washington County, Jen and Geronimo walkedabout five miles on the Montour Trail. In Imperial, they stopped at WilsonElementary School for a question and answer session with the fourthgraders.On November 4, Jen and Geronimo completed their expedition,arriving at the Hankey Farms home of her parents, Carol and Tom Britton,where a welcome party awaited.Jen says she got used to walking with Geronimo every day, and she hadno knee problems during their expedition. When she returned home toPhiladelphia and went back to her job as a research coordinator at DrexelUniversity, she had to readjust to her regular life.“I joked with my friends that they had to tell me every day how awesomeI am,” says Jen, joking that she nearly got used to people on the road beinginterested in her and Geronimo’s odyssey.She says she was so busy walking with Geronimo on the journey that shedidn’t really miss anything, but it definitely made her appreciate a hotshower and a cozy bed.Though she doesn’t think she did anything remarkable by walking fromPhiladelphia to Pittsburgh with a horse, she says, “It was neat to know Icould do it.”Jen says this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of outing, though she hasn’tcompletely ruled out doing something similar in the future. Her nextadventure is a four-day walk in the Netherlands held every July. This time,though, she’ll be leaving Geronimo home and taking her husband instead.You can read more about the journey straight from the horse’s mouth atwww.xgse2010.tumblr.com.64 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

More Ribbon Cuttings This FallABOVE: Ambassadors were on hand for two ribbon cuttings of new localbusinesses, Edible Arrangements, and Premiere, the Avon Store.Event Raises $9,000 for CharityThe Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with thePittsburgh Airport Area Chamber Enterprise Foundation, directed their focus duringthe month of November to showcase corporate giving. At their 4th Annual “Mixer withShakers,” event “Guest Bartenders” not only heightened awareness but generatedcontributions for their selected charitable organization. The event raised over $9,000for charity.New Board Members ElectedThe Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce (PAACC) is pleased to announce thenewly elected members to the PAACC 2011-2013 Board of Directors and 2011 ExecutiveCommittee.The 2011-2013 Newly Elected Members on the Board of Directors are: Vince Setnar ofClearview Federal Credit Union; Jeff Main of Questeq; Lou Gilberti of Great PA RegionalCouncil of Carpenters; Louis Mancuso of IPS Engineering/ EPC; Warren Byers of M.W.Byers; and Steve McCollum of Word FM.The 2011 Executive Committee is posted on the right under Chamber Officers.Welcome NewMembersBuffalo Wild WingsDriscoll Insurance &Financial Svcs., Inc.Emily Davis PhotographyEntertainment UnlimitedEquitable GasMattress WorldSelma’s Texas BarbecueSend Out CardsSensational SurroundingsThe Alternative BoardTransportation ComplianceAssociates Inc.Universal Oral Fluid Lab ofPA, LLCWestar InternationalForwarders, L.P.Coming Up . . .DECEMBER 9JinglefestMontour Heights Country Club11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.JANUARY 21Annual Celebration of ExcellenceHyatt Regency Pgh. Intl. Airport11 a.m. - 2 p.m.To Reach Us850 Beaver Grade Rd.Moon Twp., PA 15108Phone: (412) 264-6270Fax: (412) 265-1575Satellite Office:One Veteran’s Way, Carnegie, PA 15106Phone: (412) 276-1414, x 1326www.paacc.com E-Mail: info@paacc.comServing These AreasAliquippa, Ambridge, Carnegie, Clinton,Collier, Coraopolis, Crafton, Crescent,Edgeworth, Findlay, Glenfield, Greentree,Haysville, Heidelberg, Hopewell, Ingram,Kennedy, Leetsdale, McDonald, McKeesRocks, Moon Township, Neville Island, NorthFayette, Oakdale, Osborne, PennsburyVillage, Robinson, Rosslyn Farms, Sewickley,Stowe, and ThornburgChamber OfficersBERNADETTE PUZZUOLE, ChairpersonCAROL IFFT, 1st Vice-ChairJOHN DALEY, 2nd Vice-ChairDEAN HASTINGS, Vice-ChairVINCE SETNAR, Vice-ChairRONALD PASIC, TreasurerSEAN HENDERSON, Immed. Past ChairmanChamber StaffSally Haas-PresidentMichelle Kreutzer-VP, Business Dev.& Mktg.Tammy Lynn-BookkeepingCasey Mahaven-Special Events Rep.Connie Ruhl-Special Projects CoordinatorAmber Beezel-Communications Coord.Amanda Coumbassa & Amy Cicco-Membership ServicesJill Kipper-Special Projects AssistantDecember 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 65

