in-monroeville-spring

SPRING 2011 SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF MONROEVILLE AND PITCAIRN

Welcome to the spring issue of Monroeville Magazine. I hope you all hada wonderful holiday filled with family, friends, and fun.

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

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 In addition,we now offer every magazine in a fully downloadable PDF format, rather thanthe outdated flipbook format we used to have.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

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

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

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

I hope you have a wonderful spring!

Wayne DollardPublisher

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

On page 16 of this edition, I want to introduce you to three young men whohave contributed to the community by rehabilitating the Old Stone Church next toCrossroads Cemetery. Zach Carns, Brendan Demich, and Will Schultz all deserveour praise and thanks for attending to a community gem so that it’s preserved forfuture generations to enjoy. As we look forward to warmer and brighter days ahead,I hope you will enjoy this edition of Monroeville Magazine.

Marybeth JeffriesManaging Editor

2 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE Monroeville

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

PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Mark Berton [email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jamie [email protected]

WRITERS

Jonathan Barnes Pamela PalongueKelli McElhinny

GRAPHIC DESIGN

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rebecca BaileyGaryyonphotography.comOne Way Street Productions

ADVERTISING SALES

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

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

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

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

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

Summer content deadline:4/5www.incommunitymagazines.com

SPRING 2011

Please recycle this magazinewhen you arethrough enjoying it.

Publisher’s Message | 2

COMMUNITY INTEREST | The Borough of Pitcairn | 6

Student Artwork Contest | 10

Monroeville Public Library | 14

Boy Scouts Rescue the Old Stone Church | 16

Older Adults in Monroeville | Keep Your Credit Card Secure | 18Digital Photography for Seniors | 19Dom Care Program | 20

UPMC Today |Health and Wellness News You Can Use | 21

In Kids | 30

Monroeville Area Chamber | 35

Real Estate in Monroeville |Both Buyers and Sellers Need to BEWARE of OVERpricing | 38Reeducation of the Seller | 39

FEATURES | Proms & Wedding Section |

Venue Planning for Your Wedding | 44Prom Fashion Tips for 2011 | 45Wedding Reception to Remember | 46Wedding Etiquette for the Socially Inept | 47

Home Improvements |

Fireplace—Creates Warmth & the Perfect Decor | 5Rethinking the Attic | 40

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | Pro Bikes |

Powered by Passion | 29

Allegheny Hearing |

Are Your Ears Ringing? | 43

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT | Garage Door Doctor | 33

Learning Express Toys |

Toys to Talk About | 37

ON THE COVER | Eagle Scout, Zack Carns works on rehabilitating The Old Stone Church in Monroeville.

16 4512

S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 UPMC East on Schedule to Open

in Summer 2012

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

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

page 5 UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online

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

page 7 Shaping Up to PlayPreventing Weekend Warrior Injuries

For residents of eastern communities

Healthy Family,Happy Family

Keeping yourself and your family healthy can seem like a full-time job. With UPMC HealthTrak, you now have a convenient way to manage your health anytime and anywhere.21

Monroeville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

Monroeville | Spring 2011 |

Contents

Add Warmth, Style, andValue to Your Home

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

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

What's Your StyleFireplaces have come a long way from

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

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

Which is the right

investment for you?When deciding which option in

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

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

firePlaCe

&the PerfeCt DeCor

Creates Warmth


Town Clean-Up Day is an excellent timeto spring clean your house and helpkeep our community clean.

Dumpsters will be located at the BoroughBuilding, Fire Company #1, and at SugarCamp for your convenience.

Hard-to-dispose-of items such asautomotive batteries, refrigerators, airconditioners, metal, and tires will be acceptedonly at Fire Company #1 and will require asmall charge to cover environmental feesassociated with their disposal.

As in past years, permits for residents areavailable at the Borough office and will belimited to one permit per family or resident.Proof of residency is required prior to issuanceof the permit.

If you or your organization would like tovolunteer your time to the community, pleasecall the borough office at 412.372.6500 toregister for a location. Gloves and safetyequipment will be provided.

Government InformationBorough Manager: Patty LogoAvailable at the office:Permit and inspection informationPark Building or Sugar Camp rental information

Elected OfficialsState Senator State Representative James Brewster Joseph Markosek412.380.2242 412.856.8284

Mayor and Council412.372.6500

Borough Meetings7 p.m. in the Pitcairn Borough Council ChambersCouncil Agenda Workshop: Second TuesdayCouncil Business Meeting: Fourth Tuesday

Pitcairn Borough Community EventsAdvertised on Pitcairn Community Station–Ch. 4: Easter Egg Hunt Harvest Festival Spring/Fall Clean-Up Community DaySummer Lunch Program Fireman’s Fair Summer Recreation ProgramOld Fashioned Christmas

Pitcairn DirectoryPolice/Fire Emergency 911Police Non-Emergency 412.856.1111 Pitcairn Police Department 412.372.6505Chief: Dennis Hockenberry 412.372.6505

Fire Non-Emergency Pitcairn Hose No. 1: 412.372.7040 Chief – Henry FarallyPitcairn Hose No. 2: 412.856.5630 Chief – Chris Fouser

Ambulance Pitcairn Ambulance 412.856.6432Gateway School District 412.372.5300Tax Collector Sally DiRobbio 412.372.3009Wage Tax Collector EIT Collector 412.856.1045Borough Engineer EADS 412.754.0801Borough Solicitor Bruce Dice and Associates

412.733.3080Magistrate Jeffery Herbst 412.372.1125Animal Control Triangle Pet 412.771.7387Trash Waste Management 724.864.5166UtilitiesWilkinsburg Penn Joint Water 412.243.6200Equitable Gas Company 412.395.3050ALCOSAN Sewage 412.766.6696Verizon Telephone 800.660.2215

Pitcairn Borough Electric/Cable Department Pitcairn Power 582 Sixth Street, Pitcairn, PA 15140 412.372.6500 Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday

Monthly bills include electric usage, cable, garbageand sewer maintenance fees. Bills are sent outapproximately the 15th of each month, and are duethe fifth of each month. There is a drop off box onthe front door of the Borough building for paymentsafter office hours.

Trash Days: Trash may be put out after 6 p.m. on theday before collection.


BOROUGHOFPitcairn

PITCAIRNTOWNCLEAN-UPDAYSaturday, April 16 • 7:30-11:30 a.m.

Do you have abasement full of “stuff” you'llnever use again?Would you like toactually put yourcar in the garage?If so, BoroughCouncil can help!


Pitcairn Borough provides two facilities for rental to residentsand the public at large. To rent either facility for your group orpersonal event, please contact the Borough office at 412.372.6500.

Sugar Camp Park, on Wall Avenue, is a large multi-purposerecreational facility. Amenities include two picnic pavilions, fullkitchen, restrooms, basketball court, playground with swings, and arecreational field for outdoor sports. Ample parking is available.Electricity is provided at the pavilion.

Pitcairn Park Building, on Broadway, is a large indoor facilitysuited for meetings, parties, and other large indoor events. Thebuilding seats 150-200 people, depending on configuration. Thebuilding has a full kitchen, restrooms, air conditioning, and ampleparking in an adjacent free lot. Also available is posting of yourevent on the outdoor marquis.

