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Welcome to the Winter issue of Keystone Oaks Magazine.I hope you and yours had a wonderful fall, that the kids transitioned

back to school well, and that you had an opportunity to catch a fewSteelers games along the way.

We all view winter differently – some see it as the holiday season,some see it as the gloomy period when we long for the swim trunksand patio furniture we put into storage. Others see it as theiropportunity to break out the skis and sleds and hit the slopes. No matterhow you view it, winter is a time when we have to be the most diligent—despite our mood aboutsnow, or our preoccupation with playing in it—for those who need us the most…our seniors. Whileit’s hard enough for many of them to get around in good weather, the winter months can be a trial ofterror for the elderly. Who’s going to shovel the snow? How will I get groceries? Will I be homebefore it’s too dark for me to see the road well enough to drive? And for those who have transitionedto assisted living facilities, the questions might be of an altogether different, but equally unsettlingnature. Will anyone visit me for Christmas? Hanukah? New Years? These are our mothers, fathers,friends and neighbors, and they don’t like to ask anything of us. But they need us just the same. Iknow the economy is bad, and I’m not saying go out and spend money you don't have, but goingcaroling with a church group, or visiting someone who has no one is free to all of us. Chances are,you’ll not only put a smile on their face, you’ll be giving them something money can’t buy – thefeeling that someone cares.

Have a joyous holiday and happy New Year!

Wayne DollardPublisher

FROM THE EDITORDovetailing off what Wayne said above, he’s right. Through college, I worked one of my part-time

jobs as a waiter at Asbury Heights. And while Asbury is known as one of the better “old folks homes”out there, the great quality of the facility and staff couldn’t make up for what many of the residentsdidn’t have – family. Oftentimes, a new resident would show up in the dining room and feel out ofplace. Much like high school cafeterias, the two shifts of dinner were comprised of residents who hadbeen together for years. They sat in the same seats at the same tables day after day and even ate thesame dinners often enough that you knew what they were going to order before they had the chanceto order it. New residents either had to be compellingly outgoing to break into an established crowd,or, more often than not, had to find an open seat and make friends with whoever sat across fromthem. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes not. But the most heartbreaking sight was around theholidays, when families would show up that you never saw throughout the course of the year – eventhough they were always welcome for dinner. Many residents had to sit alone,watching those families celebrate the season. I can’t read minds andsay they felt sad or envious. But I can say that if it were me, Iwould be both. I’m not blameless. I have a grandmother in alocal “old folks home” that I think of more than I visit, butI'm trying to do better. When we look around this holidayseason and see the gifts in the stores or Santariding on the fire truck and entertainingchildren in the malls, most of us shouldbe thankful that we have people on ourlists to buy for and with whom we canexpect to share time together. Others don’t havethat luxury, and haven’t for some time. We can allmake someone smile this winter, so why not try?

Feliz Navidad,

Mark Berton

PUBLISHERWayne Dollard

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

REGIONAL EDITORS

Mark Berton [South and West][email protected]

Dana Black-McGrath [North][email protected]

Monica L. Haynes [East][email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR

Debbie [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoyAnna Buzzelli Joe MilneSharon Cobb Tamara TylendaSusie Doak

WRITERS

Heather Holtschlage Pamela PalongueKelly Lotter Gina SalingerLeigh Lyons Judith SchardtJoann Naser

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brad Lauer Gary YonKathleen Rudolph

PROOFREADER

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ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS

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ADVERTISING SALES

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This magazine is carrier route mailed to all districthouseholds and businesses.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part withoutwritten permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011.

CORRESPONDENCEDirect all inquiries, comments and press releases to:

IN Community MagazinesAttn: Editorial603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray, PA 15317Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968www. incommunitymagazines.com

Spring content deadline: 1/10/12

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

2 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE Keystone Oaks

$1(1-Month Free Storage*)

FREEFREE*Some restrictions may apply. See stores for details.

Local Move-InTruck*

$25 Giant EagleGift Card

Move-In Special*

Chris & Christy Leisure Managers

810 Trumbull DrivePittsburgh, PA 15205

ph: 412.276.6080fax: [email protected]

www.ezmini.com

We would like to thank everyonewho came to the Nutcracker

performance this year!

The show was phenomenal and welook forward to another season of

great performances!

We here at Pittsburgh Youth Balletwish all of your families a magicalChristmas and Happy New Year!