Community Cardswww.martintax.comADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, ORGANIZATION,PRODUCT, OR SERVICE HERE! Just $115 for a blackand white business card, or $125 for a business card incolor. No contract required. For more information, call(724) 695-3968.Community Marketplace66 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

Gift a gift that costsnothing but meansthe world tosomeone.Sign up to be anorgan donor.Center forOrgan Recovery & Education800-DONORS-7 ~ www.core.orgMARKETPLACE ADS, BELOW: REACH 14,000 in each of 3 editions -- 42,000 total, for just $50 EACH!PIANO LESSONSCall now to reserve your private lesson time!Adults & children welcomeDay & evening times availableFor more informationplease contactSuzanne Givi Piano Studio412-787-9879suzannegivi@hotmail.comLocated in Robinson Twp. across fromMontour HSSeekingSTUDENT INTERNSAllegheny West MagazineFOR VIDEO PRODUCTION PROJECTSSpring/Summer Semesters - Studentsstudying Communications/Broadcasting arewelcome to apply. Interns will completeactual portfolio pieces for their files.Internships have flexible hours.Call (724) 695-3968 or e-mail:alleghenywestmagazine@comcast.net.Daycarein Robinson Township ishiring caregivers towork with childrenages 3-10.Experience necessary.412-859-3581December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 67

Findlay TownshipIn November the Board of Supervisors approved two land developmentapplications. The first one was for Alro Steel which is proposing a 99,743-square-foot office/warehouse/ distribution center for steel products. They willbe locating on a 15-acre parcel in the Findlay Industrial Park. The second paddevelopment application was for the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department. Theyreceived approval for a 10,400-square-foot public service building on a 1.52-acre parcel that the Fire Department owns off of Pine Street in Imperial.Also, the Village at Clinton Lake, a 115 townhouse unit planned developmentoff of Clinton Road, started construction. A.R. Building Company anticipatesutilities and roadway to be completed by the end of the year.Findlay Police Department was among 30 area police departments that werehonored in November with AAA’s Platinum awards for their highway safetyactivities. An awards luncheon was held to honor the platinum winners and otherdepartments that excelled in making their communities safer. In 2009, 1,256traffic fatalities occurred on Pennsylvania highways. This program recognizedofficers who conduct traffic safety education and/or enforcement programs tomake their communities safer.Oakdale BoroughThe Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department and Moore’s Hardware will again besponsoring the Annual Christmas Lights Contest for Oakdale residents. The housewith the best exterior illumination will win a $25 gift certificate to Moore’sHardware.The Oakdale Borough office will be closed at noon on Thursday, December 23and all day Friday, December 24. The office will also close at noon on ThursdayDecember 30 and will be closed all day Friday, December 31.“America’s Hometown” Proudly Unveils New Parklet in TownOakdale residents and officials kicked off the holiday season on November 27with light-up night festivities and a dedication of the mural at the former Boock’sBar property. The borough purchased the lot. Sprout, the organization thatprovided the artist, Diane Adams, for the mural through a grant the boroughreceived, arranged for the artist to undertake the project.The event included welcoming remarks by Bill Gamble, with prayer by ReverendMark Simons, and Pledge of Allegiance led by Pete Longstreth, a World War IIveteran. Oakdale Mayor Ross Rohbeck, Sr. led the tree lighting. Music wasprovided by Clem Rolin & the West Hills Symphonic Band. Oakdale Boroughchildren sang Christmas carols. Retired Oakdale railroaders Cecil Howell and PhilMackey were on hand, as were Roger Williams of the Oakdale Fire Department; AlPifer, president of the Oakdale Ball Park Youth League; John and Audrey Moore;Oakdale Borough veterans and Legionaires; Dr. Anthony and Ermi Palmieri; andTim