in-west-county-spring

SPRING 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

INSIDE!Fairview Parks & Recreation:

Spring 2012 ProgramFairview Township Newsletter:

Spring Clean-up & Comprehensive Plan

Fairview School District

Showcases its Academic Talent!

IN West County | SPRING 2012 |

INSIDE

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Helping People, Helping the Environment .................... | 3

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

Resident Profile: Rick Sertz .................................................................................... | 13

Fairview Township Newsletter .......................................... | 15

A Trip Back in Time ............................................................... | 28

Feeding Those in Need ......................................................... | 30

Fairview Central Park Welcomes Visitors to the Township ..................................................... | 33

The World Comes to Fairview School District ............. | 34

Presque Isle in the Winter ................................................... | 38

ON THE COVER | Superintendent Erik Kincade with Fairview Elementary Grade 3 students Julia Bleicher and Analia Coburn.

FEATURES

Eco Tourism Travelling Green is Easier Than You Think .. | 36

Home Improvement Reduce Costs with Attic Insulation ........... | 38 Small Updates Pay Off Big for Home Values ..................................... | 39

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Edward Jones Tax Talk .................................................. | 12

Circulatory Centers EVLA Minimally Invasive Procedure Brings Immediate Vein Relief ................. | 14

State Farm Term Or Whole Life Insurance: Which Is Right For You? .......................... | 32

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

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P U B L I S H E R Wayne Dollard M A N A G I N G E D I T O RMarybeth [email protected] R E G I O N A L E D I T O R SMark Berton [South and West][email protected] L. Haynes [East][email protected] N O R T H Z O N E C O O R D I N AT O RPamela Palongue [email protected] S C H O O L & M U N I C I PA L C O N T E N T C O O R D I N AT O RMegan [email protected] O F F I C E M A N A G E RLeo [email protected] A D P L A C E M E N T C O O R D I N AT O RDebbie [email protected] G R A P H I C D E S I G NCassie Brkich Jan McEvoy Anna Buzzelli Joe Milne Sharon Cobb Tamara Tylenda Susie Doak W R I T E R SHeather Holtschlage Joann Naser Kelly Lotter Aimee Nicolia Leigh Lyons Gina Salinger Dana Black McGrath Judith Schardt P H O T O G R A P H E R SMark Fainstein Len Pancoast Ginni Hartle Kathleen Rudolph Brad Lauer Gary Yon A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S M A N A G E R SDerek Bayer Tamara MyersTom Poljak A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E SBrian Daley Robert Ojeda Gina D’Alicandro Ralph Palaski Tina Dollard Annette Petrone Karen Fadzen Vincent SabatiniJulie Graff Jennifer SchaeferJason Huffman Michael Silvert Lori Jeffries Karen Turkovich Connie McDaniel RJ Vighetti Brian McKee Nikki Capezio-Watson Gabriel Negri Sophia WilliardAimee Nicolia This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2012. C O R R E S P O N D E N C EDirect all inquiries, comments and press releases to: I N C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E SAttn: Editorial603 E. McMurray Rd. Ph: 724.942.0940 McMurray, PA 15317 Fax: 724.942.0968www.incommunitymagazines.com Summer content deadline: 4/17Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

S TA F F

I want to welcome you to the Spring Edition of West County Magazine. In going through this

edition, I hope you will take a look at the feature on food insecurity on page 30.

It is astounding to see that so many people in West County don’t know where their next meal will come from.

We hope that in bringing this important issue to your attention, you can help out in some way. Ways to help the food

pantry are endless! Donations of your time, food items or a financial contribution are most needed at this time. Additionally, if you need help, there is a listing of food

pantries listed at the end of the article with contact information. I truly believe that communities coming together to help their own is a basic tenet to which we should all subscribe.

In getting to know organizations like our food pantries. I am truly so inspired

by their generous spirit. It is amazing and awesome.

Marybeth Jeffries Managing Editor

West County Magazine was designed to keep you, our readers, informed about what is happening in your community. You won’t find features about other communities here. We are dedicated to providing you with stories about your neighbors, the organizations you belong to, and of course township and school information. I want to extend a warm welcome to our partners Fairview School District and Fairview Township. The administrators of these two organizations came together in a dynamic partnership that will give you a snapshot of some of the great things happening in their area. If you happen to live in another community in West County we would welcome your input as well. Are you part of a rotary, scout or religious organization that is doing something that benefits the community? Let us know! Our managing editor - Marybeth Jeffries is always interested in hearing about what is important to you as a community. You can email her at the magazine at [email protected].

Wayne Dollard Publisher

By Pamela Palongue

Helping People, Helping the Environment

O n Saturday, January 7, the townships of Millcreek and Fairview joined forces to help raise money for the Emmaus Soup Kitchen of Erie County and to encourage residents to re-cycle

their Christmas trees. Residents of the two townships dropped off their trees and were asked to bring a donation for the soup kitchen. According to Township Manager Judy Zelina, this is the 22nd year for the event

which raised $628 for the soup kitchen. “People are just so generous,” commented Zelina. “This event is a way to help us all to be more conscientious.”

A total of 152 Christmas trees were collected for the Millfair Compost Center which will chip the trees into mulch, screen them and then age the trees for use in gardens and landscaping. The Millfair Compost Center will then open for the season on April 2 and the mulch will be available to the public at a cost of $17 per yard for unscreened mulch and $20 per yard for screened.

The event was started 22 years ago by Charlotte Bartlett who is currently the recycling coordinator for Fairview Township. “Charlotte was previously the recycling coordinator for Millcreek and has tried to retire, but she is just too good at her job,” added Zelina with a chuckle. Devin Faulhauber, the recycling coordinator for Millcreek, also volunteered at the event.

“I would just like to thank all of our residents who came out and participated and also our volunteers who untied the trees, unloaded them from cars and removed the plastic from them,” stated Zelina. “Steve Cornelius, Roy Walkama, Jim Bartlett, Corey Walters and Mike Sornberger all did a wonderful job helping out.”

Sister Mary Miller of the Emmaus Soup Kitchen located at 345 East 9th Street in Erie, was presented a check with proceeds from the event at a supervisors meeting on January 17. The soup kitchen serves all of Erie County and is “committed to the forgotten and the faceless of society.” Hot, nutritious meals are served every day to 125 to 200 people. According to Sister Mary, the tree recycling program has been responsible for contributing over $45,000 over the years to the Emmaus Ministries to feed the poor. Emmaus Ministries is made up of a staff of laymen, volunteers, Benedictine Sisters and Benedictine Oblates.

“Benedictines are committed not just to people, but to the environment as well. This [event] complements all of our loves,” says Sister Mary.

The Millfair Compost Center, located at 2301 Millfair Road will open for the season on April 2. Individuals interested in purchasing compost can visit the center on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from noon to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

The Millcreek Township and Fairview Township Supervisors presented to Sr. Mary Miller from Emmaus Soup Kitchen a check for $628.00 during a Millcreek Supervisors meeting. From left to right: Millcreek Supervisor Rick Figaski, Millcreek Supervisor Joe Kujawa, Sr. Mary Miller, Fairview Supervisor Pete Kraus, Millcreek Supervisor Brian McGrath

Photos by Mark Fainstein

West County | Spring 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

Superintendent’s MessageThe Fairview School District is excited to be a part of IN West County, our new community magazine that will allow us to share additional information regarding our schools with not only the Fairview community, but also with our neighbors to the west. This new publication will take the place of previous district mailings, including the Insights newsletter and our annual District Report Card. We are pleased that Fairview Township and Fairview Parks and Recreation will also be including information pertinent to the community in this quarterly magazine. The Fairview School District is committed to constantly improving our communication with our stakeholders, and joining forces with Fairview Township allows for one convenient publication.

The Fairview School District employees and the Board of School Directors work hard to provide the very best education for our students, but it is the collective work of the entire Fairview School District community that makes a Fairview education such a rewarding one. Our mission statement, Developing the whole student. Achieving excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, is graciously supported by a school foundation, three parent organizations, booster clubs for athletics and band, and an Adopt-an-Artist organization. With the support of these organizations, our students benefit from scholarships and teacher

mini-grants; have access to assemblies, field trips, and world-renowned speakers; travel to camps and festivals; and witness art and literature come

alive. These relationships, coupled with the support of the entire Fairview community, allow us to offer educational opportunities that are truly unique.

Our motto for the 2011-12 school year is “One Family...One Purpose...One Fairview.” This inaugural issue showcases the academic achievements of our students. We are fortunate that our students and teachers embrace our purpose and help to make Fairview one of the premier academic school districts in the state.

community, allow us to offer educational opportunities that are truly unique.opportunities that are truly unique.opportunities that are truly unique.

Our motto for the 2011-12 school year is “One Family...One Purpose...One Fairview.” This inaugural issue showcases the academic achievements of our students. We are fortunate that our students and teachers embrace our purpose and help to make Fairview one of the premier academic school districts in the state.

opportunities that are truly unique.opportunities that are truly unique.

Our motto for the 2011-12 school year is Our motto for the 2011-12 school year is Our motto for the 2011-12 school year is Our motto for the 2011-12 school year is “One Family...One Purpose...One Fairview.” “One Family...One Purpose...One Fairview.” “One Family...One Purpose...One Fairview.” This inaugural issue showcases the academic This inaugural issue showcases the academic achievements of our students. We are fortunate achievements of our students. We are fortunate achievements of our students. We are fortunate that our students and teachers embrace our that our students and teachers embrace our purpose and help to make Fairview one of the

Superintendent’s

in this quarterly magazine. The Fairview

mini-grants; have access to assemblies, field trips, and world-renowned

alive. These relationships,

Erik Kincade Superintendent

4 West County

SCHOOL DISTRICTFAIRVIEW

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Roberts Signs Letter of Intent Fairview High School senior Danny Roberts signed a Letter of Intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Cleveland State University where he will dive for the Division I program. As a freshman, Danny finished his diving season as the D-10 runner-up, placed 5th in the PIAA state meet, and attained All-American status.

In his sophomore year, Danny won both the McDowell and Iroquois invitationals, claimed the D-10 title, was the PIAA state silver medalist, attained All-American status, and was a USA Diving Regional and Zone qualifier.

As a junior, Danny again won the McDowell and Iroquois invitationals, finished as the

D-10 champion, won gold at the PIAA state meet, attained All-American status, finished in 6th place at the USA Diving Regionals in both 1M and 3M and in 19th place at Zones in both 1M and 3M, and competed to an 18th place finish at USA Nationals. Danny is excited for what his senior year holds.

Gado to Visit Fairview Middle School

state meet, and attained All-American status.

status, and was a USA Diving Regional and Zone qualifier.

As a junior, Danny again won

invitationals, finished as the

D-10 champion, won gold at the PIAA state meet, attained All-American status, finished in 6th place at the USA Diving Regionals in both 1M and 3M and in 19th place at Zones in both 1M and 3M, and competed to an 18th place finish at USA Nationals. Danny is excited for

The Adopt-an-Artist program at Fairview Middle School (FMS) is pleased to announce that Daily Nation cartoonist Godfrey “Gado” Mwampembwa will serve as this year’s Artist-in-Residence. Gado is a Tanzanian comic artist who currently resides in Kenya. In the past, Adopt-an-Artist has helped bring nationally recognized authors, musicians, and artists to FMS. Gado is the first international guest to participate in Fairview’s Artist-in-Residence program.