IN Keystone Oaks | WINTER 2011 |

INSIDE

COMMUNITY INTEREST

A Life Played in TuneFor Mina Belle Packer Wichmann, Music is a Constant Companion ... | 6

Fred L. Aiken Elementary School NamedNational Blue Ribbon School ............................................ | 10

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News You Can Use ........... | 13

Green Tree News and Events ............................................. | 22

William UrbanekFor more than 30 Years Keystone Oaks was His Passion .................. | 24

FEATURES

Peanut SquaresA Recipe for Health ....................................................................... | 4

Blankets Made with Love .................................................. | 8

ON THE COVER | Peanut Squares are a local square dancing club that meets every Tuesday night in Green Tree. See story on page 4.

FEATURES

The Best Holidays are Safe .......... | 23

Five Loaves and Two Fishes .......... | 27

New Earned Income Tax Procedures Leave Collecting to Employers .... | 28

Travel: Honeymoon Romance ...... | 30

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists Dr. Gregory Flinn Habib Keeps People Moving in the South Hills ...................................... | 11

IN Keystone Oaks is a non-partisan community publication dedicated torepresenting, encouraging and promoting the Keystone Oaks area and itscomprising 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 informativeand professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

24 813

6

Keystone Oaks | Winter 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 3


P eanut Squares are not a candy, but the name of a local squaredancing club that offers fun, stimulating mental activity andhealth benefits with every visit. The club meets every Tuesday

night at St. Simon and Jude Church in Greentree for a lively danceand then gathers on Thursdays for lessons at Southminster

Presbyterian Church in Mt. Lebanon. According to club President Sally

Anderson, participants range in age fromforty-somethings to those in their eighties;square dancing is an activity all ages canenjoy. “You don’t see many basketballplayers still playing ball in their 80’s,” pointsout Anderson, yet their club have manyactive individuals who attend every week.

The club of about 50 was named for aformer caller whose name was CharlieBrown. The dancers have varying levelsof expertise, from beginners to veterans.Anderson herself has only been dancingfor about six years. There are 100different calls, which

are a series of steps shouted out by the caller. Although it takes aboutone year to learn all of the calls and be completely comfortable,Anderson says the learning process itself is "great fun" and the lessonsare extremely helpful.

Anderson first became interested in square dancing after she andher husband attended a hoedown several years ago which theythoroughly enjoyed. However, at the time they were raising theirchildren and did not have time to pursue dancing on a regular basis.When her husband retired, they remembered the great time they hadenjoyed at the hoedown and decided to take square dance lessons.

“They say square dancing adds ten years to your life,” saysAnderson — and she may have a point. she may have a point. Sincenew learning is instrumental in preventing dementia and Alzheimer’sdisease, the patterns of stepping and reacting to the caller’sinstructions help to keep the mind quick and alert. A lively andenergetic activity, square dancing also gets the blood pumping to helpkeep the cardiovascular system up to par and is considered a lowimpact activity thatdoes not jar bonesand joints.

Peanut SquaresA Recipe for Health

By Pamela Palongue

Photos by Gary Yon

There are two different levels of dance steps; “mainstream,” which are simplesteps, and “plus,” which are more advanced. Despite the intricate stepping patterns,Anderson claims, “If you can walk, you can square dance.” There are no contortedbody positions, flying leaps or overhead lifts.

The movements are kept simple so that everyone is capable of performing thesteps. The dances and lessons are also inexpensive for families on a budget; the $4dance fee helps pay for the caller and refreshments. Lessons are also $4 per person andlast about two hours. Dancers whirl to modern country, traditional western andlively bluegrass music. The caller sings the words to the music in betweenyelling out dance steps. The patterns are always changing as the caller changesthe order of calls he makes randomly.

Costumes worn by the dancers are fairly inexpensive as well. Althoughsome women wear the short circle skirts with crinolines underneath to give

the effect of a short hoop-skirt, many wear prairie style skirts which are tea-length or floor length and fall in tiers. The costumes can be bought at asquare dance convention, custom made or purchased from a re-sale shop.The price for the outfits can be as inexpensive as $10 at a re-sale shop to$100 for specially-made garments. Men’s attire is a bit more mainstreamwith western style shirts that fasten with snaps rather than buttons, boloor string ties and sometimes a vest.