The Borough of Pitcairn is upgrading its Internetservice. The new service, Level 3, will be six times

faster than the current Internet speed. The new,faster service will be competitive with FIOS

and Comcast.The new provider is also a primary content

provider for Netflix, so that type of content will bemuch easier to download.Pitcairn's Internet solution will be easily expandable,

should the demand increase.The utilization will be available for review/monitoring

via an online Web portal.The new service will not add any additional cost to the

customer and is expected to be completed within the nexttwo months.


Monroeville

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Beatty Pointe Village in Monroevillecelebrated its “Sweet 15” anniversary onJanuary 15 with an event designed to

please any sweet tooth. Julie Alakson, spokeswoman for Beatty

Pointe Village, said the event was centeredaround desserts that reflect the sweet theme.Guests were treated to candies, flavoredcoffees and teas in addition to the decadentdesserts offered.

Alakson also said that the event alsohighlighted residents and staff who have beenwith facility since its inception. Two residentsthat moved in when Beatty Pointe first openedits doors are still living there, and 10 employeeswho were part of the original staff are still part ofthe Beatty Pointe Team.

Music was furnished by the nimble fingers ofharpist Lucy Scandrett.

Beatty Pointe Village also offered move-inincentives for residents who moved in prior toFebruary 1.

Alakson said that Beatty Pointe Village willbe hosting other events throughout the year thatalso will be open to the public, including a healthfair in March.

Beatty Pointe Village is part of UPMC SeniorCommunities and is located at 700 Beatty Roadin Monroeville.

For more information on Beatty Pointe Villageor for a current listing of their events, go to:www.upmc.com/Services/SeniorCommunities/independent-living/Pages/beatty-pointe-village.aspx.


Students at Gateway High School will be takingthe stage in late April for their spring musical,“Seussical The Musical.” In the meantime, thekids have kept very busy with rehearsals.

Cast members have been rehearsing with achoreographer, musical director, vocal director,and music director after school each week.

“Rehearsals so far are very good,” says BobRead, musical director. “The kids really like themusic, and they are looking forward to anothergood production.”

Read says he never selects the show prior toauditions. “This year we were very impressed withthe talent of the kids, and there were many verygood auditions,” says Read. “We decided on'Seussical,' allowing masny kids to be featured in alead-type role, even double-casting some roles toprovide even more students with an opportunity.”

Gateway has hired a professional set designerfrom Point Park University to build the show's set.“We have parents involved in the construction,and many kids help as well,” says Read.

The set is mostly worked on during the weekends.Plans are made for each set piece and are detailedin their design. “This way, certain parents and kidscan be working on one set piece while others maybe working on something else,” says Read.

“Seussical” is based on the books of belovedchildren's author Dr. Seuss. The musical's storyintegrates many of Seuss's most famous books.

Don’t miss out on your chance to see theshow at Gateway High School Auditorium. Forinformation and to reserve tickets, patrons maycall the box office at 412.373.5866.

Tot TimeTot Time has been moved to the second andfourth Tuesday of each month.10–10:30 a.m. in the Gallery Space

These story times for one- to three-year-olds with an adult are held the secondand fourth Tuesday of each month in theGallery Space. Registration begins oneweek before each program.

Family Craft NightsFamily Craft Nights, held in the

Program Room, are a fun evening of craftmaking for the entire family. Space islimited, so register early!

Easter Family Craft NightTuesday, April 12 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.Registration begins April 1

Recycled Family Craft NightThursday, April 28 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.Registration begins April 12

Winter StorytimeThis series of stories and crafts for childrenages 3–5 are held each Wednesday fromFebruary 16 to April 20. Parents do not stayduring the story portion but return to helpwith crafts during the last 10 minutes.

Teen Book Club

The Teen Book Club meets the second Monday of each month from 3:30–4:30 p.m. in the Conference Room.Check the Teen Page for book titles.

Teen GamingThursday Afternoons – 3–5 p.m.

Join us for Guitar Hero: World Tour,Madden '09, and a whole lot more on ourPlayStation 3! We've also got free snackswhile you wait for your turn at the system.Feel free to bring some games of your own.

For additional information, visit the Teen page of our website or contact the Teen Librarian at 412.372.0500, ext. 18.

Monroeville Public Library4000 Gateway Campus Blvd.

412.372.0500Children’s Room: ext. 3, Teen Librarian: ext. 18Adult Reference: ext. 4

Christy Fusco, Director

As an essential part of our community,

Monroeville Public Library needs yoursupport. Each and every day, people turnto the library seeking a book, a job, accessto the Internet, or a quiet oasis where theycan enjoy the newspaper, a magazine, orour gallery. At any time, MonroevillePublic Library welcomes your gift to helpus sustain an ever-growing collection ofresources and a wide variety of programsand activities for individuals of all ages—allFREE to the public. Make a gift today forone of the following MPL priorities.

For more information visit:www.monroevillelibrary.org/screens/donate.html

Thanks to Friends of the Library, MPL is able to repair DVD/CDs that have been

damaged. The state of the art equipment was purchased because DVD/CDs were beingdiscarded due to scratches. In most cases, the equipment can repair the discs. Discs that arecracked or delaminated cannot be repaired.

The library is offering to repair DVD/CDs for the public, for a donation of $2 per disc.

For additional information, please contact Evan Karelitz at 412.372.0500, ext. 26.

Hours of Operation:Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 2 – 5 p.m.

Expert Advice for Owners of Aging or Ailing Pets: The Final Paw of the JourneyWednesday, May 4, 20117:30 - 8:30 p.m., Gallery Space4000 Gateway Campus BoulevardFree of charge; call 412.372.0500 to registerCo-sponsored by Heal from Pet Loss

All Monroeville Public Library patrons are invited to join MPL Adult Program E-News, an

electronic mail group designed to keep you informed about adult programs at MPL. Membersreceive e-mails with information about upcoming local history programs, travel slide shows, localauthor talks, science programs, health lectures and more.To join MPL Adult Program E-News,just send a blank e-mail message to [email protected]. Withina few minutes you will receive an e-mail with instructions for joining the group. If you have anyquestions about how to join the MPL Adult Program E-News group, contact Mark Hudson,Adult Services Librarian, at 412.372.0500, ext. 13.

Books By Mail represents a library

without walls, a special service to patronsages 50+ who cannot get to the MonroevillePublic Library. The elderly, thehomebound, those without adequate meansof transportation, and people withdisabilities living in the taxing district(Monroeville and Pitcairn) all qualify.There is no charge for Books By Mail.

www.monroevillelibrary.org/screens/booksbymail.html



Write forMonroeville!

We are looking for experienced writers! If you’rea writer based in the Chartiers Valley communityand you’re interested in writing features that keep our readers up to date on what’s happening, e-mail [email protected].

No phone calls please!

WWhen it became evident thatMonroeville’s 117-year-old landmark neededlifesaving restoration, three Boy Scouts fromTroops 205 and 111 came to the rescue. Likethe Three Kings who offered gifts of spicesand gold, they offered many hours ofplanning and labor to prevent the Old StoneChurch next to Crossroads Cemetery fromfurther deterioration.