The Daily Nation was started in 1958 as a Swahili weekly called

Taifa by the Englishman Charles Hayes. The publication was purchased in 1959 by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community worldwide, and began daily production as the Daily Nation in 1960.

Gado’s presentations and workshops at FMS will instruct students to recognize his distinctive cartooning style and will encourage students to create similar works. Through the ages, young artists have developed their talents by studying the masters. Through the

Adopt-an-Artist program, Fairview students are introduced to a variety of media and are encouraged to develop their individual talents.

D-10 champion, won gold at the PIAA state meet, attained All-American status, state meet, attained All-American status, state meet, attained All-American status, finished in 6th place at the USA Diving Regionals in both 1M and 3M and in 19th place at Zones in both 1M and 3M, and competed to an 18th place finish at USA Nationals. Danny is excited for what his senior year holds.

state meet, attained All-American status, state meet, attained All-American status, state meet, attained All-American status, finished in 6th place at the USA Diving finished in 6th place at the USA Diving finished in 6th place at the USA Diving Regionals in both 1M and 3M and in Regionals in both 1M and 3M and in 19th place at Zones in both 1M and 3M, 19th place at Zones in both 1M and 3M, 19th place at Zones in both 1M and 3M, 19th place at Zones in both 1M and 3M, 19th place at Zones in both 1M and 3M, 19th place at Zones in both 1M and 3M, and competed to an 18th place finish and competed to an 18th place finish at USA Nationals. Danny is excited for at USA Nationals. Danny is excited for what his senior year holds. what his senior year holds.


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Fairview School Board of Education

Meghan Corbin – 2010-present

2012 – Employee Relations/ECA/Operations Committee

2010-present – Public Relations Committee

Dan Stroup – 2004-present

2012 – Budget/Finance Committee Chair

Ed Grode – 2010-present

2012 – Employee Relations/ECA/Operations

Mike Dougherty – 2007-present

2011-2012 – Board Vice President

2012 – Education/Policy Committee Chair

Laura Symes – 2002-present

2010-present – I. U. #5 Liaison

2012 – Budget and Finance Committee

Alan Natalie – 2007-present

2012 – Budget/Finance Committee and Legislative Liaison

Andy Foyle – 2007-present

2009-present – Vo-Tech Liaison

2011-2012 – Board President

2012 – Education/Policy Committee

Brad Westfall – 2007-present

2011 – Budget/Finance Committee

Fran New – 2012

2012 – Education/Policy Committee and Technology Committee

6 West County


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Fairview Celebrates Academic ExcellenceUnder the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, school districts are required to provide parents and community members with an overview of the performance of students on their state’s standardized test series. In Pennsylvania, this series is called the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and it is administered in grades 3-8, and 11. The goal of No Child Left Behind is to have every student at the “Proficient” level or above by the year 2014. Each year schools are expected to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) toward this goal.

Throughout this report you will find the 2010-2011 PSSA results and an overview of our district’s academic achievement, as well as information regarding test participation, attendance, and graduation rates. Because a single test cannot provide a fair picture of how well a district is performing, additional information about student performance on other standardized tests and overall achievement is also included.

Highlights of 2010-2011 Assessment DataOut of 17 school districts in our region, including schools in Erie, Crawford, and Warren counties, Fairview School District received the highest proficiency rates on the following assessments:

• Grade4 Reading&Science

• Grade5 Writing

• Grade7 Reading

• Grade8 Math,Reading,Science&Writing

• Grade11 Writing

District Report Card

schools in Erie, Crawford, and Warren counties, Fairview School District received the highest Fairview School District received the highest Fairview School District received the highest proficiency rates on the following assessments:

Science

Reading, Science &Writing

Fairview School District received the highest Fairview School District received the highest Fairview School District received the highest Fairview School District received the highest proficiency rates on the following assessments:proficiency rates on the following assessments:proficiency rates on the following assessments:

Science

ScienceScience


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2010-2011Performance by All Students by All Students by All Students by All Students by All Students by All Students by All Students

Grade3-127students

Math Reading

All 93.7% 89.0%

ED 86.2% 72.4%

IEP 77.8% 44.4%

Grade7-114students

Math Reading

All 86.8% 92.1%

ED 50.0% 85.7%

IEP 69.2% 69.2%

Grade4-113students

Math Reading

All 94.7% 90.3%

ED 87.0% 78.3%

IEP 83.3% 75.0%

Grade8-129students

Math Reading

All 94.6% 94.6%

ED 77.8% 77.8%

IEP 75.0% 62.5%

Grade5-104students

Math Reading

All 87.5% 80.0%

ED 81.8% 81.8%

IEP 60.0% 66.7%

Grade11-144students

Math Reading

All 69.4% 75.0%

ED 60.0% 73.3%

IEP 36.4% 22.7%

Grade6-117students

Math Reading

All 92.3% 83.8%

ED 84.0% 72.0%

IEP 60.0% 46.7%

The following charts illustrate that Fairview students exceeded state minimum benchmarks in both math and reading.

State Math Target – 67% Proficient or Above

StateReadingTarget– 72% Proficient or Above

ED (Economically Disadvantaged) – Students from families with an income level that meets eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunches

IEP(IndividualizedEducationPlan)– Students enrolled in special education programs

8 West County


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OverallPerformance of Fairview Students Compared to Pennsylvania StudentsFairview School District outperforms the state performance averages in both math and reading.

Fairviewvs.Pennsylvania 2010-2011PSSAResults %Advanced&Proficient

Math Reading

Grade Fairview PA Fairview PA

3 93.7% 82.9% 89.0% 76.8%

4 94.7% 84.1% 90.3% 72.8%

5 87.5% 75.2% 80.0% 66.8%

6 92.3% 77.7% 83.8% 69.3%

7 86.8% 77.1% 92.1% 74.9%

8 94.6% 75.4% 94.6% 80.5%

11 69.4% 59.4% 75.0% 68.4%

Fairview School District AttendanceRateThe attendance goal is 90%, or a target of any improvement from the previous year. Attendance applies to schools that do not have a high school graduating class, and the rate is based on the entire school.

School YearAttendance Rate–FMS

Attendance Rate–FES

2010-2011 95.92% 96.16%

2010-2011Qualifications of District Teaching StaffThe Fairview School District is very fortunate to have highly qualified teachers.

2010-2011Qualifications of District Teaching Staff

Total Number of Teachers 113

% of Teachers who are PA Certified

100%

# of Teachers with Emergency Credentials

1

% of Total Classes Taught by Non-Certified Teachers

0

% of Teachers who have a Master’s Equivalency, Master’s, or Doctorate Degree

80.53%

Average Teaching Experience (Years)

13.85

Fairview Class of 2010 GraduationRateThe Graduation Rate measure has a goal of 85%, or a 10% reduction of the difference between the previous year’s graduation rate and 85%. The graduation rate applies to schools that have a high school graduating class, and includes only students enrolled as members of that class. The graduation rate lags one year behind; therefore, the most current information available is for the class of 2010.

School Year GraduationRate–FHS

2009-2010 100%

83.8%

92.1% 74.9%

94.6% 80.5%

68.4%


improvement from the previous year. Attendance

74.9%74.9%74.9%92.1% 74.9%74.9%

80.5%

75.0%75.0%




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The SAT Average SAT Scores 2010-2011The SAT Reasoning Test is the nation’s most widely used admissions test among colleges and universities. The SAT exam measures critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills. Each section is scored out of a possible 800 points for a combined total of 2,400 points. At Fairview, 120 students from the class of 2011 took the SAT exam.

Writing and Science Performance of Fairview Students Compared to Pennsylvania StudentsAt this time, writing and science test scores are not used to determine AYP. The results are reported statewide and schools use the data to guide instruction.

Fairviewvs.Pennsylvania 2010-2011PSSAScienceResults

%Advanced+Proficient

Grade Fairview Pennsylvania

4 96.5% 82.3%

8 87.5% 57.9%

11 58.9% 40.9%

Fairviewvs.Pennsylvania 2010-2011PSSAWritingResults

%Advanced+Proficient

Grade Fairview Pennsylvania

5 81.7% 67.1%

8 93.8% 73.1%

11 96.5% 84.7%

The ACT Average ACT Scores 2010-2011The ACT is a national college admissions exam that consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science. An optional writing test may also be taken. The highest possible score on the ACT is 36. ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States.

Average SAT Scores 2010-2011The SAT Reasoning Test is the nation’s most widely

The ACTAverage ACT Scores 2010-2011The ACT is a national college admissions exam that consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science. An optional writing test may also be taken. The highest possible score on the ACT is 36.

The ACTThe ACTThe ACTAverage SAT Scores 2010-2011 Average ACT Scores 2010-2011

reading, and science. An optional writing test may also be taken. The highest possible score on the ACT is 36. ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and

reading, and science. An optional writing test may also reading, and science. An optional writing test may also reading, and science. An optional writing test may also be taken. The highest possible score on the ACT is 36. be taken. The highest possible score on the ACT is 36. be taken. The highest possible score on the ACT is 36. be taken. The highest possible score on the ACT is 36. be taken. The highest possible score on the ACT is 36. ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and

600

500

400Math

539501

CriticalReading

517493

Writing

517 479

FHSState2010-2011 SAT Scores

30

20 2225

FHSState2010-2011 ACT Scores

10 West County


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AdvancedPlacementEach year Fairview High School students have the opportunity to experience college-level work while still in high school by enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. During the 2010-2011 school year, over 200 FHS students enrolled in 10 AP courses. Students may also choose to take the AP exam and if they score a 3 or better, they can earn college credit or advanced placement status at many colleges and universities.

APCoursesOfferedatFHS

AP American History AP Language

AP Biology AP Literature

AP Calculus I/II AP Physics B

AP Chemistry AP Psychology*

AP Environmental Science*

AP Spanish

AP European History AP Statistics

AP French AP U.S. Govt. & Politics*

* Offered via distance learning. Additionally, some AP courses are offered every other year.

RCIandDualEnrollmentThrough Regional Choice Initiative (RCI), junior and senior students can enroll in Gannon University and Edinboro University courses offered at the Academy of Collegiate Excellence. Students receive college credits that can be transferred to almost all accredited colleges and universities. During the 2010-2011 school year, Fairview High School students enrolled in 25 different courses offered through RCI or Dual Enrollment directly on campus.

About Our GraduatesAn extremely high percentage of Fairview High School graduates continue with postsecondary education.

About Our Graduates

Year Class Size% Attending Postsecondary

Education

2008 137 85%

2009 141 80%

2010 160 89%

2011 147 89%

2011-2012 PSSATestingSchedule

2011-2012PSSATestingSchedule

Standardized Test

Participating Grades

Testing Window

PSSA Math & Reading

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11

March 12-23, 2012

PSSA Writing 5, 8, and 11April 16-April 20,

2012

PSSA Science 4, 8, and 11 April 23-27, 2012

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

April 16-April 20,

March 12-23, 2012

April 16-April 20, 2012

4, 8, and 11 April 23-27, 2012

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 March 12-23, 2012March 12-23, 2012March 12-23, 2012March 12-23, 2012

April 16-April 20, April 16-April 20, April 16-April 20, April 16-April 20, 2012

April 23-27, 20124, 8, and 114, 8, and 11 April 23-27, 20124, 8, and 11 April 23-27, 20124, 8, and 11 April 23-27, 2012


For additional information regarding this Report Card, visit our website: www.fairviewschools.org or contact Dr. Katy Wolfrom, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 474-2600 ext. 9-6215


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12 724.942.0940 to advertise West County

Tennis, Anyone?For Rick Sertz, tennis was not love at first sight. His father introduced him

to the sport as a child. “Tennis used to be one of those games that guys thought were sissy,” says Sertz. “I was more of a gym rat.” The Erie native

came from a family of athletes including his father, Richard, who coached basketball. Sertz eventually became a basketball coach himself, training young athletes from 1976 to 1992. But Sertz began to play tennis recreationally as an escape from his basketball job and soon fell in love with the sport. “It’s a creative game,” explains Sertz, “every shot creates a different line.”