Esken, park contractor.Borough council members were there, as were legislators and District JusticeAnthony Saveikis.Curt Gettman, public art manager of Sprout, made comments, as did DianeAdams. The event concluded with a finale by the West Hills Symphonic Band and thearrival of Santa.North Fayette TownshipThe Tonidale Bridge replacement project is underway. Traffic is beingdetoured for those traveling Montour Church Road at the Tonidale exit. Trafficon Route 22-30 is being funneled into a single lane, and traffic delays may bepossible during the bridge project.FROM THE POLICE CHIEFA $2.8 million project to replace the bridge that carries Kelso Road overRoute 22 in North Fayette Township, Allegheny County, is underway.The bridge is between Steubenville Pike and Partridge Lane. To allow thenecessary work to occur, Kelso Road will be closed to traffic in the bridgearea between the on-and-off ramps to Route 22 continuously through June2011. The ramps will remain open during the work. Although Kelso Road isa locally owned roadway, PennDOT owns the bridge. About 1,538 vehiclesuse the bridge on an average day. Signs will be posted to guide motoristsaround the closure. Local residents are encouraged to find alternateroutes.The North Fayette Police Department began utilizing a new communicationsservicelast month that allows them to send important, valuablecommunity information directly to residents using the latest technology.The Nixle Community Information Service allows them to create andpublish messages to be delivered to subscribed residents instantly via cellphone text message and/or e-mail. Notifications can also be accessedonline at Nixle’s Web site at www.nixle.com.Messages may include crime watch, traffic, and weather alerts as well asother relevant safety and community event information.The service is reliable and free to use.The messages can be sent specifically to residents registered within a ¼mile radius, giving them the opportunity to receive trustworthy informationrelevant only to their neighborhood. Residents decide from which localagencies they want to receive information. Subscribers can also choose theway in which alerts are received, whether it is by email, text message, orover the web.There is NO spam and NO hidden cost. Standard text messaging ratesdo apply.Nixle builds on the foundations of other public-to-public communicationservices, such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace, but adds a keycomponent: security. When citizens receive information from our agency viaNixle, they know it can be trusted.Residents of North Fayette Township and those in neighboring communitiescan immediately begin receiving pertinent information via textmessage, e-mail, and web by registering at www.nixle.com.Type in “Allegheny West Magazine” in the “search” box at the top of the Facebook page, and you will find us. Become a fanso you can receive updates of information around the community. We post events and news that we receive in between magazineissues 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 thatmake this region a great place to live and work.68 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

Community ConnectionsMUNICIPALITIESFINDLAY TOWNSHIP1271Route 30Clinton, PA 15026(724) 695-0500www.findlay.pa.usNORTH FAYETTETOWNSHIP400 North Branch RoadOakdale, PA 15071(412) 788-4888www.north-fayette.comOAKDALE BOROUGH6115 Noblestown RoadOakdale, PA 15071(724) 693-9740www.oakdaleborough.comMcDONALD BOROUGH151 School StreetMcDonald, PA 15057(724) 926-8711www.mcdonaldboro.comEMERGENCIES:Dial 911COMMUNITY GROUPSPUBLIC & PRIVATESCHOOLS K-12West AlleghenySchool District600 Donaldson RoadOakdale, PA 15071(724) 695-3422www.westasd.orgParkway West Career &Technology Center7101 Steubenville PikeOakdale, PA 15071(412) 923-1772www.parkwaywest.orgThis list includes only those public and privateschools located within the municipalities servedby the West Allegheny Edition of Allegheny WestMagazineAl-A-Non, West A area, (724) 926-3396American Legion Post 171 Oakdale, (724) 693-8759American Legion Post 335 Imperial, (724) 695-0491Boy Scouts-Grtr. Pgh. Council-Frontier, (412) 325-7971 or 7995Findlay Athletic Assn., (724) 255-3139Girl Scouts WPA, (724) 774-3553Heritage Public Library-McDonald, (724) 