Even though it is perched atop the hillnear Miracle Mile Shopping Center, thechurch’s basement flooded during rainstorms

and its bathroom walls looked like waterfallsduring rainy days. In addition, the old pewswere coming apart. This is when BoyScouts, who needed projects to earn theirEagle awards, offered their help to thedelight of the Monroeville Historical Society

members who oversee its preservation. After submitting and receiving approval

for his extensive plans to the Municipality ofMonroeville who owns the building,Monroeville Historical Society, and the BoyScout board of approval, Zach Carns, 15,began his project the first of October andworked every Sunday through November. Asophomore at Franklin Regional High Schooland a member of BSA Troop 205 that meetsin Murrysville, Zach said he researched thebest way to solve the wet basement problem,and also consulted with Ernest W. Carns, hisgrandfather who is a civil engineer; KevinBeamer, his Troop Eagle Award advisor; andJohn Hyzy, Monroeville Public WorksDepartment foreman. “Their support andencouragement was priceless,” Zach stressed.

Zach learned three reinforced-concretewindow wells needed to be constructed toreplace the original wells that were breakingand falling apart. First, the old wells, made ofbrick and mortar, had to be dug out whichrequired many hours of digging and hauling.“After that, forming the frames for the windowwells was a slow process,” he said. “Wood andrebar had to be cut. I had to use levels and

squares to make sure the forms were straightand then brace them in every direction

before the heavy concrete was poured.” Even though it was a dusty job, Zach chose

to top off the window wells with stone caps toenhance their appearance. Ernie Carns, Zach’sfather and Scoutmaster said, “Safety wasemphasized every step of the project.Everyone used gloves, safety glasses and earplugs. Only adults used the powered handtools.” Zach added extra dirt for drainage intothe French drain he dug, used plate tampers tolevel the ground for the final grade, and thenthe Municipality personnel used topsoil andgrass seed to complete the landscaping aroundthe wells. The project’s goals were achievedbecause the rooms in the basement have stayeddry and damage to the structure was averted.

“I was pleased with the outcome of myproject which took 401 hours to complete.This includes my hours of planning andworking on paperwork and everyone’s timewho helped me. I appreciate all the photosmy mother, Susanne, took to record thiseffort. I felt every step of the project wentwell because there was great communicationbetween those involved on how best tocomplete each task,” Zach said.

A junior at Plum Senior High School,Brendan Demich, 16, chose to work on a


M O N RO E V I L L E H I S T O R I CA L S O C I E T Y

Boy Scouts Rescue the

“I was pleased with the outcome of myproject which took 401 hours to complete.This includes my hours of planning andworking on paperwork and everyone’stime who helped me.”

Brendan Demich on the floorchecking out the pew problemat the Old Stone Church.


project at the church because he hadsentimental feelings for this uniquely-shaped,historical structure. He knew his parents,Butch and Elaine Demich, were married therein June, 1989, and when his sister, Emily, wasmarried there last April, he learned HistoricalSociety members were looking for help to fixthe deteriorating condition of the pews.

Historical Society member Bob Elmsexplained to Brendan fixing the pewswould consist of cleaning, gluing andscrewing together the pew joints thatconnect the backs to the seats in thishistorical church that holds 160 and heaccepted the challenge.

“I’m glad I picked the Old StoneChurch for my project,” Brendan said,“because I learned about woodworkingtechniques, especially the skills needed touse clamps, glue, and drilling screws intoolder, softer wood. But the best things Ilearned were leadership and organization.”A member of BSA Troop 111 that meets inMonroeville, he also said he was glad herefurbished the church’s 38 rows of pewsthat involved more than 125 hours of work.He appreciated all the cooperation he gotfrom Society members who faithfully methim there for scheduled appointments. Hisfather said, “Elaine and I loved spending thetime in the church while Brendan workedon his project because it brought back greatmemories of both of the family weddings.We are happy our son made a lastingcontribution to this beautiful church.”

A third project involved the redesigningof a roof over an addition to the church andmaking it watertight to prevent rain fromseeping into the restrooms below. This taskwas accepted by William Schultz of Troop205, the son of Paul and Loretta Schultz. Asenior at Franklin Regional High School, Willsaid he gained a lot from earning his Eagleaward. “I learned how to manage a project,especially the procedures necessary to getapprovals, make changes, and obtain newapprovals, all within a budget.”

He decided to substitute Fiberglass for

wood where possible to insure a longerlasting and watertight roof. “By redesigningthe roof to allow for a greater pitch, a betterslope was created so rain could drain into agutter and downspout and then into aFrench drain that we dug,” Will explained.“Grading of the area to direct water awayfrom the restrooms completed the project.”

Will said he appreciates the fundingand cooperation he received from theHistorical Society members andMonroeville Municipal personnel,especially Mary Lou Span and John Hyzy.Although the actual construction wascompleted in two days, the project hourstotaled 101, which included his hours ofplanning and expediting the paper workand the time spent by him, adults, andother Scouts who helped complete thisproject. After years of problems, therestroom floors are dry and safe for visitors.

Will plans to continue his education atIndiana University of Pennsylvania. Hisgoal is to earn a theater arts degree withemphasis on stage crew.

Lynn Chandler, president of theHistorical Society, said she is very gratefulfor the achievements of these Scouts. “Themaintenance of the old structures underour care is an ongoing struggle. The workof these young men is invaluable and couldnot otherwise have been accomplished byus without considerable expense and delay.The Historical Society is grateful, as well asimpressed, by the outstanding work ofthese Scouts. These projects allow theSociety to continue to offer a first-classfacility for those who would like to marryin a church setting or hold a religiousservice, musical, or meeting at a reasonablecost. In turn, this provides funds forrepairs and upkeep; publishing a newsletterand maintaining a website; and freeactivities to the public like the Children’sFestival in June; tours of McGinley andMcCully Log historical houses everySunday in June, July, and August; and theHeritage Day Festival in October.”

By Marilyn K. Wempa

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

credit card back into your wallet or pursefor a while.

But even though this may be a downtime for you and your credit card, it’s notime to be lax about your credit cardsecurity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lastly, if you have several credit cardsthat you use often, take the time to flip themover and write down the 1-800 customer

service numbers on theback and keep that listin a safe place. It’s alsoa good idea to keep acopy in your purse orwallet. This way, whenyou notice your card ismissing and are frantic,you can at least go toyour list and call toreport the missingcard.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SeniorAgencies

There are several agenciesthat offer free or reducedrate transportation servicesto individuals who qualify.

Provides non-emergencymedical transportation toresidents of AlleghenyCounty who have a validPennsylvania Departmentof Public Welfare MedicalAssistance Card.

The Port Authority allowsAllegheny Countyresidents, 65 years of ageand older, to ride free onlocal public transportation(buses, trolleys and rapid-transit lines). Participantsmust obtain identificationcards, which are availablefree of charge, fromparticipating transportationproviders. Call412.442.2000 for thelocation nearest to you.

ACCESS is door-to-door,advance reservation,shared-ride transportationprovided throughout PortAuthority’s service area. It serves primarily seniorcitizens and persons withdisabilities. There are norestrictions on the purposeor number of trips whichmay be taken by riders,except that riders arerequired to share theirvehicle with others travelingin the same direction and atthe same time.

Transportation for medicalappointments, groceryshopping, senior centeractivities and other needsthroughout AlleghenyCounty is available toadults 60 years of age andolder who live in AlleghenyCounty. Call SeniorLine at412.350.5460.

Are you a nonprofit Senior Centerserving the needs of ourcommunity’s older adults?