One thing that Sertz likes about the game is that it is all up to him. “I love team sports, but with tennis, I get all the blame and all the success. You control your own destiny.” His hobby soon turned into his livelihood as he was asked to coach a girls tennis team at Villa Maria Academy. When his friend first approached him about the job, Sertz thought he was joking. But despite his reluctance, he took the position and remained at Villa Maria for six years.

Sertz has been the coach of the Fairview High School boys tennis team for the past 12 years. “It’s very different coaching girls and boys,” notes Sertz. One of the biggest contrasts he has observed is that girls need encouragement and to be reminded of their potential, whereas boys become almost too overconfident with praise. According to Sertz, boys also need a little help focusing at times. “You have to get their attention.” Apparently, Sertz’s coaching methods have worked extremely well. Twelve years ago he inherited a team that had won only one match the year before. After he took over the program, they won the AA District Championship and have repeated the feat for 11 years straight. Sertz eagerly shares the credit, “We have great kids and great parents who are very supportive. It’s a great honor to represent your school, to run out there in your school’s colors. I think a lot of times we forget that.”

Sertz, who has a two-year degree in tennis from Mercyhurst College, began the Junior Development Program offered through the Fairview Parks

and Recreation Department in 2004 for young tennis players at Pennbriar Athletic Club. “We have the Yankee Stadium of tennis courts,” says Sertz of the Chris Batchelor Tennis Courts. About 60 to 80 children participate in the program. The elementary players are called “The Paws,” the middle school team is known as “The Claws” and the high school-aged players are “The Tigers,” as a nod to the local high school. There is also a program for adults which has had participants ranging in age from 21 to 75. In July, the kids will participate in the Erie County Championships. Sertz adds that the fees are very reasonable and that if anybody would like to participate and does not have a racquet, there are usually a few extra ones around for people to use.

At the age of 51, Sertz still is on the courts an average of 24 hours per week, playing and coaching.

He works out in his basement riding a stationary bicycle about 10 miles per week and paying particular attention to exercises that

strengthen the abdominals and legs. Knee replacement surgery appears to have only slowed him down slightly. Over the years he has won the Erie City Recreational Tournament five times and won the doubles division twice. He has also won the club championships at Pennbriar five times and a tournament at Silver Lake, N.Y., seven times. Despite his reputation for winning, both as a competitor and coach, Sertz says, “It’s not all about winning. The rewarding part is the different personalities you get an opportunity to coach and helping them to be their best.”

RESIDENT PROFILE:

RICK SERTZ

“It’s not all about winning. The rewarding part is the different

personalities you get an opportunity to coach and helping them to be their best.”

–Rick Sertz

By Pamela Palongue


This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Paul Shields.

Dr. Paul Shields completed his undergraduate studies at Gannon University in Erie, PA. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1999. Dr. Shields subsequently completed a three year Family Medicine residency and is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP). Dr. Shields practices medicine full time in the Erie area as a physician with Erie Family Medical Group.

Do you su�er from tired, achy legs with bulging varicose veins., Or maybe you just have clusters of unsightly, small purple veins that bother you and you wonder what can be done about them?

Rest assured you are not alone in these concerns. Approximately 30% of American adults has signs and symptoms of varicose veins. Varicose veins are essentially super�cial veins that have lost the ability to e�ectively transport blood back to the heart. Varicose veins can range from large, ugly, ropy veins to smaller clusters of super�cial (close to the surface) purple veins. Many patients will experience pain, achiness, heaviness and swelling. If le� untreated these varicose veins can lead to in�ammation of the vein (phlebitis), skin discoloration of the lower legs, skin breakdown and ulcers can ultimately occur. Years ago patients ignored this problem or were told the condition was “cosmetic”. Many times, if they did seek treatment, the results were o�en disappointing, or they were le� with dis�guring scars.

Over the past several years, greater understanding of varicose veins has allowed for more effective treatments. The use of painless, noninvasive ultrasound to diagnose the problem and pinpoint the cause is the standard of care. Treatment for even the largest and most problematic veins can now

take less than an hour, require little or no anesthesia, and allow patients to return to their normal activities immediately. All this done in the safety and comfort of an office setting. Many times patients are anxious to receive treatment because they have previously heard an unpleasant story or known someone who had been subjected to previous treatment in years past that was much more invasive than what is available today. The majority of people are familiar with stories of past varicose vein treatments. Unfortunately, many are unfamiliar with the significant advances in treatment for varicose veins that allows for more effective and less invasive treatment.

This minimally invasive, office-based care, is standard of care for the physicians at the Circulatory Centers. All new patients are initially evaluated at a no cost, no obligation consultation. A state of the art ultrasound evaluation is performed in our ICAVL accredited vascular lab to diagnose any venous problems. The Circulatory Center staff members will then meet with the patient and offer a customized treatment plan based on each patient’s specific needs. At the Circulatory Centers treatment protocols often involve effective therapies such as; sclerotherapy or Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA). The physicians at the Circulatory Centers continually review the evolving literature and treatment standards so a contemporary and effective treatment plan can be individualized for every patient.

Sclerotherapy, performed in one of our local offices, by an experienced provider, is often used to treat smaller veins. During this visit a small amount of medication is injected into the target vein which causes it to collapse. The body then reabsorbs this vein over the course of several weeks. A support stocking is worn for a brief period to help compress the veins and allow for them to collapse naturally. Sclerotherapy is performed in a thirty minute office visit and involves no ‘down time.’

EVLA is also performed in the office by a physician. This procedure is often used to treat larger veins. A flexible laser fiber is inserted into the problem vein using ultrasound guidance. This procedure is done with local anesthesia and takes about forty minutes. The laser produces intense energy which causes the vein to close down. Patients return to their normal daily activities immediately. A support stocking is worn for several days after EVLA and patients are encouraged to walk to promote blood flow thru the remaining healthy veins. All this is done in the comfort and safety of our office through a 1/8 inch incision and little or no scaring!

With the generally accepted knowledge of venous insufficiency and varicose veins, 95% of our procedures are covered by insurance. At the Circulatory Center each patient is assigned a Patient Account Representative who will help them navigate the often confusing sea of insurance regulations and billing. So what do you have to lose? Only those ugly painful varicose veins.

Or maybe you just have clusters of unsightly, small purple veins that bother you and you wonder what can be done about them?

of American adults has signs and symptoms of varicose veins. Varicose veins are essentially super�cial veins that have lost the ability to e�ectively transport blood back to the heart. Varicose veins can range from large, ugly, ropy veins to smaller clusters of super�cial (close to the surface) purple veins. Many patients will experience pain, achiness, heaviness and swelling. If le� untreated these varicose veins can lead to in�ammation of the vein (phlebitis), skin discoloration of the lower legs, skin breakdown and ulcers can ultimately occur. Years ago patients ignored this problem or were told the condition was “cosmetic”. Many times, if they did seek treatment, the results were o�en disappointing, or they were le� with dis�guring scars.

take less than an hour, require little or no anesthesia, and allow patients to return to their normal activities immediately. All this done in the safety and comfort of an office setting. Many times patients are anxious to receive treatment because they have previously heard an unpleasant story or known someone who had been subjected to previous treatment in years past that was much more invasive than what is available today. The majority of people are familiar with stories of past varicose vein treatments. Unfortunately, many are unfamiliar with the significant advances in treatment for varicose veins that allows for more effective and less invasive treatment.

This minimally invasive, office-based care, is standard of care for the physicians at the Circulatory Centers. All new patients are initially evaluated at a no cost, no obligation consultation. A state of the art ultrasound evaluation is performed in our ICAVL accredited vascular lab to diagnose any venous problems. The Circulatory Center staff members will then

EVLA Minimally Invasive Procedure Brings Immediate Vein Relief


COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONING AMENDMENTS

As you may be aware, Fairview Township is in the process of �nalizing our Comprehensive Plan, which will in�uence the direction of the township for the next 10 years. We have been gathering information for the past few years by survey, public meetings, census information, the Fairview Planning Commission, Fairview Planning/Zoning O�ce, a planning consultant and the supervisors.

We have a proposed Comprehensive Plan and new zoning regulation changes which will be presented to the public by categories at four public meetings. �ose categories and dates are as follows:

February 23, 2012 Downtown District and Transportation

March 8, 2012 Commercial and Industrial Changes and Growth Areas

March 22, 2012 Changes to Agricultural and Residential Districts

April 5, 2012 Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Projects

Some of these changes may a�ect you and your property use as a home/business owner. �erefore, your input is valuable to this process. Please consider a�ending these meetings.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WORKSHOP - AGENDA FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS

1. Downtown District and Transportation – February 23, 2012

Create a speci�c district (overlay) within Downtown along Route 20:

• Describedowntowndistrictboundaries

• Amendmentstolanddevelopment regulations

• Amendmentstozoningregulations

• DiscussbenefitsofaLERTADistrict

• Sidewalks

• Developingpedestriancrossingsinconjunction with tra�c control devices

• Parkingareas

Transportation:

• Resolvingtrafficproblemsatkeyintersections

• Encouragesecondmeansofaccesstoresidential developments

• Expandpedestrianwalkwaysandcreatebike trails

• ConcernsonRt.98andI-90Interchange

• Discussiononfutureroads

• ImproveschooltrafficpatternsandEMTA service

• AmendingtheFairviewTownship O�cial Map/

Ordinance

2. Commercial and Industrial Changes and Growth Areas – March 8, 2012

•Understandingofexisting zoning

• Futurelandusemapandlistoffuturegrowth areas

• Definingnewzoningregulations (B-3 Districts)

• Defineboundariesofthenewdistricts

• Buffers

• Impactoftrafficisamajorconcern

• Infrastructurebothcurrentandfuture

3. Changes to Agricultural and Residential Districts – March 22, 2012

• ZoningregulationchangesintheA-1 and A-2 districts pertaining to animals and horticulture

• RighttoFarmAct

• Adjustmentofzoning regulations in the R-2 District allowing for small animals such as poultry

• ReducingtheR-3Multi-Family District

4. Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Projects – April 5, 2012

• Sewerexpansion

• Septicmanagementprogram

• Waterexpansion

• Stormwatermanagement,CountyAct167 and State MS4

• Floodplain

• ParksandRecreation

• Capitalimprovementstoanytownshipeasements, properties

regulation changes in theA-1 and A-2

pertaining to animals and horticulture

Farm

• Adjustment ofzoning regulations in the R-2 District allowing for small animals such as

the R-3

Continued on page 16.


Municipal Pages

Continued �om page 15.