Anderson highly recommends square dancing for uplifting the spirit.“It’s impossible to dance and think about your troubles at thesame time. You have to keep your mind on the steps. It reallysharpens your mind and your body.”

If you are interested in a great form of exercise that’sinexpensive and loads of fun, the Peanut Squares arealways happy to see new faces. Contact Sally

Anderson at 412.563.3428 for more information.Although couples are welcome, you are not

required to have a partner toparticipate. Also, costumes arenot worn for lessons.


Photos by Gary Yon

M I N A B E L L E

A fifth generation Pittsburgher, Mina Belle grew up inMt. Lebanon and attended Mt. Lebanon High School. Itwas here that her musical gifts really began to blossom andgrow under the watchful and encouraging eye of Miss MaySneary, music teacher and choir director. “We really had apremier school system in Mt. Lebanon and because ofMiss Sneary, I was able to accompany just about everyoneon the piano,” said Wichmann. Sneary promoted MinaBelle and gave her the opportunity to accompany thelocally famous “Triple Trio,” a group of nine femalevocalists. She also arranged for Mina Belle to play at two“In and About Pittsburgh” music festivals and the StateMusic Festival.

These early successes fostered confidence in the young pianist and she enrolled inWestminster College in New Wilmington, PA, majoring in music performance. She wasawarded a partial music scholarship by the South Hills College Club. But money wasstill tight, even with the scholarship, so Wichmann made ends meet by working as awaitress and playing the organ for services at a local church for $5 a week. The churchmust have been happy with her organ playing, because they raised her salary the nextyear to $7.50 per week, a 33% increase!

After graduating in 1951 she found employment at the Pennsylvania College forWomen, (now Chatham), and worked as a secretary for a man named RussellWichmann. Wichmann was head of the music department at PCW and the organist anddirector of music at Shadyside Presbyterian Church. The church's services werebroadcast nationally over the radio, and Wichmann was well known as an organist in thesacred music genre. His expertise and experience made him a worthy advisor when itcame to Mina Belle’s career direction. He advised her to pursue an advanced degree inmusic, and so in 1953 his young protégé found herself enrolled in Union Theological

For MinaBelle PackerWichmann,music hasbeen aconstantcompanion on thejourney ofher ratherinterestinglife.



During themonth of

November through thefirst week of December, the AlleghenyCounty Department of Human ServicesHoliday Project is accepting gift donationsfor children and youth receiving services from the Office ofChildren, Youth and Families, the county agency charged withprotecting children from abuse and neglect.

Through the generosity of community groups and individualdonations, the DHS Holiday Project’s goal is to provide eachchild in need at least one meaningful gift during the holidays.

New, unwrapped gifts are needed forchildren and youth ranging fromtoddlers to 18 year olds.

To meet this goal, DHS has partneredwith businesses across the county toset up conveniently located donation

drop-off sites this holiday season. Monetary donations are also welcome. Checks should be

made payable to “DHS Donations Fund” with “Holiday Project”written in the memo line. Checks may be sent to the Event andDonations Team, Human Services Building, One SmithfieldStreet, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

2011 DHS HOLIDAY PROJECT

Gift Drop-off

Sites Throughout

Allegheny County

For a list of drop-off locations, collection dates and gift ideas, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/holidayproject

Seminary in New York City. She entered atwo-year program to obtain her master’s ofsacred music.

After obtaining her master’s degree,Mina Belle worked as the director of aprofessional choir and was the organist atBrick Presbyterian Church on New York’supper west side near Columbia University.In 1973 Yale University planned to establishan institute of sacred music and she wasapproached to help start the program, whichcontinues to this day. After six years as theassistant dean of music at Yale, Mina Belle’slife took yet another unexpected twist. Herold boss, Russell Wichmann, who hadremained a professional friend through theyears, reconnected with her. By this time,Wichmann’s four children were grown andhis wife had died. This time, theirrelationship proved to be more thanprofessional.

After a whirlwind courtship, Mina Belleand Wichmann were married at the Brick

Presybterian Church in New York and thenthe pair came back to Pittsburgh whereWichmann continued to serve as theorganist and director of music at ShadysidePresbyterian Church.

These were some of the happiest years ofMina Belle’s life; however Wichmannpassed away after only a little more thaneight years of marriage. Mina Belle muses,“It was a wonderful thing for me because itgave me a family. Now I have these fourwonderful children that are my stepchildrenthat I am so proud of.”