We would be happy to post yourcontact information. [email protected] with your center’sname and phone number.


he Allegheny County Area Agency onAging’s Dom Care Program has beenin existence for over 30 years

providing foster care homes to adults, age18 years or older who are not able to livealone. Dom Care has enabled manypeople to live a comfortable life in safe andnurturing surroundings.

Through Dom Care, individuals arematched with families who offer a homeand assistance with daily activities, as wellas support and companionship. The DomCare Program is particularly helpful toseniors and people with intellectualdisabilities who might benefit from the careand supervision of a family home.

By opening their homes, Dom CareProviders enable these individuals to remainwithin the community in a home-like setting.Providers are only permitted to care for up tothree residents. Dom Care providers assistwith activities such as personal hygiene,grooming and medication management.They also provide three nutritious providemeals a day along with housekeeping andlaundry services.

To become a Dom Care provider anapproval and certification process must becompleted. It includes home inspections byboth a care manager and the AlleghenyCounty Health Department. Providers arealso required to have certification in FirstAid and CPR. Additionally, they mustpresent personal and financial references,submit to a police record search and obtaina medical clearance from a physician. Caremanagers will assist with this process.

Anyone interested in becoming aresident in a Dom Care home can inquireon their own or can be referred by someoneelse, including family members, health careprofessionals or agencies that serve peoplewith disabilities.

In return for the room, board andpersonalized care they receive, Dom Careresidents pay a set monthly fee. Those withlimited income and resources may beeligible for a financial supplement to assistwith the payment and to assure that theyhave personal spending money.

The benefits of being a Dom Careprovider include companionship, support

from professional staff, and a monthlypayment for the services they give. Mostimportantly, it is the feeling of satisfactionand fulfillment for sharing a warm andcaring home.

To learn more about the Dom CareProgram, to make a referral for an individualor to find out how to become a provider, callthe Allegheny County Department ofHuman Services, Area Agency on AgingDom Care Program at 412.350.5105 or visit:www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/adultfoster.aspx


Meet Our Comfort Keepers®Comfort Keepers are the compassionate people who deliver ComfortKeepers’ premier brand of in-home caregiving. They enrich the livesof seniors and other adults as they help them live safely, happilyand independently in the comfort of their own homes.

Comfort Keepers are professional and well trained. What truly setsthem above other in-home caregivers, however, is their natural giftfor caring for others. They have a heart for caregiving—and ComfortKeepers has a thorough screening and interviewing process toidentify them from those less devoted.

Only those who pass this process go on to complete training todeliver our special brand of care and become Comfort Keepers.Also, they’re bonded, insured, and covered by Workers'Compensation insurance to protect our clients and their families.

To achieve the most favorable outcome for each Comfort Keepersclient, we carefully match Comfort Keepers and clients whosepersonalities and interests – as well as skills and needs – mesh well.This forms the basis of strong, healthful relationships.

The Comfort Keepers in your community is locally owned andoperated by Mary (Mame) Donohue, RN, and Tom Donohue,Certified Sr. Advisor. Their entire staff works as trusted partnerswith family caregivers to provide their loved ones a complete in-home care solution to promote independent living.


S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 UPMC East on Schedule to Open

in Summer 2012

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

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

page 5 UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online

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

page 7 Shaping Up to PlayPreventing Weekend Warrior Injuries

For residents of eastern communities

Healthy Family,Happy Family

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

22 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE Monroeville2 www.UPMC.com/Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Architectural rendering of UPMC East. Opening summer 2012.

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

Monroeville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 231-800-533-UPMC 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stomachaches: When to Worry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Good Night, Sleep Tight!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


UPMC HealthTrak Lets You Manage Your Health Care Online

UPMC Spotlight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPMC HealthTrak Benefits

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PTSD and sleep disorders

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

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

Did You Know?


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

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

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

Shape up to play

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No pain, no gain … not true

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

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

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


UPMC 600 Oxford DriveMonroeville, PA 15146

UPMC Today is published quarterly to provide you with health and wellness information and classes and events available at UPMC.

This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or replace a physician’s medical assessment. Always consult first with your physician about anything related to your personal health.

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

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

Our Monroeville-based servicesare rooted in your community.

Follow UPMC on Facebook.

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

C raig Cozza knows that biking isaddictive, and he wants to doeverything he can to get you passionate

about cycling, fitness, and the well being that goesalong with cycling. Not because it sells bikes, butbecause bikers are part of a unique community ofenthusiasts who share fitness, camaraderie, fun,and because biking is “green.” Biking is greatphysically, mentally, and emotionally. You releaseyour negative energy into nature, and naturerecycles it, endorphins flowing. It's reallytough to go on a bike ride and come back in abad mood. Can't do it!

“Biking is a no-impact sport, and thesecond largest sport in the USA, only secondto walking,” Cozza said. “But with walking orrunning, there’s an impact. Runners usuallybecome bikers because you do not get beatup from the impact. You can go out for along, hard ride and come back with only yourmuscles being tired, not your joints. Ourtrails, single-tracks, and roads are great andgrowing rapidly in the Pittsburgh region.”

Pro Bikes supports every organization you can think of when it comes tobiking, from a multitude of charity rides like the annual Race to Anyplace,various M.S. 150's, school programs, racers and racing, fitness and fun rides,as well as every type of cycling imaginable. “We support road, mountain,trail, cyclocross, triathlons, unicycles, BMX riding and everything inbetween” says Cozza. “We currently support 15 plus race teams.”

That support brings people back to the shop for service, fittings, bikes,supplies, and training. The success of Pro Bikes has led to the expansion of allthree locations, tripling the square footage in the South Hills, Monroeville andSquirrel Hill locations. “We’ll be finished with all three of the expansions byspring, which will help us do a better job of meeting people’s needs,”Cozza said. “Our three major brands are Cannondale, Specialized, andGiant. We carry 15-plus other specialty brands. We buy and sell the best – atrue pro shop for every type of riding – and we service and fit everything.We’re the fourth largest Cannondale dealer in the country. Our goal is to getmore people on bikes because it is a healthy lifestyle. We can start kids asyoung as two on balance bikes, and fit people well past their 70s. We also helppeople train or find them a coach for an event if they need it.”

The expanding Squirrel Hill Pro Bikes will have four floors—over13,000 square feet—making it one of the largest in the country, offeringeverything biking. It will be a comprehensive, full-service bike facility withsomething for everyone.

Pro Bikes will also be a “spin center” with focused training, coaching,and professional bike fitting. There will be a custom building and teamsarea, and people can sign up for maintenance and training workshops. By

spring, these amenities will be available in alllocations to help even more people withanything from lubing a chain to fixing a flat toriding skills and triathlon techniques.

“We’re teamed up with local coaches andcan offer training and rides to help everyoneaccomplish their goals,” Cozza said. “Our bigpush is to get people out supporting charity

events, races, and rides, and to keepgrowing fitness and cycling in westernPennsylvania.”

Cozza hopes that all people will givecycling a spin and stop in to see theenthusiasm for biking that Pro Bikes andits employees can impart.

“We are ‘Powered by Passion,’because we are passionate about cycling,fitness, and well being,” Cozza said.“We’re bike people. That enthusiasmpours over, and you get hooked. It's away of life—a really good way of life!”

a Cannondale CAAD 9 Road Bike or a Specialized Hybrid Bike.

at www.ProBikesLLC.com

John F. Kennedy put it best when hesaid, “Nothing compares to the simple

pleasure of riding a bike.”