FINAL ADOPTION PROCESS FOR AMENDMENTS TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, ZONING ORDINANCE, SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE AND OFFICIAL MAP ORDINANCE

Comprehensive PlanA �nal hearing of the Board of Supervisors to adopt the Comprehensive Plan will follow the protocol set forth in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. �e Final Dra� will be circulated by the Fairview Township Planning Commission to the Erie County Planning O�ce, our four neighboring municipalities (Millcreek, McKean, Franklin and Girard), and Fairview School District. �e general public can view the Final Dra� at the Township Building and on our website. �e review period will be 45 days from the date of submission. �e Fairview Township Planning Commission will hold at least one public meeting during this time to solicit comments from the public. A�er the review period, Fairview Township will then post the �nal hearing date at our building and on the website and advertise twice in a paper of general circulation not more than 30 days or less than 7 days from the date of the hearing. A�er adoption, the Comprehensive Plan will be sent to Pennsylvania’s Center for Local Government Services which will issue a Land Use and Growth Management Report.

Zoning Ordinance�e Planning Commission has proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.

It will conduct at least one public meeting pursuant to public notice for comment and therea�er present to the supervisors the proposed amendments. County Planning will also receive the proposed amendments at least 45 days prior to the public hearing conducted by the supervisors. Neighboring townships will be noti�ed prior to adoption of the ordinance amendments. A�er the review period we will then post the �nal hearing date at our building and on the website and advertise in a paper of general circulation not more than 60 days or less than 7 days from the date of the hearing. �e �nal hearing of the Board of Supervisors for the adoption of the Fairview Township Zoning Ordinance amendments will occur at approximately the same time as the consideration for adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. Special notices will be provided to potentially a�ected landowners where appropriate.

Subdivision Ordinance AmendmentsProposed amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance will be considered at a public hearing held pursuant to public notice. County Planning will receive the proposed

amendments at least 30 days prior to the public hearing.

Official Map�e O�cial Map is being considered for amendment. �e proposed amendments are referred to the

Planning Commission. Within 45 days of

submission, comments are to be made, if any. �e county and

adjacent municipalities will also receive the proposed changes for comments. A�er the public hearing, if approved, notice is provided and the map is recorded.

UPCOMING CHANGES TO OUR STATE REPRESENTATION

PA State House RepresentativeJohn Evans will be completing his sixth term, a total of 12 years of service, as one of our state representatives. He and his o�ce will continue to serve our community through November 2012. Proposed changes in district boundaries are currently before the state Legislature for �nal approval to be placed into e�ect with the next term starting in 2013. Fairview will be placed with State Rep. Brad Roae, District 6, which is currently covering the Meadville/Titusville area.

PA State SenatorJane Earl will be completing her fourth term, a total of 16 years of service, as our state senator. She and her o�ce will also continue to serve our community through November 2012. Petitions for senator and house representative can start circulating at the end of January. �e Primary and General Elections will follow in May and November respectively. We encourage all residents of legal age to register and cast their votes at the elections.

STATE REGULATIONS

Building Code�e Pennsylvania Statewide Building Codes for residential structures came into e�ect in 2005. Fairview Township partnered with Millcreek and Harborcreek townships to have Building Inspection Underwriters of Pa., Inc. (BIU) handle the requirements of this new state law. Municipalities can choose to opt-in, as we have done, so that our zoning o�ces can work together with BIU in serving our residents. Municipalities can choose to opt-out as well, leaving the

16 West County

Municipal Pages

responsibility to the property owners for hiring their own inspection agency to meet the state’s requirements. �ere are pros and cons to both choices and at this time Fairview plans to continue with the opt-in status. We are able to provide the required services at the Township Building with a BIU representative available every morning from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. or by appointment.

In an a�empt to unify the quality and safety of residential construction, state legislators chose to initiate this law. Since that time there has been argument as to the real need for these regulations, questioning whether this is truly a state responsibility. Another debate has been whether the requirements should continue to grow, becoming more restrictive, and should they encompass even more aspects of construction. Fairview Township Supervisors have heard complaints from some of our residents who have had an issue with the excessiveness of the regulations. We would like to hear from more of you about the building codes and encourage you to contact your state legislators as well.

Emergency ManagementTitle 35 is the state legislation that directs counties and municipalities in their responsibilities for emergency management. It is currently under review and re-dra� by the state Legislature. One of the key components deals with the emergency management

coordinators and disaster event protocol. �e amount of paperwork and planning has reached a level beyond the volunteer

capacity that most coordinators operate under. E�orts are being made to regionalize this responsibility

without losing local control.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

StormwaterErie County Council, a�er much debate, chose to adopt new stormwater regulations with its updated Act 167 Stormwater Plan in 2012. �e state Department of Environmental Protection required this update with increased regulation and associated costs to be covered solely by the property owner. �e provisions lower the square foot thresholds signi�cantly as to when a designed plan is required for the management of stormwater. Our current ordinance requires that any property owner who creates 10,000 square feet or more of impervious surface

must submit a plan for managing the stormwater run-o�. �e state

wants the threshold to be 2,500 square feet for volume control and 5,000 square feet for full control measures. �e state would also like us to require the �rst inch of rain to be held inde�nitely on the property to dissipate either through in�ltration or evaporation.

Fairview Township agrees with the e�orts to protect our streams and waterways but disagrees with the reasonability of the new standards. Fairview also feels that DEP needs to make be�er e�orts with existing facilities to address any of their negative impacts on streams to balance and reduce the heavy burdens being placed on new development.

Stream Issues�e state has determined that there is a growing negative impact on our local streams. Walnut Creek and Trout Run have more segments of each stream now under the state’s 303D list of slightly impaired streams. �e three major impairments are sedimentation, coli form bacteria and temperature. E�orts by DEP, County

Conservation and local municipalities will help to improve ma�ers.

�e challenge is �nding a balanced approach and a

common ground to work on that will produce the results desired.

Septic Management

�e failure of on-lot septic systems has always been

a concern for homeowners. A failing system or group of failing

systems can have a very detrimental e�ect on the surrounding area and nearby streams, not to mention the unpleasant odor. �e proper care for a septic system varies according to the amount of use and soil type that it is functioning in. Good management practices are encouraged for all systems. Systems with heavy use and/or in poor soil would bene�t from a three- to �ve-year pumping cycle. All systems will function more e�ciently by giving the leach �eld a chance to rest and dry out. Yes, even septic systems need a vacation!

Title 35 is the state legislation that must submit a plan for managing the


FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY

Saturday, May 12, 2012 8 am to Noon

Location: Corner lot on McCray Road & Rt. 98 Tires - $1.00 Refrigerators, Dehumidi�ers, Air Conditioners with Freon - $10.00 Small Propane Tanks - $3.00

Will take: Automobile ba�eries, radiators, large appliances, assorted metals

NO: Household trash or recycling, paint, chemicals, gas cans, anti-freeze, motor oil, paint thinner or any other household chemicals

Back per your request: We will have a collection for on-site shredding of paper and the e-waste collection that was so popular last year. Like last year, there will be a 50-50 charge for the e-waste collection. When the price is set in the spring, the Township will pick up half the cost of disposal.

COMPOST & LEAF WASTE PROGRAM

Millfair Compost & Recycling Center

�e Millfair Compost & Recycling Center at 2301 Millfair Road is open six days per week for your convenience. Leaf waste to include leaves, garden residues shrubbery, tree trimmings and similar materials will be accepted. All leaves and other yard waste must be emptied out of the containers at the designated composting areas. NO grass will

be accepted at this site. If you have not already done so, stop by the Township recycling o�ce to pick up your free permit card. �e Center will open for the 2012 season on Monday, April 2, 2012 at the following extended hours:

HOURS

Monday – Wednesday 8 am to 7 pm �ursday Closed Friday Noon to 7 pm Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday Noon to 5 pm

Materials available for purchase: Bark mulch, screened and unscreened, leaf compost, logs and wood chips when available.

WASTE MANAGEMENT 3-YEAR TRASH & RECYCLING CONTRACT

EFFECTIVE DATE – JANUARY 1, 2011

ENDING DATE – DECEMBER 31, 2013

GUA�NTEED �TE - $52.05 per quarter FOR 3 YEARS TO INCLUDE WEEKLY UNLIMITED T�SH AND RECYCLING PICKUPS

�ere will be one spring (May 14 – 16, 2012) and one fall (November 12 – 14, 2012) curbside leaf waste pickup. CLEAR BAGS ONLY – NO OTHER BAGS WILL BE PICKED UP

“PER BAG” SERVICE METHOD

For residents on the “per bag” service method, the package of 5 bags will remain at $20.00 for 2012. For residents that put very li�le out and can get away with pu�ing one of these bags out every two to three weeks, this is a good deal. You can still put all of your recyclables out every week.

Bag customers will now be able to purchase a “tag” for $2.00 to place any large item (one item per tag) that will not �t into the green bag to place this item at the curb.

65-GALLON RECYCLING BINS

�e 65-gallon recycling bins are available. If you have not seen them before, this bin is on wheels, has a lid and will hold your entire

household “single stream” recycling. All of your cardboard, cans, glass, plastics #1 through #7, newspapers, kitchen cardboard, magazines and misc. paper can be placed together in the one container. With

the help of a grant, the cost of the recycling bin is $20 and if you have not go�en one, please don’t wait too long as they disappear fast.

Recycling Department



18 West County

ACTIVITIES for CHILDRENJUMPBUNCH JumpBunch is a program designed to provide an introduction to sports and fitness at a young age. It teaches healthy habits and the importance of exercise. These classes help build confidence and self-esteem in a non-competitive atmosphere. The curriculum covers over 70 different activities and helps build coordination and an interest in sports at an early age. JumpBunch teaches through constant praise and encouragement and guides students through all phases of physical development: eye/hand coordination, large and fine motor skills, muscle development and body balance. A minimum of eight children is needed to hold any class.

FOR TODDLERS Fee $30.00 per child per session

with 50% sibling discount

Site Fairview Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

Time 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Date Session 1: Thursday - March 8–29 Session 2: Tuesday - April 10–May 1

Ages 2 & 3

Coach: Jenny Kupczyk, Certified Children’s Fitness Specialist

Class is limited to 14 toddlers.

FOR PRESCHOOLERSFee $32.00 per child per session

with 50% sibling discount

Site Fairview Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

Time 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Date Session 1: Thursday - March 8–29 Session 2: Tuesday - April 10–May 1

Ages 3, 4 & 5

Coach: Jenny Kupczyk, Certified Children’s Fitness Specialist

Class is limited to 20 children.

NEW! ANTI-BULLYING PROGRAMFee $20.00 per child

Site Fairview Elementary School Gymnasium

Day Monday–Wednesday*

Time After school until 4:30 p.m.

Date April 30, May 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9*

Grades K-4*Final class (Graduation Day) to be held on Wednesday, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the Lund Martial Arts Academy.

Coach: Jeff Lund, Lund Martial Arts Instructor

This program focuses on teaching respect, discipline and self control. Communication skills, how to deal with a bully, why you should never be a bully, how to defuse a fight, and non-violent conflict resolutions are some of

the lessons taught. There will be daily homework assignments and parents are asked to attend the first and final classes.

THEATER FOR KIDS The Big Switcheroo! A Play about RESPECT

Fee $45.00 per child

Site Fairview Elementary School LGI Room

Day Tuesday

Time 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Date February 21–March 20

Grades 3 & 4

Coordinator: Ellie Tanenbaum, Fairview School District Nurse

Looking for actors/actresses, assistant directors and stage crew members. Each student will be given a Talented Tigers water bottle and will need to bring a piece of fruit each session for a snack. The play performance will be the week of March 26 at 9:15 a.m. at the Fairview Elementary School. Any questions, please contact

Ms. Tanenbaum at 814.474.3109.