These days the octogenarian resides atProvidence Point in Scott Township. One ofher fellow residents at Providence wascoincidentally president of the South HillsCollege Club, the organization that awardedMina Belle a music scholarship and startedher musical education.

Mina Belle’s home has a keyboard nowbecause of space considerations, rather thanthe grand piano she once owned. She said

she randomly plays a song or two now andthen, although it is for her own enjoymentsince she does not play in public anymore.Music still plays a prominent role in her life;she volunteers volunteers regularly at themain branch of the Carnegie Library’s finemusic collection. She has worked as avolunteer researcher for the past thirteenyears cataloguing music and findingvocalists and musicians with localPittsburgh connections.

“I feel very grateful to my parents andteachers who saw something in my gifts andencouraged me all along the way,” notesMina Belle. Music has been a lifelong giftthat has blessedMina Belle’s life andthe lives of those whohave enjoyed hermusic.

M I N A B E L L E

“I feel very grateful to my parents and teacherswho saw something in my gifts and encouraged meall along the way,” notes Mina Belle.

8 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISEKeystone Oaks

Childhood memories ofteninclude the recollection of momtucking us in at night, wrapping

us snugly in a nice, soft blanket to keepthe winter chill away. A nice warm

blanket just feels like love. Andwhen you’re sick, that feeling ofcomfort and caring are evenmore vital.

Darvina Emmerich wouldoften find herself searching for

blankets at the medical center for herhusband James who was goingthrough chemothera py. The

treatment always seemed toleave him chilled to the bone.Often times when she found

him one, there were othercancer patients nearby who were

also freezing. Though Jameswould pass away on Valentine’s Day1997, Darvina wanted to do something toprovide comfort to all cancer patients,even if just in a small way. In his memory,she founded Wrapped in Love, a non-profit organization which makes no-sew flee ce tie blankets to give to cancerpatients at no charge.

Besides just providing simple warmthto the chronically cold patients, theblankets symbolize the love and caring ofindividuals for their fellow human beingswho are suffering. “We are feeding thehuman spirit,” says the Scott Townshipresident. “Cancer research is great, but Iwanted to do something that would helpthe patients now at the present moment.”

Her organization, which was launchedin March of 2011, delivers free blankets tothe Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside,a hospice center and St. Clair Hospital in

Mt. Lebanon, Forbes Regional Hospitalin Monroeville, Jefferson Memorial,Childrens Hospital and the newly openedPeters Township Out-Patient CareCenter. Grateful patients are amazed thatsomeone who doesn’t even know themwants to reach out and provide comfort tothem while they are going through adifficult time.

The goal of Wrapped in Love is also toinvolve the entire community in makingthe blankets, which helps not only thecancer patients, but also the crafters of theblankets as well. Mt. Lebanon HighSchool and Seton LaSalle High Schoolare actively involved in making theblankets, as well as several ladies quiltinggroups. Her daught er Robin recentlystarted a chapter in Austin, Texas. “Theresponse has been tremendous. Whenpeople find out about what we do, they allwant to help,” says Darvina, possiblybecause so many people’s lives have beentouched by the disease.

Greentree Printing has been makingblankets for cancer patients and variouscharities one day each year for the past

ten years. Thisyear at their 10thAnnual Blanket MakingMeeting on November 4,they donated all of theirblankets to Wrapped in Love. “We werejust so honored that they would do thatfor us,” says Emmerich.

At this point, Wrapped in Love hasbeen relying on community donationsand the generous monetary donations ofa few organizations such as the Women’sGuild of Upper St. Clair, the AirportRotary Club and the Crafton Rotary Club. The5th Annual Jeff Mabon Mem orialBike/Walk Event July 25 also benefittedthe organization. Their gifts along withthe combined efforts of many volunteershave made the work possible. Two sisterswho volunteer have managed to crochetaround 60 afghans to give to patients.“The blankets are made with love tocomfort all cancer patients. We’re allchildren at heart,” says Emmerich. Theblankets are a tangible expression ofsupport and good wil l.

If you are interested in volunteering either as an individual or as a groupin making the blankets, please contact the organization at 412.983.7274 or visit their website at www.WrappedinLoveFoundation.com. Nosewing skills are required. If you would like to make a donation to thework of the foundation, you may donate online or by mailing a check to:Wrapped in Love Foundation, PO Box 13486, Pittsburgh, PA 15243.