S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

Key Fact:When you sneeze germscan travel at 80 miles per

hour across a room!

What Are Allergies?

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

Key Fact:A single germ can grow to become more

than 8 million germs in just one day.

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

The "Happy Birthday" song helps keep your hands clean?

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

Most Common

Places to Find Germs

in Your Bedroom

� Your hand-held game

� Computer Keyboard

� Wall and Lamp Switches

� Garbage cans

To be a Germ Fighter,

remember to:

� Cough/sneeze into your

elbow/sleeve

� Wash your hands after

using a tissue


find these things hiding in this picture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WARNING

You should never

go near a wild

animal...even if he’s

in your backyard!

germs...



ongratulations to MinSoo Kang, ofPitcairn. A 10th-grade student atSerra Catholic High School,

she was selected as one of the winnersin the Allegheny County HealthDepartment Immunization Contest.

The theme of the 2010 contest was“The Flu Ends with U,” emphasizingthe fact that being proactive andgetting flu vaccine every year is thesingle best way to prevent and stopthe spread of flu.

Pictured, left-to-right: Michael Weidman, Merit Award Winner;Wei Mon Lu, Merit Award Winner; MinSoo Kang, MeritAward Winner; Olivia Saccameno, 1st Place Award Winner

Serra High School, Grade 10, Pitcairn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Montour | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 21

Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams campout at an athletic track, park, or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all timesthroughout the evening. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their campsitesduring relay. Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals,schools, faith-based groups…people from all walks of life—all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.

Relay is a unique opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember those we’ve lost,and fight back against the disease. Many of the participants are cancer survivors, serving as a reminder that no one is immune to this disease. By participating in Relay, you join the American Cancer Society’s efforts to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Funds raised through Relay For Life enable the American CancerSociety to impact the lives of those touched by cancer within the community. The American Cancer Society is currently funding 58 cancer research projects to the tune of nearly $37.4 million throughoutPennsylvania in 2011, including current projects taking place in westernPennsylvania at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie-Mellon University,and Robert Morris University.

Funds raised through Relay also enable the American Cancer Society to provide programs and services to cancer patients and their families incommunities across the state. In 2010, more than 25,000 services were

provided to cancer patients across Pennsylvania. Access to AmericanCancer Society programs and services are available 24 hours a day, sevendays a week by calling 1.800.227.2345 or visiting www.cancer.org.

In 2010, Relay For Life raised nearly $6 million at 62 Relay sitesthroughout western Pennsylvania. Nationwide, more than 3.5 million people participated in Relay For Life, with more than 500,000 cancer survivors participating. All in all, Relay For Life events held throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania raised nearly $20 million in 2010.

For more information about the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life or to find out how you may get involved, call the AmericanCancer Society at 1.800.227.2345 or visit RelayForLife.org.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion withnearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer.As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community.We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detectingit early; by helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancerresearch, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know aboutcancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people inAmerica who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided itwill be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to gethelp, call us anytime, day or night, at 1.800.227.2345 or visit cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society Invites You to Help Create a World Full of More Birthdays Through Relay For Life

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

?34 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE Monroeville

Date

City

Time

City

(Above): Karrie Burns fromVisitMonroeville presents Donna Bour with her new 2011Chamber Membership Directoryduring Operation Thank-You.

? Monroeville | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

MFXDid You Know?• Nearly 3/4 of the MFX project isalready complete from Morgantown,W. Vir., to southern Allegheny County.

• The remaining portion of the project(Rt. 51 - Monroeville) could becompleted in as little as 3-5 years withproper funding.

• Completing MFX would save at least5.5 million gallons of fuel each year inAllegheny County.

• A completed MFX would provide abypass around the Squirrel Hill Tunnelseasing congestion by about 70%.

• According to FHA estimates, the MFXproject could create over 100,000 jobsfor our region.

new members911 NerdsA Plus Stairlifts of PittsburghAll Clean Services, LLCAuto BathouseDoterra Essential OilsFabulous FlooringGlacial EnergyGlobal Energy Market ServicesGMS Service, Inc.Incentivized SolutionsK Specials and Pro Shop USAKalkstein Family ChiropracticKiwanis Club of Penn HillsKumon of MonroevilleKWS Business Consulting & LendingSolutions, LLC

Learning Express ToysLiken Staffing ServicesMedExpress Urgent Care-MurrysvilleMonroeville CouncilmanNail Care Systems & Boulevard StylePapa Rocks PizzaPatch MediaReach LocalReschini GroupRise High Basketball, LLCSteel City Steak HouseTC Valley BeerUPMC Monroeville OtolaryngologyVan ManagementVerizon Wireless ZoneWestern PA Chapter National HemophilaFoundation

Wisp Resort

You should be! A recent survey showed that consumers are 63% morelikely to purchase goods or services from a company that belongs to itslocal Chamber of Commerce.We Mean Business. Call the chambertoday at 412.856.0622 or vist us at www.monroevillechamber.com.

(Below): On January 10, key members of the Mon FayetteExpressway Partnership Initiative met with Congressman TimMurphy to discuss transportation funding as the 112th Congresstakes shape. Congressman Murphy received a briefing on thestatus of the Mon Fayette Expressway as the group discussedway to identify funding and complete the project. Pictured (l-r):John Easoz, Board President, Mon Valley Progress Council; JoeKirk, Executive Director, Mon Valley Progress Council; CongressmanTim Murphy; Bill Otto, Past Chairman, Monroeville Area Chamber;and Chad Amond, President Monroeville Area Chamber.

Transportation Update...The M

on Fayette Expressway

The Monroeville Area Chamber remains proud of its role to ensure continued progress

on the Mon Valley/Fayette Expressway and Southern Beltway projects.

For several decades alongside partners like the Mon Valley Progress Council, the

Regional Chamber Alliance, U.S. Steel and others, the Monroeville Area Chamber holds true

to its commitment to a vision for completing the Mon Valley/Fayette Expressway. In recent

years we've expanded our objective to include not just the Rt. 51 to Monroeville portion of

the project but also the completion of the Southern Beltway portion of the project.

MACC is a founding member of the Expressway Partnership Initiative with businesses

and organizations in Allegheny County to focus attention on the completion of the PA

Route 51 to I-376 Expressway project. By early 2012, 60 miles of the Mon Valley/Fayette

Expressway will be competed resulting in a continuous limited access toll road from I-68 in

West Virginia to PA Route 51 in southern Allegheny County. When all is said and done, the

completed project would also provide a beltway system around the City of Pittsburgh.

The completion of the entire one hundred-mile Expressway and Southern Beltway

highway network will improve transportation access in all of southwestern Pennsylvania,

address traffic congestion in key transportation corridors like Monroeville and the

surrounding areas and serve as a cornerstone project for economic revitalization in the Mon

Valley and across SWPA.

MACC pledges to continue to work with our elected officials at the local, state and

federal level on innovative financing strategies to ensure the completion of this crucial

highway network.