School. Any questions, please contact Ms. Tanenbaum at

814.474.3109.


Fairview Parks & Recreation: Spring 2012 Program

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

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

This program guide & registration form are also available at www.fairviewtownship.com/parks. You can call 814-474-5077 or email [email protected]. Office hours are M-F from 12:00-4:00p.m.

SPRING LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM - AMERICAN RED CROSS CERTIFIED LESSONS

Class sizes are limited and spaces will only be reserved with payment. No checks will be accepted at the pool. The FPRA DOES NOT MAIL CONFIRMATIONS for class enrollments. Please assume you are enrolled for the class you paid for unless otherwise notified. FOR INFORMATION ON CLASS AVAILABILITY, CALL THE FPRA OFFICE AT 474.5077.

Fee for all levels is $40.00 per session.

Session A Day: Tuesday & Thursday Date: March 6 – 29

Session B Day: Monday & Wednesday Date: March 19 – April 25 (No class April

2–11)

Session C Day: Tuesday & Thursday Date: April 10 – May 3

Session D Day: Monday & Wednesday Date: April 30 – May 23

Session E Day: Tuesday & Thursday Date: May 8 – 31

PARENT WITH TODDLER (AGES 1-3)A water orientation class that will teach a parent how to work safely and effectively work with a young child in the water. Skill-appropriate water activities will be included.

Time 5:45-6:15 p.m.

Date Choose from sessions B and D

PRESCHOOL (AGES 3 AND UP)Designed for the child to develop a comfort level in the water as well as a readiness for learning how to swim. Children will also receive an introduction to the basic swimming skills.

Time 5:45-6:15 p.m.

Date Choose any session

LEVEL 1 Designed for children just beginning swim lessons who may be uncomfortable in the water.

Time 6:15-6:45 p.m.


LEVEL 2 Prerequisite: Level 1 with no fear of the water. Gives students opportunity for success with fundamental skills.

Time 6:15-6:45 p.m.


LEVEL 3 Prerequisite: Level 2 or equivalent. Builds on the skills in Level 2 by providing additional guided practice.

Time 6:45-7:30 p.m.


LEVEL 4 Prerequisite: Level 3 or equivalent. Develops confidence in the strokes learned and improves other aquatic skills.

Time 6:45-7:30 p.m.


FAIRVIEW FINS SWIM CLUBThe FINS swim team is a conditioning and technique-focused team that plans on competing in USA Swimming competitions for all interested members. We cover technique training for all four competitive strokes: Freestyle (front-crawl), Backstroke (back-crawl), Breaststroke and Butterfly.

Skill testing will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, March 19, FOR NEW SWIMMERS ONLY! The spring session will run from Tuesday, March 20–Thursday, May 31. No FINS practice April 2–9 & May 28.

GRADES K-4Fee $115.00

Day Monday–Thursday

Time 4:30-5:30 p.m.

GRADES 5-12Fee $155.00


Time 3:00-4:30 p.m.

ACTIVITIES for CHILDREN

20 West County


PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS$10.00 for ½ hour for private

$15.00 for ½ hour for semi-private

Call Kathy Iszkula to schedule lessons at 814.474.7439.

AMERICAN RED CROSS WATER SAFETY CERTIFICATION AND RE-CERTIFICATION The American Red Cross Water Safety Certification and Re-Certification course information can be found on our website at www.fairviewtownship.com or by calling the Rec. Office 814-474-5077.

OPEN DIVING Fee $40.00

Day Monday

Time 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Date March 19–May 21 (No class April 2 & 9)

Instructor: Amanda Keane, FHS Diving Coach

This is open diving time with instruction. Signed waivers and payment are due to the FPRA office prior to participation.

GIRLS MINI LEAGUE BASKETBALLFee $36.00 (includes free t-shirt)

Site Fairview Middle School Gymnasium

Day Saturday

Date March 10–May 19 (No basketball April 7)

Ages Grades 3 & 4 from 10:00-11:15 a.m. Grades 5 & 6 from 11:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Coach: Lance Brown, FHS Varsity Coach

Fairview mini league is a way for young athletes to learn the game of basketball in a fun filled environment. Players will learn the basic fundamentals of basketball including passing, shooting, ball handling, and pivoting. They will also see a lot of playing time. The ideals of good sportsmanship will be consistently reinforced. Please include t-shirt size on registration form!

GIRLS & BOYS LACROSSEFee To Be Determined

Fee must be paid by March 12


Day Saturday (to expand outdoors when weather permits)

Time Boys from 4:15-5:15PM Girls from 5:15-6:15PM

Date February 4 thru mid-May

Ages 5th thru 8th Grade

The boys team is a USA Lacrosse affiliated club team that will play in the Western PA Youth League. Players will be responsible for their own transportation. Each player must have required equipment including stick, helmet, shoulder pads, gloves, lacrosse arm pads, mouth guard and cleats. Registration/waiver forms MUST be received before the first practice date! For more information on the boys team email Cliff Jones at [email protected] or call 814-474-5450. For information on the girls team call Diane Morosky at 474-4954 or Bruce Gebhardt at 323-5354. Please include t-shirt size and email address on registration form!

BOYS 7th & 8th GRADE BASEBALL CLUB TEAMFee To Be Determined

Site Fairview High School Gymnasium & Fairview High School Baseball Fields

Day Sunday

Time 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Date March 4–May 6 (No program April 8)

This is a developmental league where the games are five innings with modified rules in some areas to allow for better individual player development. After tryouts, practices and games will be held on Sundays. There will also be some evening practices during the week outdoors as the weather improves. Registration/waiver forms are necessary for tryouts; however registration fees are only due after you make the team.

KIDS FUN NIGHT OUTFee $10.00 per night


Day Friday

Time 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Date March 2–May 25 (No program March 23, April 6 & 13)

Ages Open for ages 5 and up

Instructor: Carl Cody, Certified USA Gymnastics Instructor

Kids Fun Night is a light-hearted approach to mix general gymnastics in a fun environment, with a focus on fun! Games, contests, activities sure to keep the interest of all involved. Safe, supervised activities with pizza and drink served. You may pay when you attend.

the week outdoors as the weather improves. Registration/waiver forms are necessary for tryouts; however registration fees are only due after you make the team.



ACTIVITIES for CHILDRENBOYS 5th & 6th GRADE SOCCERFee $60.00 per player

Site Fairview Elementary School Gymnasium through April 12 Fairview Middle School Soccer Fields April 16– May 31 Day Monday–Thursday

Time 4:30-5:45 p.m.

Date March 5–May 31 (No soccer April 2-9 and May 28)

Coach: Jim Hrinda

Practice will be indoors through mid-April or, weather permitting, outdoors on the middle school soccer fields through the end of the season. Players will be responsible for their own transportation to and from games.

Registration/waiver forms and fees must be received by

the first practice. Please include t-shirt size on registration form!

GIRLS 5th & 6th GRADE SOCCERFee $60.00 per player

Site Fairview Middle School Gymnasium through end of March Fairview Middle School Soccer Fields, April & May

Day Tues in March from 7:00-8:30 p.m., in April & May from 3:00-4:30 p.m. Games Monday and Wednesday in April & May from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Date March 6–May 31 (No soccer April 2-9 and May 28)

Coach: Diana Klochak

The 5th and 6th grade girls outdoor soccer program is an opportunity for those interested to learn more about the game and improve their individual skills. The outdoor season will consist of both practice sessions and game opportunities on a weekly basis. The practice sessions will incorporate technical skills practice focusing on passing, receiving and dribbling. The players will also be introduced to tactical team topics at an age appropriate level. Please include t-shirt size on registration form!

NEW! LITTLE TIKE SOCCER Fee $30.00 per player


Day Thursday

Date March 8–May 3 (No soccer April 5)

Time 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Ages 4 years old & Kindergartners OR Time 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Ages 1st & 2nd Grades

Coach: Lauren Opalka

This program will focus on basic soccer instruction and rules followed by mini games.

weather permitting, outdoors on the middle school soccer fields through the end of the season. Players will be responsible for their own transportation to and from games.

Registration/waiver forms and fees must be received by

the first practice. Please include t-shirt size on registration form!

The 5th and 6th grade girls outdoor soccer program is an opportunity for those interested to learn more about the game and improve their individual skills. The outdoor season will consist of both practice sessions and game opportunities on a weekly basis. The practice sessions will incorporate technical skills practice focusing on passing, receiving and dribbling. The players will also be introduced to tactical team topics at an age appropriate level. size on registration form!

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS FUN - CUBS (K-2) & TIGERS (3 & 4)

Fee $30.00 for each session (REGISTRATION & PAYMENT MUST BE SENT TO THE REC. OFFICE, NOT TO THE SCHOOL. THANK YOU.)



Time 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Ages CUBS (Grades K-2)

Dates Session 1: March 5–8 Session 2: April 16–19 Session 3: May 14–17 OR Ages TIGERS (Grades 3 & 4)

Dates Session 4: March 12–15 Session 5: April 23–26 Session 6: May 21–24

Coach: Aaron Garrity, FES Teacher

An afterschool intramural sports program that enables children to be active while having fun with their peers. A focus will be to teach the correct fundamentals and skills in a variety of different sports and activities. The skill work, sports, and activities are geared toward being age appropriate. Learning skills such as listening, confidence, cooperation, following directions and teamwork will also be focused on throughout each session. All sessions are different…they include activities and games to keep the children active and having fun. A snack and drink will be provided right after school before all gym activities begin. A minimum of 8 students are needed to hold the program.

22 West County



CHANGES IN TUMBLING PROGRAM!

BEGINNER TUMBLING 1 Fee $21.00 per session

Day Monday

Time 6:00-7:00 p.m.


BEGINNER TUMBLING 2Fee $28.00 for Session 1, $21.00 for Session 2, $35.00 for Session 3

Day Wednesday

Time 6:00-7:00 p.m.


This level is intended to introduce gymnastic skills to the very young tumbler (5 & under tentatively). Focus is on activity and fun. Goals are to introduce and improve basic gymnastic skills, improve strength, develop coordination and build confidence. Forward rolls, backwards rolls, cartwheels, candlesticks, bridges and kick over are some examples; also games and activities. No previous skills are required.

INTERMEDIATE TUMBLING 1Fee $21.00 per session

Day Monday

Time 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Date Session 1: March 5–19 Session 2: April 16–30 Session 3: May 7–21

INTERMEDIATE TUMBLING 2Fee $28.00 for Session 1, $21.00 for Session 2, $35.00 for Session 3

Day Wednesday

Time 7:00-8:00 p.m.


This level is intended to enhance gymnastic skills in the young tumbler (5 & over tentatively). Focus is on activity and fun. Goals are to improve and acquire gymnastic skills, improve strength, develop coordination and build confidence. Round offs, handstands, back bend kick over and working back handsprings are some examples; also games and activities. Skills required are cartwheel, round off, bridge, and working kick over.

ADVANCED TUMBLING 1 Fee $21.00 per session

Day Monday

Time 8:00-9:00 p.m.

Date Session 1: March 5–19 Session 2: April 16–30 Session 3: May 7–21

ADVANCED TUMBLING 2 Fee $28.00 for Session 1, $21.00 for Session 2, $35.00 for Session 3

Day Wednesday

Time 8:00-9:00 p.m.