LoveBy Pamela Palongue

Made with

In an announcement by U.S. Secretary ofEducation Arne Duncan, Fred L. Aiken Elementary

School (Green Tree) of the Keystone Oaks SchoolDistrict, was named a 2011 National Blue Ribbon

School by the U.S. Department of Education, adistinction which recognizes it as one of the highest

achieving public elementary schools nationwide.The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public

and private schools ba sed on one of two criteria:1) Schools whose students are high performing. These are

schools ranked among each state’s highest performing schoolsas measured by their performance on state assessments or, inthe case of private schools, that score at the highestperformance level on nationally normed tests; or

2) Schools with at least 40 percent of its students fromdisadvantaged backgrounds and that impro ve studentperformance to high levels as measured by state assessmentsor nationally-normed tests.

Aiken was among the 255 public schools chosennationally and just one of seven Pennsylvania schoolsselected because it is a high-performing school where many

of its students achieve at high levels. The school also offerssmall class sizes and an experienced and outstanding staff.

“The awards process is very sel ective, and I want tocongratulate our students, faculty, staff, and parents on thistremendous achievement,” said superintendent Dr. WilliamUrbanek.

Aiken joins Pleasant Valley Elementary School(McMurray, Pa.) of the Peters Township School District asthe only area schools to earn the distinction this year. KeystoneOaks representatives traveled to Washington, D.C., inNovember to formally receive their award. A celebration washeld at the school upon their return.

“I have never been more proud of a group of students andstaff than I am today,” said Aiken Principal Bobbi Ann Barnes.“This award analyzes six years of data and it was a very long andcomplicated process. It is very rewarding to see it all cometogether in the form of this award and it is a tribute to a lot ofhard work by a lot of people."

A banner raising celebration took place Sept. 16, in front ofthe school. Featured speakers included Urbanek, Barnes andsecond grade teacher, Mrs. Sandy McCann.

Fred L. Aiken Elementary School named

National Blue Ribbon School


By Laura Lorenze Judge If you’ve happened to pass by 345 Mt.

Lebanon Blvd. in Castle Shannon recently, youmay have noticed the extraordinary renovationundertaken by Dr. Gregory Habib of SportsMedicine & Joint Replacement Specialists.“Were proud of our new home,” says theorthopedic surgeon. “We wanted to create anaesthetically pleasing facility that reflects ourdedication to the area - one that also has thespace and technology to accommodate our future growth. “

“My patients are like my extended family,” says the physician andSouth Hills native as several of his staff members nod in agreement. “Iwant them to know that I am dedicated to their long term health. I havea personal investment in helping them lead active, healthy lives.”

“It is this notion of overall health,” explains Habib with obviou sthought, “that I truly believe in. And as an orthopedic specialist,” headds, “my specific job is to help people keep moving. If I can do that, I have contributed a large piece to the overall puzzle of continued health.”

Whether he is helping the young athlete with an acute injury orrepetitive strain, helping the “weekend warrior’” keep at it, or providinga new knee for an arthritic senior, Dr. Habi b’s goal is always the same:To optimize his patient’s ability to move as nature intended.

As a former high school and college athlete himself, Dr. Habib hasalways had a firsthand interest in the body’s ability to performoptimally. In fact, it was a personal experience that led him toorthopedic medicine as a career. Having suffered a fairly extensiveinjury during his sophomore year at the University of Pittsburgh, thisformer football running back was suddenly up close and personal withthe world of orthopedics. “I was fascinated with the treatment andinformation I was receiving,” says Dr. Habib, “I knew then and therethat this is what I wanted to study…what I wanted to dedicate my life to.”

According to many of his long time friends and associates, it is thiscombination of a dedication to medicine, and an intrinsic love of peoplethat has enabled Dr. Habib to set himself apart. “You can tell how muchhe really cares about your progress, “ adds patient Eleanor Mitrik,“that’s something you can’t teach.”

“And now I get to work in a great space in an area of Pittsburgh that Ilove,” says Habib with pride.

Having done his internship in Philadelphia and his residency in NewYork City, Habib returned to his beloved city in order to complete anoted fellowship with Allegheny General Hospital. Formerly withUPMC/Mercy, Dr. Habib now celebrates his third year in private

practice with offices inboth Castle Shannonand Greensburg.According to thephysician, it has been anincredible journey so farwith the highlight beingthe completion of thebuilding. “It’s beautifuland functional, and Ilove getting to shar e itwith my patients.”