Chad Amond • President, Monro

eville Area Chamber

M embers of the Monroeville ArtCouncil enjoyed participatingin a variety of events in the

community in 2010, including theirannual Art Show and awards ceremonyand Summer Concert Series in July, alongwith Celebrate Monroeville and the MuttFestival in September. MAC is offering anopportunity to residents and businesses tobecome members and board members sothey can participate in bringinginteresting cultural events to this area forboth children and adults. MembershipGuidelines: $15 Individual, $20 Family,$15 Senior Family (55+), $10 SeniorIndividual (55+), $50 Sponsor, $100Company/Organization. View the websiteat www.monroevilleartscouncil.org for anapplication or call 412.373.7794. MAC’sboard members meet at the MonroevillePublic Library the second Wednesday at7 p.m.

1 – Winners of May’s Kids’ & Teen’s Korner Art Show are displayedat Boyce during the July show.2 – Visitors enjoyed seeing the outstanding artwork at BoyceCampus gymnasium. 3 – Miss Independence Hayley Fedorek and Runner-up EmilyKinnunen with Art Show Committee member Nancy Dalverny.4 – Jr. MAC members Joy Pedrow and Sara Lewkowicz facepaint atCelebrate Monroeville and the Mutt Festival.5 – Devon Hickmon accepts MAC’s Mel Pollock Arts in EducationAward during July 18’s concert.6 – State Representative Joseph Markosek (l) and Dr. CharlesMartoni, Boyce Camus President, are greeted by MAC PresidentMarilyn Wempa at the 22nd Art Show in July.7 – Garrick Servello leads the East End Kids in song during MAC’sWeekend of Art.


n the midst of today’s onlineempires and mass retailers, apersonal shopping experience is a

precious commodity. And that’s exactlywhat the new Learning Express toy store at theMiracle Mile Shopping Center has set out to provide.

Learning Express of Monroeville is owned by two husband-and-wife teamsfrom greater Pittsburgh—Paul Frey and Susan DeGregorio, and Dan and CarolynCusick. They each have children of their own, and understand the importance ofconnecting the right toy to the right child when it comes to gift-giving.

“I remember what an ordeal shopping for my kids and their friends used tobe,” said Susan DeGregorio. “I would be standing there in the aisles, justwishing someone would come by and tell me what an eight-year-old boy wholikes science would want. It’s so rewarding to be able to provide that kind ofexpert advice to other parents now.”

All of the employees at Learning Express undergo extensive producttraining so they are prepared to offer thoughtful recommendations. Accordingto DeGregorio, it’s not enough to just point out a toy. Customers want toknow why that particular toy is special, and what benefits the child will get outof it. Knowing that information offhand is a big part of the Learning Expresscustomer service philosophy.

Of course, it would be impossible to provide that level of service without agreat selection of toys, which is why Learning Express carries a completelyunique product assortment. Special attention is paid to each toy’s quality,safety, and educational value. The store is merchandised by age from birth tofive years old, and then by interest for kids aged five through 12 to make it asshopper-friendly as possible. Some of the most popular “departments” includeArts and Crafts, Science, Construction, Dolls, Books, and Games.

Customers can also find products not often carried by other toy stores:jewelry and other fashion accessories; cards and stationery; party favors andcollectibles; and dozens of products like piggy banks, lap desks, and signs, whichthe store will personalize for free with a hand-drawn design and a child’s name.

“Easter will be a particularly big personalizing holiday for us,” said DanCusick, another co-owner of Learning Express. “I think parents will reallyenjoy choosing from our selection of seasonal products, picking out a colorfultote or bucket, and watching as we package it all up and add the customizeddesign. When you’re buying gifts for your kids, that special touch really makesa difference.”

Free personalization is part of a whole arsenal of one-stop-shopping servicesthat Learning Express has created to entice busy parents looking for

convenience. The toy store also has a free gift registry called The Birthday Box.Parents can register their child’s name and birth date, and then help the birthdayboy or girl find toys from their wish list and fill the box, which is then put ondisplay. Registry cards to put in the party invitations are provided free of charge,gifts purchased out of the box get a 10% discount, and Learning Expressemployees will even help with party favor and goody bag planning and assembly.As DeGregorio points out, everybody benefits.

“For the birthday girl or boy, the Birthday Box makes wishes come true. ForMom and Dad, it guarantees a very happy child with no disappointments orreturns. And for the gift-givers? It’s all about the satisfaction of knowing thatthey’re buying something the child really wants, all at a reasonable price.”

To top it off, Learning Express gift wraps for free all year long, and offersonline shopping on their website at www.monroeville.learningexpresstoys.com.

“Shopping at a local business has significant perks,” said Cusick. “We’re sograteful for all the customers who have shown their support in these first fewmonths, and we look forward to giving back in return.”

From day one the store has supported local schools and organizations withfundraisers and donations, and will continue to do so. The Learning Expressgrand opening event in October included a charity shopping night in supportof CASA of Allegheny County, an organization which works to recruit, trainand supervise community volunteers who advocate for abused and neglectedchildren in court and throughout the child welfare system.

“Learning Express is owned and operated by two families; it serves thefamilies of our customers; and it gives back to all the families in thiscommunity,” DeGregorio commented. “This is a family toystore in every sense.”

When it comes to unique toys and customer service,Learning Express Toys doesn’t play around...


As with any major purchase, doing yourhomework should be something you do

before you sign on a major loan. Never beforehas this been more true than in the housingmarket, where overpricing can createmajor headaches for buyers and sellers.

For sellers, overpricing can mean thatyour home sits on the market longer, raisingflags to potential buyers that something isamiss. For buyers, an overpricedhome can mean a loss in seller’s assistance, money that sellerssometimes bring to the table fromtheir profits to help defray closingcosts for the buyer. Worse yet, ifthere is no appraisal contingencyaddendum attached to the agreement of sale, a buyer may beforced to go through with a homepurchase after being told that it isnot worth what they have agreed to pay.

Sharon Fincham, a Realtor with Prudential Preferred Realty, said that, in addition to including an appraisal contingency addendum to an offer, you need to make sure that your agent is doing the proper legwork before the offer is even made.

“You have to make sure that your agent does comparisons to similar homes in thearea, knows the market, and gets supporting evidence that the house is really worth what it’s being advertised at before you put in an offer,” Fincham said. “If the housedoesn’t appraise for the agreed upon price, it is unlikely that you will receive any seller’s assist.”

What’s more, overpricing is a one-waystreet by way of mistakes. Homeowners wholist their homes for too little may receive multiple offers, allowing the power of freemarket economic supply and demand to take over, driving the price up until it’s comparable to the other homes in the neighborhood.

But there’s no similar failsafe withoverpricing. A home that’s overpriced mayget a nice offer, but ultimately, the finalarbiter of what it’s truly worth is theappraiser, assigned independently by thebank or lender. That appraisal will dictatethe future of the sale.

The resulting appraisal could tank thesale altogether, or force buyers to seek

extra money or alternative financingto compensate for the missed seller’sassistance. Either way, it’s going tomean a hassle for the buyer andfrustration for the seller.

However, if an agent does the homework and knows their business,Fincham said the home should belisted at a fair price, resulting in a relatively smooth sale in reasonablelength of time.

“It is now imperative that agents andclients know the recent selling prices of comparable homes,” she said. “Buyers and sellers agreeing on a price is not necessarily enough anymore. The study of a neighborhood before an offer is madecan save everyone involved a lot of grief

and frustration.”

For buyers, an overpriced home can mean a loss in seller’s assistance, money that sellers

sometimes bring to the table from their profits to help defray closing costs for the buyer.