This level is intended to develop and maintain gymnastic skills in the advanced tumbler. Focus is on progressive skill development. Goals are to improve and acquire particular gymnastic floor skills, such as back handspring, round off back handspring and tucks. Skills required are cartwheel, round off, bridge kick over, working handspring, and/or handspring working tuck.

JUNIOR ADVANCED TUMBLING Fee $28.00 each for

Sessions 1 & 3, $14.00 for Session 2

Day Friday

Time 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Date Session 1: March 2–30 (No class March 23) Session 2: April 20 & 27 Session 3: May 4–25

This level is intended to develop and maintain gymnastic skills in the young advanced tumbler, with a “bed friendly” time start. Focus is on progressive skill development. Goals are to improve and acquire gymnastic floor skills, such as back

handspring, round off back handspring

& tucks. Skills required are to have or be working on bridge kick over, working

handspring, and/or handspring working tuck.

The Fairview Parks & Recreation Authority (FPRA) would like to remind parents that registration and payment is requested to be sent to the Parks & Rec. office as walk-in sign-ups and payment to Coach Carl is highly discouraged and may not be accepted. Also, Coach Carl has opted to modify his classes and will now have different levels for all tumbling classes. Beginner through advanced programs offer two different days of class that are the same instructionally. Please note the changes of days and times

for each. When registering, please specify which class, level and day you wish your child to attend. If you wish to have your child attend multiple days you must register and pay for each class separately. Any questions, please contact the Parks & Rec. office at 814.474.5077 or email [email protected].

All classes will be taught by Coach Carl Cody, USA Gymnastics Certified Instructor, and will be held at the Fairview Elementary School Gymnasium.

Session 1: March 7–28Session 2: April 11–25 Session 3: May 2–30

This level is intended to develop and maintain gymnastic skills in the advanced tumbler. Focus is on progressive skill development. Goals are to improve and acquire particular gymnastic floor skills, such as back handspring, round off back handspring and tucks. Skills required are cartwheel, round off, bridge kick over, working handspring, and/or handspring working tuck.

Focus is on progressive skill development. Goals are to improve and acquire gymnastic floor skills, such as back

handspring, round off back handspring

& tucks. Skills required are to have or be working on bridge kick over, working

handspring, and/or handspring working tuck.


ACTIVITIES for CHILDREN and ADULTSOPEN RECREATIONAL SWIMFamily Pass $75.00

Individual Pass $30.00

55/Plus Pass $27.00

Per person $3.00

Time 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Day Tuesday & Thursday

Date March 27–May 24 (No swim April 3, 5, 17, 19, May 8 & 10)

Bathing caps required for shoulder length hair, no cutoffs or t-shirts. Pool users must be 10 years of age and able to swim one length of pool, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Walk-ins

encouraged; you must sign in every day, payment due at every class and exact change is appreciated! Please be respectful of school property and do not throw and/or leave items in/around the pool.

ZUMBAFee $40.00 each for Sessions 1 & 5, $30.00 for Session 3

Site Fairview Middle School Cafeteria

Day Monday & Wednesday

Time 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Date Session 1: March 5–28 Session 3: April 11–30 (No class April 25) Session 5: May 2–30 (No class May 23 & 28)

AND/OR

Fee $40.00 each for Sessions 2 & 6, $30.00 for Session 4



Time 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Date Session 2: March 6–29 Session 4: April 10–May 3 (No class April 24 & 26) Session 6: May 8–31

Instructor: Lisa Sayers, Certified Zumba Instructor

Zumba fuses hypnotic musical rhythms and tantalizing moves to create a dynamic workout system designed to be FUN and EASY TO DO! The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Zumba is designed for all fitness levels and ages – male and female. All participants are encouraged to wear comfortable workout shoes and clothing. Bring a small towel and water. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

NEW! YOUTH & ADULT SOCCER Fee $3.00 per night


Time 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Day Thursday

Date March 1–May 24 (No soccer April 5)

Ages 14 & over with parent participation and/or supervision

Play pick-up games and get some exercise with competitive fun. Signed waivers are a must. Walk-ins encouraged.

NEW! BEGINNER STANDUP PADDLE BOARDING Fee $25.00 per session

Site Fairview High School Pool


Time 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Date Session 1-March 20 & 22 Session 2-April 17 & 19 Session 3-May 8 & 10

Ages 12 and up

Instructor: Jeff Jones, Owner of Elements Board Shop

The sport of Standup Paddle Boarding (SUP) is exploding worldwide! Men, women and children of all ages, from all backgrounds are drawn to the sport for its ease of access, simple equipment, excellent core exercise potential and endless learning curve. SUP is a sport anyone can enjoy and it provides you with a total body workout. You will improve your balance & coordination as well as your strength & endurance. All equipment provided. 6 students maximum per session.

feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Zumba is designed for all fitness levels and ages – male and female. All participants are encouraged to wear comfortable workout shoes and clothing. Bring a small towel and water. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

24 West County


TAI CHI Fee $30.00


Time 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Day Monday

Dates May 7 thru 21

Instructor: Amy Eisenberg

Enjoy learning the Yang Long Form of Tai Chi: a series of slow, graceful movements developed in China to promote relaxation, increase flexibility, improve balance and enhance overall good health. Beginners are encouraged to attend. Minimum of five students needed to hold the class.

ACTIVITIES for ADULTS

6 ON 6 CO-ED RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALLFee $90.00 per 6-person team with 2 subs


Day Thursday

Time 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Date March 1–29 AND Time 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Date April 12–May 31

Teams may have a maximum of 6 players on the court at any one time. There must be at least 4 players, 2 men and 2 women, on the court at all times. Team registrations must be received by February 29 and include one contact person with phone number and address. Will accept the first 8 team entrants. For more information, call Mark at 474.3235.

HATHA YOGA Fee $40.00 per session

Day Thursday

Site Fairview Middle School LGI Room

Time 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Date Session 4: March 3–24 Session 5: March 31–April 28 (No class April 5) Session 6: May 5–26

Instructor: Daniela Vassileva, Certified Yoga Instructor

Classes represent a balanced flow of poses, working on all body parts to create strength, flexibility, and endurance. Stretches, twists and bends will energize, detoxify and sculpt your body. Balancing poses, breathing techniques and relaxation will help release stress, guide the focus within and clear the mind. Yoga offers you a great opportunity to improve your health, to cleanse your body and mind from negativity and to just enjoy the present. Classes suit participants of all levels. Bring floor mat and water. Minimum of five students needed to hold the class.

INDOOR WALKINGFee $5.00 per pass for entire session OR $1.00 per person per night

Site Fairview Middle School Hallways

Days Monday–Thursday

Time 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Date March 1–May 17 (No walking April 2-9)

Join our walking club in the hallways of the middle school. Walk for either time or distance. Please sign in nightly. Passes must be purchased on site.

ADULT SOCCERFee $3.00 per night


Day Monday

Time 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Date March 5–May 21 (No class April 2)

Ages 16 & over


MEN’S OPEN BASKETBALLFee $3.00 per night


Day Wednesday

Time 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Date March 7–May 30 (No basketball April 4)

Ages 30 and over


NEW! ADULT MASTER’S SWIM Fee $6.00 per night

Site Fairview High School Pool

Day Wednesday

Time 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Date March 7–May 30 (No swim April 4)

Instructor: Melanie Reade

Gain speed and get time in the water with this competitive focused program. This is not a “learn to swim” program and is not for beginners.

$90.00 per 6-person team with 2 subs

Fairview Middle School Gymnasium

Passes must

Date March 5–May 21 (No class April 2)

Ages 16 & over


TAI CHI Fee

Site

Time

Day

Dates

Instructor:

Enjoy learning the Yang Long Form of Tai Chi: a series of slow, graceful movements developed in China to promote relaxation, increase flexibility, improve balance and enhance overall good health. Beginners are encouraged to attend. students needed to hold the class.

Classes suit participants of all levels. Bring floor mat and water. students needed to hold the class.


EVENTS AT PLEASANT RIDGE PARKGirls’ Softball Association of Fairview will have sign-ups from February 15–March 16. The cost is $55.00

per person ($60.00 after March 16). Please contact Brian Sanders at [email protected] or 814.474.4754 for registration information. You can also

access the registration information on its website at http://fairviewsoftball.clubspaces.com. On February 16, 21, 23, and 28 there will be open gym practices at the Fairview High School top gym from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Girls from any district are welcome.

TENNIS CLASSES for SUMMER 2012JUNIOR TENNIS PROGRAM• ClasseswillbeheldattheChris

Batchelor Tennis Courts at the Fairview High School.

• Allpaymentsaredueinadvanceofthefirst class session.

• Therearenorefundsafterthefirstplaying date.

• Properclothingandtennisshoes(noblack soled shoes) are required.

• Fourstudentsnecessaryforanyclasstobegin.

• Racquetsareavailableforthosewhohave never played before.

• Pleaseletinstructorknowwhenyouwill miss a class. Rain dates and missed classes can be made up by scheduling with the director.

• Youmayleaveamessageforthedirectorat the tennis court phone: 814.474.4592.

Session 1: June 11 – July 13

Session 2: July 16 – August 16

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

PAWS: Beginner, ages 5–10 years old

Fee $40/once a week or $55/twice a week

Day Monday and/or Wednesday

Time 9:00-10:00 a.m.

CLAWS:Choose either Beginner or Intermediate, ages 10–14 years old


Day Monday and/or Wednesday

Time 10:00-11:00 a.m.

TIGERS: Advanced, ages 14–18 years old


Day Tuesday and/or Thursday

Time 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

GIRLS FITNESS CLASS Fee $40.00

Day Thursday

Time 9:00-9:45 a.m.

Fitness for girl tennis players as well as other female athletes who are entering the world of competitive high school athletics and aspire to increase flexibility and cardiovascular stamina. Will work on calisthenics and stretching that will help participants gain an edge in preparation for their sport.

PRIVATE TENNIS LESSONS$15.00 for ½ hour lesson $30.00 for 1 hour lesson Call Rick Sertz to schedule lessons at 814.825.8111 ext. 21.

ADULT TENNIS CLASSESFee $40.00 per session

Site Chris Batchelor Tennis Courts at Fairview High School

Days Wednesday

Time 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Date Session 1- June 11–July 13 Session 2- July 16–August 16

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

ERIE COUNTY TENNIS TOURNAMENTWill be held at the Chris Batchelor Memorial Tennis Courts at the Fairview High School July 26–July 29, 2012. Visit www.fairviewtownship.com for registration form and more details or call the FPRA office at 814.474.5077. *In cases of financial hardship, scholarship applications are available upon request.

26 West County


REGISTRATION AND WAIVER FORM - FILL OUT COMPLETELY

PARTICIPANT NAME AGE ACTIVITY SESSION LEVEL TIME FEE

T-Shirt Size S____ M____ L____ XLG____ Youth or Adult CHECK # __________ TOTAL

GUARDIAN __________________________________________________________________Home Phone ______________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________Work Phone _______________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP ______________________________________________________________Cell Phone ________________________

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND WAIVER/RELEASE FORM

Signature ___________________________________________________________________Date _____________________________

READ AND SIGN THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY INDEMNIFICATION In applying for registration in the program and facility, the following agreements must be endorsed:

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

(2) I agree to abide by the regulations for operation of the facility used for the program, and regulations for the registered individual activity.