Dr. Gregory F. Habibspecializes in both jointreplacements and sportsmedicine, focusing onailments and injuries(including arthritis) ofthe hip, knee, shoulderand other extremities.

You can visit SportsMedicine & JointReplacement Specialistsat 345 Mt. LebanonBlvd. in Castle Shannonfor a consultation orsimply to stop in and say

hello. “We love getting to know our patients and thei r families, says Dr.Habib. “And,” he adds with a proud grin, “I’m always ready to chat aboutmy four children whose job it is to keep me moving.”

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, DR. GREGORY FLINN HABIB

keeps people

movingin the South Hills



Donald E. Hamm INSURANCE AGENCY

412.922.4848Fax: 412.922.8128

E-mail: [email protected]

Weekdays: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PMSaturday and Evening Appointments

993 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

www.donaldhamminsurance.com

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR INVITATION FOR A COMPLIMENTARY INSURANCE REVIEW

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W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2011 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 UPMC Now Offers Imaging Services

in West Mifflin

page 3 When Your Body Talks ...Be Sure to Listen

page 4 Make a Date with Your DoctorThree Cheers for Your Ears, Nose, and Throat

page 5 Technology for 21st Century Hospitals

page 6 Taking on TouretteControlling a life in motion at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

page 7 Changes Continue to Transform UPMC Mercy Emergency Dpeartment

BundleUp,BabyRemember how Mom made you bundle up before going outdoors in the winter so you wouldn’t get sick? She was right. So be sure you dress for the weather — and that means covering your head, ears, mouth, and hands.

Turn to page 4 to learn why your ears, nose, and throat need extra care in winter.

��

2 UPMC.com/Today

UPMC Now Offers Imaging Services in West Mifflin

For West Mifflin area residents, the new UPMC West Mifflin facility isbringing UPMC’s high quality care, including the latest in imaging technology, right to their doorstep.“We understand that not everyone can or wants to travel outside their community for treatment or a particular test,” says Stephanie Pankow,administrative director of UPMC West Mifflin.“Our communities and neighborhoods are at the heart of what makes Pittsburgh such a special place to live and work. Helping to keep them strong andhealthy is important to us,” adds Ms. Pankow.Located at 1907 Lebanon Church Road in West Mifflin (near CenturySquare), the new facility is home to the UPMC Cancer Centers, Quest Diagnostics, and UPMC Imaging Services. The new facility also featurescomfortable and attractive waiting and testing areas, as well as free parking.

The care you need — close to homeWhether your doctor suspects a broken pinky finger and wants a quick x-ray or your specialist has ordered a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound, UPMC West Mifflin gives residents easy access to a wide range of imaging services.

“UPMC West Mifflin has the most advanced imaging technology available, including a state-of-the-art 64-slice CT scanner that is faster and offers more accurate images,” saysMelissa Kovtun, executive director of Imaging Services. Imaging servicesavailable onsite include:

• MRI• CT• General/Vascular• General Radiology (including x-rays)• Ultrasound

Onsite, subspecialty trained radiologists provide your doctor with fast, high-quality readings, important results your doctor uses in making an accurate diagnosis andcrafting a treatment plan. “Physicians in the UPMC network can choose to get their patient’s imaging resultselectronically,” says Ms. Pankow.

Moving the well-established UPMCCancer Centers to the new UPMC West Mifflin location adds to patientconvenience and comfort by makingimaging services available nearby. “Patients can be assured that all of thecenter’s advanced cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment options stillwill be offered — just in a different location,” says Ms. Pankow.

UPMC West Mi in1907 Lebanon Church RoadWest Mi%in, PA 15122

Imaging ServicesPhone: 412-653-8030Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday by appointment

UPMC Cancer CenterPhone: 412-653-8100Hours of operation: Monday through Friday7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about UPMC West Mi%in, visit UPMC.com.

“Our communities and neighborhoods are at

the heart of what makesPittsburgh such a specialplace to live and work. Helping to keep them strong and healthy is

important to us.”

— Stephanie Pankow

��

1-800-533-UPMC 3

Being attuned to changes in your body can help in the early detection andtreatment of cancer and other serious medical problems

Is your body trying to tell you something important? It can bean excellent communicator — if you pay careful attention to its symptoms.