R E A L E S T A T E M o n r o e v i l l e R E A L E S T A T E M o n r o e v i l l e



R E A L E S T A T E M o n r o e v i l l e

Maureen Cavanaugh, with Howard Hanna Real Estate, said thatsellers need to re-educate themselves if they want to remain

competitive in today’s market and make a profit on their homes. “Selling your home is very different today, and it’s been a

progressive thing,” Cavanaugh said. “Ten years ago, you couldlist your home as is. Buyers were willing to come in and doupdates. With the changes that occurred in the last three and fouryears, the expectation of buyers has dramatically risen. Manysellers who have lived in their homes for years with a lot of equityshould consider doing as many updates as they are willing to do.”

Those updates will reap more money when it comes to their finalsale price, Cavanaugh said. No updates will result in a lesser price.

“It really depends on the house. I’m dealing with someone rightnow that has a nice home of 32 years, and they’ve spent threemonths and have done everything. They’re spending upwards of$25,000, but it will take their sale price from the $380,000 range to$425,000 or $430,000. They will recoup what they put into it,”Cavanaugh said. “And the reason is that today’s buyers want tomove in, put down the furniture, start paying the mortgage, and geton with their lives. They don’t want to be bogged down with theprojects and upgrades like taking down old wallpaper.”

If you don’t have a budget for upgrades, Cavanaugh said thateven minor cosmetic changes can improve your odds of gettingmore for your home when it comes time to sell. These types ofupgrades include updating the hardware on cabinets to morecontemporary styles. At the very least, Cavanaugh suggestsgetting rid of any junk, cleaning thoroughly, and doing somerudimentary staging.

“Exposing hardwood floors is a no-brainer. You don’t have topaint the whole house beige. You can still have some color andhave some interest,” she said. “But everything should be sparkling.”

Cavanaugh said that now that the first-time homebuyerfrenzies spurred by government tax rebates are over, the bulk ofhomebuyers are mid-level buyerslooking in the $150,000 to$300,000 range with access toaffordable mortgage money.

“These are relocationbuyers, and they want all thebells and whistles,” she said.“They want to buy more,and they want it done.”

Xxxxxxxx | Spring 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 2

In today’s post-housing-bust world, selling your home isn’t the same process

that it may have been when you moved in 10 years ago.

Reeducation Seller


The first thing you need to consider is the space itself. Is it finished at all? Manyattics in the area are open spaces broken upby roof and flooring joists and wads ofinsulation. The first thing you want to do isinspect your attic for leaks and whetherthose joists are strong enough to supportextra weight.

You can add flooring by screwing downplywood or other subflooring. Avoidnailing materials down to preventdamaging the ceilings underneath youthrough the vibrations of hammer blows.

Once you have your flooring down, youcan decide whether or not you want tofinish the ceiling joists. You can insulate andattach drywall or plywood to these joists,depending on how fancy you want to getwith the finished look; or you may decidethat having the recessed areas between thejoists is beneficial to your storage needs.Keep in mind that a triangular space islimiting only if you have boxes or items thatyou need to store vertically. Items that aresmaller and that can be arranged into

nooks and crannies can be ideal for theseodd-shaped spaces. Also keep in mind that,because of the nature of attic access in olderhomes, the route to your attic may bethrough a small trap door in a hall closet, soitems you put in the attic might be limited tolong-term or permanent storage, like oldcollege textbooks, holiday decorations,luggage, or all those old NationalGeographics that you can’t throw awaybecause the pictures are too pretty.

If you do have easy access to your attic,either by way of a dedicated staircase orpull-down steps, more options may offerthemselves to you. Even tight attics haveenough room for several two-drawer filingcabinets, allowing you to store many years’worth of tax returns or product manuals.

Easier access means even more versatilitywhen it comes to your storage plan. Ratherthan long term, you can use the space forthings that require infrequent use—bins forextra blankets and pillows for when guests arein town, large children’s toys or games thatdon’t get played with during the school week,

FREE NICOTINEPATCHESOFFERED TO HELP

SMOKERS QUIT

Likelihood of Success Increases with

Patches & Counseling

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

A four-week supply of nicotinepatches can be obtained, whilesupplies last, through the PADepartment of Health’s FreeQuitline at 1-800-784-8669.

Quit coaches ask callers if theyare ready to set a quit date andwhether they have any medicalcondition that would rule out thesafe use of nicotine patches. Inaddition, participants will beenrolled in a series of freetobacco counseling sessions.

While it takes most tobaccousers an average of five to eightattempts before they quit, nicotinereplacement therapy with counselingincreases the likelihood someonewill be successful in their attemptto go tobacco free.

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


and sporting equipment when it’s out of season.Storing items like these in the attic will keep themout of dank basement conditions, and, in the caseof linens and sporting equipment, keep the smellof mildew away.

Keep in mind that the attic, while dryerthan the basement, still has its own set of issues.Temperatures often vary wildly in attics dependingon how insulated they are, so items that can’t standhigh heat or low temperatures—like candles,for instance—may not fare well in the atticenvironment. Each space is different, but each isunique, and how you use that space can be a funproject for the whole family.

1. Do you find it difficult to follow a conversation in a noisy restaurant or crowded room? Yes No Sometimes

2. Do you sometimes feel that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly? Yes No Sometimes

3. Do you experience difficulty following dialog in a theater? Yes No Sometimes

4. Do you sometimes find it difficult to understand a speaker at a public meeting or a religious service? Yes No Sometimes

5. Do you find yourself asking people to speak up or repeat themselves? Yes No Sometimes

6. Do you find men’s voices easier to understandthan women’s? Yes No Sometimes

7. Do you experience difficulty understanding soft or whispered speech? Yes No Sometimes

8. Do you have difficulty understanding speech on the telephone? Yes No Sometimes

9. Does a hearing problem cause you to feel embarrassed when meeting new people? Yes No Sometimes

10. Do you feel handicapped by a hearing problem? Yes No Sometimes

11. Does a hearing problem cause you to visit friends, relatives, or neighbors less often than you would like? Yes No Sometimes

12. Do you experience ringing or noises in your ears? Yes No Sometimes

13. Do you hear better with one ear than the other? Yes No Sometimes

14. Have you had any significant noise exposure during work, recreation, or military service? Yes No

15. Have any of your relatives (by birth) had a hearing loss? Yes No Sometimes

Scoring2 points for each Yes1 point for each Sometimes0 points for each No

Scores of 3 or more: May mean that you have a hearing problem.Scores of 6 or more: Strongly suggest that a hearing check is warranted.

If you believe you may have a hearing problem, set up anappointment to have your hearing professionally evaluated.

More than half of the 36 million Americans who suffer from hearing loss today are under 65 years of age. Hearing loss not only affects our awareness ofthe sounds around us, it affects our ability to understand speech and can negatively impact our social and emotional well-being—hearing impairment candecrease our quality of life! In fact, it is the third most common health problem in the United States. These are some pretty powerful statements recentlyissued by the American Academy of Audiology. Hearing loss is not always thought to be important by the one experiencing it. They are often unaware ofthe subtle changes in their communication ability and life in general because of the slow progression of the hearing loss. For that reason it is importantthat we all periodically ask ourselves the questions in the Academy’s Hearing Health Quick Test below.