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

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

(4) I acknowledge that passes and registrations may not be loaned or transferred; the permit and privileges associated with it are not transferable and will be lifted, if presented by any other person than the one to whom issued. We will consider your application for registration as acceptance of the above items. THE SIGNATURE OF PARENT, GUARDIAN OR ADULT PARTICIPANT INDICATES ACCEPTANCE OF THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION.

The waiver and release of liability must be signed before participation by adult participants or by a parent or guardian on behalf of minors. The Fairview Parks and Recreation Authority, Fairview Township and its Supervisors and the Fairview School District assume no liability for injuries that may be suffered as a result of participation in these activities as well as and including transportation to and from any class or program.

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

MAKE YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO: THE FAIRVIEW PARKS AND RECREATION AUTHORITY AND MAIL TO 7471 MCCRAY RD, FAIRVIEW, PA 16415



For more than two centuries, since its establishment in 1797, Fairview has been home to residents and businesses

that have changed with the times.

Early settlers of the community included mostly farmers looking to establish homesteads in the township’s rich soil, as well as businessmen building mills that were supported by the powerful current of Trout Run and Walnut Creek.

According to the published history of the township, its name can be attributed to one of those early settlers, Col. Thomas Forster, who is said to have exclaimed, “This is the fairest view I have seen yet,” when looking out over his land near Walnut Creek.

Eventually the town would come to see stagecoaches traveling a regular route along Ridge Road, generating the need for inns, restaurants and other businesses.

As times changed and technology evolved, railroad service brought people, freight and mail to town. Trolley and bus service arrived at the beginning of the last century, and even one of the country’s earliest and most

successful airports is part of the township’s rich history. Today, superhighways like I-90 provide easy and efficient access to points east and west.

June Hetz, past president of the Fairview Area Historical Society, has lived in the township since 1961. Although not a native of the area, she has experienced much of the community’s history since arriving in Fairview.

Hetz explains that the historical society was formed as a result of the United States’ bicentennial celebration in 1976. The nation’s year-long celebration spurred enough interest

in local history that many local historical societies were established around that time.

After its establishment, the Fairview Area Historical Society began to look for a place to

By Dana Black McGrath

“West Main Street” This photo was taken looking west at the main intersection about 1910. Notice the large building on the extreme left. It was the Old Fellows Hall, burned down in a truck collision accident in 1944.

“Old Hotel” This old building was erected between 1862 - 1873. Originally it was called “The Monitor” after the Union’s ironclad ship. It had many names and many owners over the years.

“Treasure Island” It was turned around, porches taken off and looked like this for its last 70 years or so and was torn down in 1994.

A Trip Back in Time

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meet, and eventually purchased the Sturgeon House, one of the area’s most historically significant homes. Members and volunteers began to slowly but lovingly restore the home, which dates back to at least 1838 or possibly earlier, according to Hetz.

Built by Robert Sturgeon, the son of one of Fairview’s first settlers, the house is listed on the National Register – a distinction earned by merit of its saltbox style of architecture and the importance of the family to the community. Interestingly, Fairview Borough was originally named Sturgeonville in honor of the family, which owned the property from when it was built until it was sold to the historical society in 1979.

The property had been used as a rental from the 1890s through the time of the historical society purchase, but the family did manage to maintain some of the home’s original furnishings, which were donated to the society.

Hetz believes one of the most significant turns of events in the township’s history

was when the area began to change from a farming community to being home to many subdivisions. “It led to the change of the school system and to the growth of the township.”

Another milestone, in Hetz’s opinion, was the consolidation of Fairview Borough and Fairview Township. Previously the borough was within the township, but each had its own governing body. After a referendum in which residents voted to consolidate, the borough ceased to exist. That consolidation occurred in 1998 and since then has had a large impact on the area, says Hetz.

For more information about the township’s history or the Fairview Area Historical Society, visit the website at www.fairviewhistoryeriecountypa.org.


“Eventually the town would come to see

stagecoaches traveling a regular route along Ridge

Road, generating the need for inns, restaurants

and other businesses.”

To many, hunger is someone else’s problem; a difficulty that will happen to someone else’s family. But according to a 2004 study

by Washington University of St. Louis, at least 42% of Americans will deal with food insecurity at some time during

their lives. It is interesting to note that this study was done four years prior to the beginning of the recession.It is hard to overestimate the importance of food

to quality of life and overall health. Medical experts now tell us that the major factors in determining disease are DNA, exercise and nutrition. A person may be able to stay alive by eating cereal everyday, but how healthy is

a consistent diet of nothing but cereal? Unfortunately, the poor are many times forced to buy what is cheap without regard for nutritional value. Indeed, many

people are lucky to have enough money to buy food at all.

As people age, nutrition becomes even more important to sustaining life. For individuals with health problems such as diabetes or heart problems, good food is essential. To growing children, proper nutrition is vitally important for optimal learning in school and normal physical development. Unfortunately, many people in our area do not have enough food to eat, much less the financial resources to buy healthy, nutritious food.

One common misconception is that people who are hungry are unemployed. Although this is sometimes the case, many individuals who work at full-time jobs do not have enough to eat. With employee benefits such as health care decreasing, many workers are faced with the choice of paying for their health care insurance and prescriptions -or food. Workers have also accepted cut backs in the number of hours worked or decreases in hourly wages in order to retain their jobs. This shortage in pay has to be made up in other areas and one way that individuals stretch their paycheck is by skipping meals to the detriment of their health.

At the New Beginnings Food Pantry in Fairview, numbers have jumped dramatically since October, increasing from 120 families to 240 families served. Ann Friend, director of the food pantry that operates out of New Beginnings Gospel Church, has been involved with the organization for 25 years and says she has never before seen so many in need of assistance.

An elderly couple recuperating from illness and injury found themselves in need of not just

food, but also assistance with meal preparation. One of the ways the food pantry was able to

help was by providing them with prepared items that just required heating in the oven.

Another new client, a parent of five children, turned to the pantry for help

after her spouse suddenly walked out on the family, leaving them in

need. Those who find themselves in need do not have to be a member of the church to seek help from New Beginnings, says Friend. “People know they can come here and get the help they need.” The food pantry also can help with emergency situations and can arrange for delivery as well.

Many situations can cause a person or family to be in a position of need for food. Unexpected job loss and health problems like the families previously mentioned are just a couple of reasons that individuals may experience a food shortage. Many persons work in low-paying jobs with limited education and are unable to make ends meet even in stable times. Divorce often leaves mothers with small children in difficult financial situations, unable to provide for their families, especially if child support is non-existent. The death of a spouse or other wage-earner in the household can deal a sharp economic blow to any family. Individuals who live with very little disposable income may find themselves with food insecurity if expensive car repairs are needed in order to maintain transportation to work. The causes of food insecurity are as numerous as the people dealing with the problem of hunger.If a family is fortunate enough to have enough to eat,

there are important things that anyone can do to help those who are hungry.

One of the most obvious ways is to donate money to your local food pantry. This enables the food bank to buy the nutritious foods that are needed, rather than having to cope with limited amounts of random food items. The support of individuals in the community is crucial.

For some families, a donation of $25 or $50 may pose a hardship on their budget. But even with limited incomes, there are things that almost anyone can do to help. Some grocery stores offer shoppers the opportunity to make a contribution to food pantries at the check-out line. If every family who is

By Pamela Palongue

Those in Need

Volunteers of Fairview Presbyterian Food Pantry

Jordyn Sanner is carrying a box of food to the vehicle

Photos by Mark Hutchinson


able makes a donation of $1 each week when they shop for groceries, think of the money that could be generated to help feed the hungry! By donating a smaller amount more frequently, it is less painful than writing a check for $20 or more. A small donation of one dollar will most likely not be missed in the family budget, but will help make a big impact when combined with the dollars from other area households.

Although monetary donations allow the food pantry the ability to buy food supplies to fill their particular needs, food donations are

also helpful. Many times we buy things at the store with good intentions, but those items at the back of the cupboard are just not being eaten. Chances are if you take a quick inventory of your pantry, there are a few items that could be donated to your local food bank. In particular need are high fiber cereals, rice, pasta, canned beans such as kidney, black and navy which are an important source of protein. Peanut butter, canned tuna and salmon also supply much needed protein. Canned vegetables and fruits are always welcomed as well as fruit and vegetable juices, although they should be 100% juice, so be sure to check the ingredients label before donating. Chili, stews and soups are also valuable items because they offer a quick and easy way to get several daily nutrients in one, convenient source. Although many foods remain nutritious and palatable after they expire, some do not. Therefore donated food items should not be expired.

Another practically painless way to donate food is to take advantage of store specials. When your local grocery runs a special where two items may be purchased and the third one is free or a ‘two for the price of one’ special, consider donating that extra can of carrots to the food pantry. If this is done weekly, the items will add up quickly and the surplus will help feed hungry families.

Last of all, but in no way least, if individuals cannot afford even small sacrifices of money or groceries, time is another valuable commodity. Most food banks are operated entirely by volunteers. There are many different jobs to do which allow a person to be matched with a task that fits their own unique personality. Groceries must be organized and stocked on the shelves and later packed into boxes for food pantry clients. Individuals are also needed to work directly with clients to determine eligibility and the distribution of food. Still other persons are needed for fundraising activities, food drive events and marketing duties.

One of the best things about helping your local food pantry is that you are helping your neighbors. Often times the hungry go unnoticed because hunger cannot be seen or felt by those around it. The person who is hungry could even be your neighbor, a co-worker or the waitress at your local coffee shop. If 42% of U.S. citizens will be visiting a food bank at some time in their lives, the hungry person may even be you or your family. Helping the food pantry to help others will build a stronger, healthier community for us all.

To contact New Beginnings Food Pantry, call 814.474.3223. Another food pantry that provides assistance to the Fairview community is Fairview Presbyterian Church, 814.474.3914.

Rebecca Church and JR Mountain help carry food at Food Pantry

At the New Beginnings Food Pantry in Fairview, numbers have jumped

dramatically since October, increasing from 120 families to 240 families served.


When shopping for life insurance, you’ll face several important decisions. One of the most basic is whether you want term life or whole life coverage. Understanding the benefits and risks of each will help you choose the best policy for your current and future financial needs.

Term LifeWith term life, you pay premiums for a certain period, say 20 years, and in exchange, the insurer agrees to pay your beneficiaries a stated benefit if you pass away during that time.

Pros

• You’ll receive great value. Term insurance can be purchased in large amounts for relatively small premiums.

• You can match terms to needs. Most people purchase term life to provide for their dependents. Once your kids are grown, your mortgage is paid off, and your retirement is nicely funded, you may have little use for a policy.

Cons

• The policy is temporary. One of the key benefits of term life is also its biggest risk. If your term expires and you still have life insurance needs, you’ll re-enter the market as an older

and potentially less-healthy consumer. That means significantly higher premiums, provided you’re coverable at all.

• The benefit may not be paid. Some people chafe at the idea of paying for a benefit their beneficiaries may never receive. If you stay current with your premiums and take care of your health, you’ll receive no reward for outliving your policy.

Whole LifeWhole life insurance provides a death benefit throughout your life. It also includes a cash value component that accrues value over time, allowing you to borrow or withdraw funds as needed.

Pros

• Lifetime coverage. A whole life policy covers the rest of your life, not just a stated term. As long as your policy is in force when you pass away, your beneficiaries will receive a death benefit.