926-8400Kiwanis Club #1571, (724) 899-3695Lions Club Imperial, (724) 513-7616Masonic Lodge #669, (724) 693-8274McDonald Area Redevelopment Assn., (724) 926-4617Meals on Wheels-Oakdale, (724) 693-8540Meals on Wheels-W.A., (724) 695-0634Montour Run Watershed Assn., (888)205-5778Montour Trail Council, (412) 257-3011Montour Valley Grange, (724) 695-0481Mothers of Preschoolers-Crossroads, (412) 494-9999Mothers of Preschoolers-Hebron, (724) 899-2276Mothers of Preschoolers-Valley, (724) 695-0300North Fayette Athletic Assn., (412) 580-0655North Fayette Garden Club, (724) 693-8413Oakdale Youth League, (724) 693-8951Rotary - Parkway West, (412) 287-9273CHURCHESAllegheny West Christian Church7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071(412) 788-4988Church of Jesus Christ57 Moore Road, Imperial, PA 15126(724) 899-3935Church of The Living Christ220 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126(724) 695-7188, www.cotlc.comChurch of the Nazarene507 Route 30, Imperial, PA 15126(724) 695-7669, www.nazarene.orgClinton UP Church25 Wilson Road, Clinton, PA 15026(724) 695-7993Clinton Wesleyan Church1022 Clinton Road, Clinton, PA 15026(724) 695-7076Covenant Family ChurchP. O. Box 15533, Pittsburgh, PA 15244(724) 263-7147, www.cfc-church.com(meets at Springhill Suites)Crossroads Methodist Church1000 Crossroads Drive, Oakdale, PA 15071(412) 494-9999, www.crossroadsumc.orgHebron Presbyterian Church1767 Route 30, Clinton, PA 15026(725) 899-2276Montours Presbyterian Church3151 Montour Church Road, Oakdale, PA 15071(412) 787-1050Noblestown United Methodist Church7313 Noblestown Road, Oakdale, PA 15071(724) 693-2755Noblestown UnitedPresbyterian Church7427 Noblestown Road, Oakdale, PA 15071(724) 693-8250Oakdale United Presbyterian Church62 Hastings Avenue, Oakdale, PA 15071(724) 693-8950Resurrection Lutheran Church7600 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071(412) 788-4513St. Columbkille Church103 Church Road, Imperial, PA 15126(724) 695-7325, www.saintcolumbkilleparish.orgSt. Patrick’s Church7322 Noblestown Road, Oakdale, PA 15071(724) 693-9260, www.saint-patrick-parish.comThe Bible Chapel@ PIttsburgh Technical Institute(724) 941-8990, www.biblechapel.org/robinsonValley Presbyterian Church237 Main Street, Imperial, PA 15126(724) 695-0300, www.valleychurchweb.comWest Ridge Christian Church100 Gorwood Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108(724) 695-7500, www.wrccc.orgSenior Citizen Groups:- Findlay Township, (724) 695-0500- North Fayette Township, (724) 695-9118- Oakdale Community Center, (724) 693-8540- St. Columbkille, (724) 695-7325SNPJ Lodge 106, (724) 695-1411Sturgeon Athletic Club, (724) 926-2150The ROCK Community Center, (724) 693-2777VFW Ladies Auxiliary, (412) 788-4674VFW Post #7070 Oakdale, (412) 427-9195VFW Post #7714 Imperial, (724) 695-8866West Allegheny Food Pantry & Thrift Shop, (724) 695-1305West Allegheny Foundation, inquiries@wafounation.orgWest Allegheny Friends to Enhance the Library (WAFEL), (724) 695-8150West Allegheny Ministerium, (724) 693-8950West Allegheny Booster & PTA Groups, visit www.westasd.orgWestern Allegheny Community Library, (724) 695-8150West Allegheny Aqua Club, (412) 608-4583West Allegheny Arts Advocacy, (724) 695-3374West Allegheny Inline Hockey, (412) 334-2640West Allegheny Youth Assn., (724) 695-2449West Allegheny Youth Soccer Assn., (724) 695-1984West Allegheny Youth Wrestling, (724) 695-3787December 2010 Allegheny West Magazine 69

PERSONALPerspective“True greatness knows gentleness.”UnknownByErma DoddNorth Fayette TownshipresidentIt was an unforgettablegift……Christmas. Busiest time foreveryone. Yet, my future daughter-in-lawasked when I could “Go for lunch.”What? I am thinking, “I will see youChristmas Eve and Christmas Day. Whydo you want to meet for lunch? I don’thave time, but if that is what Mimi wantsto do…”“How about Thursday, 1:00, where?”It is all arranged. I have thoughts ofcanceling, rescheduling, but I go.There is Mimi, waiting. She is notdressed for lunch, that’s strange. Then I seeher, my very dear and a very best friend,Naomi Ruschell. It had been years sincewe had seen each other. Hugs.Mimi handed me a gift card for therestaurant and said, “Enjoy. MerryChristmas!” She left two friends excited tosee one another.We laughed