This Industry Insight was submitted by Dolores Y. Payne, M.A., CCC-A,Audiologist.Dolores is the owner of Allegheny Hearing Instruments,800 Jonnet Building, Monroeville, PA 15146

Telephone her at 412.373.1151.Her other location is conveniently located in the South Hills at Manor Oak Village, 1910 Cochran Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220412.343.1320.


When it comes time to plan for thebiggest day of your life, you may not knowwhere to start. Planning a wedding is achallenging, time consuming and expensivetask, which is why those who can afford itoftentimes hire wedding planners. But forthose of us who have to keep an eye on thebudget, knowing what to look for in yourwedding venue can save you time and moneyup front, and less hassle when it’s over.

Obviously, you want to pick a venuesuitable to the size of your anticipatedinvitation list, and you want to pick it early.Popular venues can be booked well over ayear in advance, and if you’re getting marriedon a date that’s unique – like Dec. 12, 2012,or 12/12/12, you’re going to want to startlooking immediately.

Robin Craig, Director of Sales for theHilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe,said couples should plan out 12 to 18 monthswhen booking a venue.

“They need to sit down and find out theirguest list and their budget. Once theydetermine the guest list, we can start quotingpricing,” Craig said. “Next year , 9/10/11 is abig date, and we’re already booked. Also,10/11/12 would be a hot date. Our hotmonths are September and October and Mayand June. If you’re a teacher, June and Julyare busy months.”

Once you have that location selected andit appeals to your personal sense of style and

aesthetics, you should evaluate anything thatmay be taken for granted, such as ingress andegress and parking. Is the wedding/receptionhall easy to find? Are there covered porticosfor dropping off guests in case of inclementweather or for those who have troublewalking without assistance? Will guests beable to find the hall easily, or is it hidden deepin a labyrinth of hallways? And are therestrooms close by?

“All of our parking is complimentary,”Craig said. “If you want valet, we can provideit for a fee.”

Once you have the building chosen, youshould discuss logistics of the day with anyfacility manager responsible for the site.Important items to discuss include catering –can you hire your own caterer or is there acaterer specific to the venue you’ve chosen?Is there an additional charge for alcohol andcan you furnish your own? Will linens beprovided and who will be responsible forsetting up and tearing down the tables andchairs? Is there a suggested room layout forweddings? Having a tried and true seatingarrangement for the venue can save youheadaches later on when you’re trying tofigure out where to place the bridal table.Lastly, knowing how early you can arrive andhow late you can stay will be crucialinformation for anyone from caterers to yourbridal party.

Craig said her venue offers full linens withchair covers, sashes, mirrors, candles andchampagne toasts. It also offerscomplimentary bridal party refresher rooms.They can tray cookies at no charge andprovide a gourmet coffee station. It alsooffers a complimentary overnight room forthe bride and groom.

Lastly, find out all of the financial detailsup front. Many venues have service chargesthat are above and beyond your bill. Get all ofyour charges in writing, up front before yousign for your venue. You don’t want to findout afterwards that there was a food andbeverage minimum that you didn’t attain, orthat it was ok for you to bring your own wine,but forgot to inquire about corking fees.

Craig said service charge at her venue is21 percent and sales tax is 6 percent. Theyalso have food and drink minimums.However, discounts are offered for grouproom rentals for overnight guests and for off-peak days and months. Weddings inJanuary-March and November, and thoseheld on Fridays and Sundays, are consideredoff-peak.

If you do your homework up front, there’snothing stopping you from having thefairytale wedding you’ve always dreamed of.Keep in mind, like any successful marriage,wedding planning is hard work, but work thatyou’ll reap rewards from in the end.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Whether it's set in the great outdoors, alavish ballroom, the couple's favoriterestaurant, or at home, the weddingreception is a special time for newlyweds tocelebrate with family and friends.

The signature dessert – cake – is usuallythe centerpiece for this occasion, a continuingreflection of the wedding theme and colors.An assortment of cupcakes or a tower of layersallows today's cakes to take almost any form,from square to round, even pillow or heart-shaped. This stunning all-white creation fromthe wedding experts at Wilton is both simpleyet elegant. Cake layers are covered in purewhite fondant, while additional bands offondant glistening with white sparkling sugardecorate the bottom of each tier. Dots of sugarpearl sprinkles, resembling perfect pearls, adda hint of texture, while a gem-studdedmonogram topper adds the finishing touch.

This unique do-it-yourself wedding topperkit can easily be customized with one initial,two, or a trio. Self-adhesive crystal-like gemsare used to trace the initials onto the clear disc.Gems can also be used to create a border orother complementary design. After thereception, it makes a perfect keepsake that thecouple will treasure for years to come.

Guests will want to raise a glass in honorof the newlyweds with the timeless custom ofa champagne toast. Decorated flutes for thebride and groom create a long-lastingmemory of this special tradition.

Individual boxes are ideal for truffles orother candies to send home with guests. Tiethese with ribbons reflecting the color theme ofthe wedding. Another fun memento is a minichampagne bottle favor that can be filled withsmall candies. Attach a label with a personalizedmessage. Make it elegant or simple, and alwaysmake it meaningful and memorable.

For more do-it-yourself wedding ideas,favors, and accessories, visit www.wilton.com.


By Pamela Palongue

s anyone who knows me personally will tell you, I am no expert onsocial occasions. However, based upon the theory that even astopped clock is right twice a day, I have made enough social faux pas to

speak authoritatively on what not to do at a wedding. Some helpful tips are listedbelow to help get you through the season of bliss.

Given the fact that marriage is a formidable undertaking and the courageoussouls who dare to tread the rose-strewn path are likely to be distraught, hysterical,and panic-stricken, you owe it to the happy couple to be the best wedding

guest possible. These helpful tips are the very foundation of thesocial graces. If you follow them carefully, you will glide effortlesslyfrom wedding celebration to reception party in a virtual whirl ofneurotic enthusiasm.

Never wear white to a wedding. This includeseggshell, ecru, light cream, pearl lustre and Tahitian coconut.

Never attempt to upstage the bride (unless of courseyou hate the bride, in which case you probably reallyshouldn’t be attending the wedding anyway, given thespirit of the whole love and happiness thing).

At Jewish weddings do not ask, “What is that big thingthey’re standing under?”

At Catholic weddings try to refrain from asking, “Why isthis taking so long?” The well-prepared wedding guestremembers to bring snacks for himself and his friends.(Avoid crunchy snacks that may disrupt the ceremony.)

NEVER bet on how long the marriage will last at thereception. All odds-making must be done outside thereception venue. (In the event of inclement weather,the lobby or bathroom is acceptable.)

Never complain about the food at the weddingreception with your mouth full of food from the weddingreception. It’s a credibility issue.

Throw only designated throwing materials at the brideand groom, such as rice and rose petals. Shoes, Jell-O,and steak knives are not acceptable. Ever. Even whenthey are within the appropriate wedding color scheme.

The wedding day is NOT the proper time to share thefact that you once dated the groom, the bride, or theirparents. In fact, the proper time to share this informationmay not actually exist.

If you simply must dance at the reception, remember youare not trying out for “Dancing With The Stars.” If youthrow your partner in the air, make sure you catch them.Missing is considered grounds for divorce in most states.Avoid high kicks, which may warrant medical attention.

Many people adhere to the time-honored adage, “It’s nota party till something gets broken.” However, avoidbreaking things that are irreplaceable, expensive, and likelyto lead to a law suit. Cell phones and glasses are okay.


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