• You’ll retain access to your money. The premiums you pay for a whole life policy become part of the policy’s cash value. After an introductory period, this cash value becomes available to you through loans1 or as a surrender value. You can even report the cash value as an asset when applying for a line of credit. Any way you choose to use it – if you choose to use it – the cash value of a whole life policy provides another level of financial security for your family.

• You may receive dividends. The insurer may pay dividends to whole life policy owners, depending on the company’s financial performance.2 Although dividends are not guaranteed, the possibility of earning extra income is an attractive feature of whole life policies.

• Estate planning. If you plan to pass on sizable assets, your attorney or estate planner can help you use the policy’s death benefit to remove some of the burdens of estate taxes3 for your heirs.

Cons

• Higher initial premiums. In the first years of a whole life policy, the premiums are often higher than comparable term life coverage. However, the lifetime level premiums available for a whole life policy become more affordable over time, while term renewals can involve significant increases in premiums.

• Long-term commitment. Insurers offer several payment plans for whole life policies, but the most common plans require regular premiums for an extended period of time. Policyholders who cannot consistently pay their premiums may see their policy lapse.

Good financial decision-making is based on solid research and sound advice. If you’re in the market for life insurance, be sure to discuss your options with a qualified insurance representative or certified financial planner and consult your tax and legal advisor regarding your situation.

1 Unpaid loans and withdrawals will reduce the guaranteed death benefit and policy cash value. Loans accrue interest.

2 Dividends are not guaranteed.3 State Farm agents do not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult your tax, legal,

or investment advisor regarding your specific circumstances.

Term Or Whole Life Insurance: Which Is Right For You?


Situated at the busy intersection of Route 20 and Route 98, Fairview Central Park serves a distinct purpose

for the community – welcoming visitors and residents to the heart of the township. On the spot where a doughnut shop once stood, the park took quite a while to be established, explains Pete Kraus, director of parks and recreation for the township.

PennDOT had acquired the property as part of an extensive expansion project at the intersection. At the end of that project, this particular parcel of land was left in the right-of-way that had been secured by PennDOT, so the department offered it to the township to utilize as a welcome center.

After securing some state funding to improve the site, the township was able to build a wall that is illuminated by lights and enhanced by landscaping trees to offer “Welcome to Fairview” greetings to the public. Work on the park was completed nearly five years ago, says Kraus.

The park also features a trellis, or pergola, with benches underneath for visitors to rest and reflect. In the wintertime, the spot attracts Christmas carolers, while during the milder months cyclists often can be spotted taking a rest there. Another interesting

feature, resting beside the pergola, is an old school bell that once called students to class at one of the township’s early schools.

“It really has been a big improvement to the area,” says Kraus. “It helps to make the area look more personalized and gives it more of a hometown feeling.”

The park has benefited from the support of local community groups whose efforts help to keep the spot looking picture-perfect. Brownie, Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, as well as the Fairview Garden Club, have worked on plantings and maintenance there. “It definitely has improved the look of downtown and that area,” says Kraus. “A lot of people seem to really enjoy it.”

Classified as a passive recreation park, Fairview Central Park is newer, but not the newest park in the township. That distinction is reserved for Avonia Beach Park, another passive recreation area situated on 3.6 acres along the shores of Lake Erie. Completed nearly three years ago, it provides a place for visitors to drop by and enjoy the lake or fish. There have even been a few weddings at the park, Kraus reports.

Kraus says he is anticipating work on the existing building that is located on the property and hopes the township will be able to secure grant money for the project, which would include overall improvements as well as making the facility accessible to those with disabilities.

For more information about the township’s parks and other recreational programs, visit the website at www.fairviewtownship.com/parks.

Fairview Central Park

Welcomes Visitors to the Township

By Dana Black McGrath


Students at Fairview schools have recently been benefiting from a program called Distance Learning. By using video conference machines, students can have conferences with authors and

artists, receive instruction in language classes from native speakers, and visit museums and aquariums in other

states—all without leaving the Fairview campus.

Fairview High School students are currently

studying Mandarin Chinese from a native Mandarin speaker. The class has the

additional advantage of exposing students to Chinese culture, rather than just learning the patterns and rules of the language itself. Also offered this semester are American government classes that are currently being taught at Fort LeBoeuf High School located in Waterford, Pa. The high school has even offered college-level history and geography courses from Clarion University in past semesters.

According to Katy Wolfrom, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment with Fairview School District, the cost of taking a class through distance learning is much cheaper than hiring a special instructor or arranging a field trip to a museum in another state. The cost

ranges in price from about $150 to $500 per class. The

Fairview School Foundation is able to help provide some of the funds necessary to offer these subjects. “It gives us the opportunity to offer something that we ordinarily would not be able to afford,” says Wolfrom. “It also allows the school to share classes between districts.” For

example, another school district may be offering a language course that is not offered at Fairview schools and Fairview may

have a particular history class that could be offered to yet another high school.

The classes and experiences offered by Distance Learning are extremely varied and go way beyond teaching the simple subjects of reading, writing and arithmetic. “Our kindergarten classes were recently able to participate in a program called ‘A is for Apple’ with the Cleveland Museum of Art,” notes Wolfrom. “They have a wonderful art program there.” In another program called e-Missions, which originates from NASA, middle school students are

By Pamela Palongue

FMS Mandarin class

Alaskan Sea Life Center

Sandra Day O’Connor

The World Comes to Fairview School District

NASA


given a scenario—such as an impending hurricane—and they must make decisions based on the raw data provided by NASA of how to handle the situation effectively. It involves the use of math skills, communication, problem-solving abilities and teamwork. “The kids get so excited and involved in the [scenario], we sometimes have to remind them that it’s just a scenario,” says Wolfrom. Another favorite classroom experience has been a video visit to the Alaska Sea Life Center, where students are able to get a close-up view of Alaska’s diverse aquatic life.

Some important visitors to Fairview schools via video conference machine have been U.S. senators and representatives, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and author Wendy Mass. The middle school students all read the same books by Wendy Mass: A Mango-Shaped Space and 11 Birthdays. The author was then able to hold a video conference with the children to discuss the book.

Wolfrom hopes that in the future, even more classes may be offered by video conference. The machines themselves cost approximately $10,000 each. The first machine was offered through a grant from Wide Area Network (WAN) and two additional machines were purchased through the school’s technology budget.

This new type of global classroom has allowed students to experience the world firsthand while still at their desks in Fairview.

Some important visitors to Fairview schools via

video conference machine have been U.S. senators

and representatives, former Supreme Court

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and author

Wendy Mass.


Discover Presque Isle

in the Off-Season

Six more weeks of winter,” proclaimed Punxsutawney Phil, when he emerged from his cozy den this February only to be frightened by his own shadow. Though he may be the number one most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania, his weather forecasting skills sometimes leave a bit to be desired. Of course, just a few hours north of Phil, up here in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania, it doesn’t take a groundhog for us to know that the weather this time of year can bring us just about anything!

Lucky for us, no matter what the meteorologist brings us during these next couple of months as we transition from winter into spring, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) offers plenty of things to do. In fact, the folks at TREC would like you to come in and see what’s inside, but what they really want you to do is GET OUT… and discover the peninsula in the off-season!

If you’re a nature lover, the peninsula is a spectacular place to explore, right here in your own backyard. What makes it such a special place to be during these colder months is its quiet beauty. As Anne Desarro, Presque Isle’s environmental education specialist supervisor puts it, “The landscape of the peninsula when it is frozen over and

the ice dunes have formed is an otherworldly kind of beautiful; it is amazingly peaceful.” According to Desarro, this time of year is a great time to experience the region’s wildlife. “You can see the animal tracks, the critters and the birds.”

Presque Isle has always been an ideal spot for bird watching in every season; in fact the peninsula has been named as one of the top ten birding spots in the country! In the colder months, you’ll see birds such as the Tundra Swan that fly here from the north. As spring arrives, so too will many migrating birds appear for their annual visit to the peninsula. Mid-April marks the peak migration time for the shore birds, which are soon followed by the warblers and songbirds. As part of the peninsula’s public programming, there are a number of bird watching excursions, which are led by experts from the park who are able to show you how to spot and identify various birds in their natural habitat.

Park visitors looking for a little fresh air and exercise are always encouraged to enjoy the easily accessible trails. The multipurpose trail is kept open and cleared from the park’s entrance to the ranger station so that walkers and joggers can enjoy a view of Presque Isle Bay and the cityscape, as well as the beauty of the nature surrounding them.

By Aimee Nicolia

Photo by Brian Berchtold

Photo contributed courtesy of Presque Isle State Park.


For the slightly more adventuresome, the wooded trails are a perfect place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and hiking. On February 18, weather permitting, the peninsula will offer a Cross Country Skiing 101 course to teach the basics of the sport. The only fee is for rental equipment, which will be available on site. Those who have their own equipment and knowledge of the sport are free to venture off on the trails on their own.

If you’re brave enough, or curious enough, to walk the wooded trails in the dark, then the peninsula’s popular night winter hiking tour is the one for you. One such tour will be offered from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 17 along the Pine Tree Trail. It is free and registration is not required. These tours are offered monthly and are facilitated by the park’s naturalists, who keep things exciting by varying the locations and topics each time. Some of the hikes take place under the light of the full moon, while other hikes are purposely scheduled for darker nights so that hikers must rely solely on their own night vision and other senses. According to Desarro, “It’s a really unique opportunity for folks to enjoy the peninsula after dark, since the park closes at sunset, and otherwise you would not be able to walk on the trails at night.”

On Sunday, February 19, golfers can put a spin on the phrase “having a ball.” The second annual Joe Roots Frostbite Open Golf Tournament will be hosted by the Presque Isle Partnership. Pins, flags and cups will be set up on the ice to form the course, with lots of giveaways and prizes. “Last year, the tournament proved to be such a hit that not only did we have 170 golfers, but even more signed up on a waiting list to play!” said Steve McDermott, executive director of the Presque Isle Partnership. For dates and registration for the Frostbite Open, visit www.discoverpi.com.

At the beginning of May, aspiring young artists can take part in the “Natural Impressions – All Things Presque Isle” art competition. Students can submit artwork, which will be judged and then kept on display at TREC throughout the month of May.

Did we hear somebody mention popcorn? You can always sit back and enjoy the entertainment at TREC’s Big Green Screen Theatre with its four-story high, 45-foot wide movie screen that’ll really make you feel like

you’re a part of the action. Many of the movies have an educational and environmental theme like the film “Journey Into Amazing Caves” which will be showing until the end of February. Starting in March, TREC invites

you to see “Volcanoes of the Deep Sea,” an adventure film that will take you 12,000 feet below the ocean’s surface. You can then learn more about the undersea volcanoes by visiting the museum’s special exhibit on the

second floor. For movie listings, show times and specials visit www.trecpi.org or call the Big Green Screen Theatre at 814.838.4123.

So there you have it. There really is something here for everyone at Presque Isle during the off-season. Why not start planning your next adventure on the peninsula right now!

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is open seven days a week and general admission is free. For specific dates or more information on any of the programs or activities listed in this article, please visit www.trecpi.org or call 814.833.7424.

“The landscape of the peninsula when it is frozen over and the ice dunes have

formed is an otherworldly kind of beautiful; it is amazingly peaceful.”–Anne Desarro, Presque Isle’s environmental

education specialist supervisor

Photo contributed courtesy of Presque Isle State Park.


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