and talked, laughed andcried. Two hours flew by and we topped itwith dessert.As we hugged and said “Good Bye,” shewent to her car, I headed to my car. Irealized I felt so so happy. I felt like I wasabout 30 years old again. Our friendshipbegan at age 18. Our babies, Dennis andNatalie, were born one day apart. Thesetwo hours were wonderful and took meback in time.I stopped and said, “you aren’t 30.Reality, you are___.” But I liked feeling30-35.And that’s the age I’ve decided I am. I justlive in an older body.Much like this next story.He gave her the first kiss. She was in 7 thgrade, 12 years old. It was his first kiss,too.They dated off and on through juniorand senior high school. After graduation,they lost touch as each pursued careers.He attended a class reunion. A classmatesuggested he e-mail her.He did. Then the phone calls. Timepassed. They agreed to meet in Oakdale.She flew in, spent a week. He came to seeher every day. They jumped on hismotorcycle and off they would go. He hasmade several CD’s. She admits she fallsasleep every night listening to his music.Truly, love rekindled.When I heard their story, and saw theirjoy in being together, I asked, “I knowabout how old you are. But how old doyou feel?”Without hesitation, he quicklyanswered, “Sixteen.”She answered, “we feel like teenagers.”How old do you think they are?Clue to these romantics’ age is the lastline of this story.Stop and think. You know how old yourbody is, but how old does the ‘you’ feelinside you ?One friend answered, “a teenager, I don’tever want to grow up.” Others say in theirtwenties, thirties.. some have no idea,never thought about it. What is youranswer? Write it, tell it, enjoy it.Clue: First kiss was age 12 in 1948.Thanksgiving and WA’s Food Pantryhelped 178 area families.“For the fourth year now, an anonymousman donated 160 turkeys. Anotherman donated 10 more,” says GeriHermann, always amazed at such timelygenerosity. Geri had just gotten a callfrom a church. She was on her way todeliver food to a family of four in need.Her passion shows. Forget all the badnews for this minute anyway.Geri says, “See the good. There is somuch good.”Forgot to ask, “Where did the othereight turkeys come from, Geri?”What really matters is, they came andwent.Erma Dodd has launched a Web site,www.ermajournals.com. Soon readers will beable to find Erma’s articles on the site. Log onto ermajournals.com.“Tis the Season” and also the theme forthe WA High School Christmas ChorusConcert on December 23. The vicepresident and her committee are in chargeof decorating the new auditorium. Lauraasked for suggestions.Kelsey Powell answered, “Make it fun.”Fun. Toys, gifts. So, the 300+ chorusmembers will be bringing toys, new orgently used, from their homes and heartsto adorn the stage for the concert. Andthen the decorations, their toys, will go tothe Salvation Army early on ChristmasEve to decorate awaiting little hearts.Fun, Christmas-style.Saint Anthony, Italy, 1195-1231. PatronSaint of elderly people, travelers, lost articles,etc.Imagine driving down Penn Avenue,Pittsburgh, and seeing in your rear viewmirror, Saint Anthony chasing you. Hislong brown robe, his unique hair style,and he is running as fast as he can in hissandals, waving his arms, hollering.The elderly travelers finally stopped theircar. They were lost. And they weretraveling in the wrong direction on theone-way Penn Avenue.Being of the Jewish faith, this 75-yearoldcouple did not recognize this person,Saint Anthony.It was, however, October 30, and thisSaint was in Halloween mode, enroute tohear a favorite band and meet friends onPenn Avenue.He saw the car going the wrong wayand did his saintly best to prevent apossible accident, tragedy, or policeintervention.So, instead of appearing before a judgefor this driving error, the judge appearedbehind them in their rear view mirror,chasing them to safety.Our own Judge Anthony Saveikis,District Magistrate, adorned as SaintAnthony, was getting a work out, apartfrom Amic’s gym, in sandals, running aJewish couple down on Penn Avenue.70 Allegheny West Magazine December 2010

Jennette Communications Group15 Walnut Street, Suite 101Imperial, PA 15126-1226NOW IN OUR12th YEARPublishing in theAirport AreaPRSRT STDU.S. PostagePAIDIMPERIAL, PA15126PERMIT NO. 83