There are numerous warning symptoms for cancer, many of which also can point to other serious medical conditions.

That’s why you should call yourprimary care physician (PCP) if you have any unusual or persistent symptoms lastinglonger than two or three weeks,says Edward Chu, MD, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UPMC and deputy director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

“The vast majority of patientswill get a clean bill of health from their doctor,” says Dr. Chu.“But when it comes to cancer, time is often of the essence. Early detection can help keep cancer from spreading, allow for faster treatment, and improve your chances for recovery.”

Symptoms that revealMost of us know to be on the lookout for such important cancer warning signs as a sore that does not heal; a thickening or lump in the breast, or other parts of the body; blood in the stool or urine; or changes in the size or color of a mole.

Dr. Chu says it’s also important to be aware of more generalizedbody changes (also known as constitutional symptoms) that cancompromise your physical performance and overall well-being.By getting to know what’s typical for your own body, you’ll bebetter able to recognize unfamiliar changes when they occur.They can include:• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)• Unexplained weight loss (typically 10 pounds or more)

or loss of appetite• Changes in how food tastes• Fever and chills• Night sweats• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

“These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer,” he emphasizes. “But if they linger or worsen, it’s important for your doctor to rule out — or treat — possible problems.”

If you are interested in locating a PCP or specialist in your area,visit UPMC.com/FindADoctor or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

WhenYour BodyTalks…BeSure toListen

Did You Know?The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute(UPCI), based at the Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside, is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in western Pennsylvania. Learn more about UPCI and its partnership with UPMC Cancer Centers at UPCI.UPMC.edu.

Cancer Screenings: Are they right for you?Another important tool in the early detection of cancer is screenings. “When combinedwith regular checkups with your family doctor or specialist, screenings like mammograms,PAP smears, and colorectal exams have proven to be invaluable in the fight against cancer,”says Eric Safyan, MD, of UPMC Cancer Center at UPMC Mercy. “Your personal and family medical history, risk factors, age, and other considerations will help your physicianrecommend the right tests — and frequency — for you.”

To learn more about the programs and services at UPMC Cancer Center at UPMC Mercy,visit UPMCMercy.com.

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4 UPMC.com/Today

Make a Date With Your DoctorYou take your car to the mechanic for an annual inspection to be sure it’s running properly. So why aren’t you giving yourbody the same kind of attention?

When you’re in good health, it’s easy to put off going to thedoctor. But regular checkups can help you stay healthy, andavoid disease and disability. That’s why scheduling a physical is the one New Year’s resolution you should keep.

“Your annual exam is the perfecttime to talk with your doctor aboutillness prevention, healthy lifestylechoices, and any recommendedscreenings,” says Timothy Campbell,MD, of Campbell/Philbin MedicalAssociates PC and UPMC Mercy.“That information helps you and

your doctor create a plan to maintain your health, or makechanges to improve your health.”

Building an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician(PCP) also means peace of mind. “There’s real value to beingseen by someone who knows you and your health history —someone you trust to guide you through an illness or emer-gency,” adds Dr. Campbell.

Your exam checklistHow can you make the most of your annual exam? Here arefour things to do before you see the doctor:

1. Make a list of all medications you are takingInclude all prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements that you currently take, how often you take them, and why.

2. Update your family historyYour family history can provide important clues about your risk for certain diseases, including diabetes, some cancers, and heart disease.

3. Ask about health screeningsScreenings can be important tools in preventing some illnesses and diseases. Get a list of recommended screenings and talk about them with your doctor.

4. Make a list of questions or health concernsAsking questions and sharing your concerns about health issues helps your doctor improve your care.

One final piece of advice: Be honest. “Never be afraid or embarrassed to tell your doctor something,” adds Dr. Campbell.“What you don’t disclose could be important for your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis or prescribe the best treatment plan.”

Winter is the season for sniffles, scratchy throats, and earaches — often all at once!And with good reason: our ears, nose, and throat all are connected and affect each other greatly. Otolaryngologists(also known as ear, nose, and throat doctors or ENTs) are physicians who specialize in caring for this complex, interrelated system. Test your ENT knowledge with this quick quiz:

Who gets earaches more often — children or adults?Nearly every child experiences at leastone ear infection between infancy and the age of five — something weary parents know firsthand. Becausechildren have shorter, straighter Eustachian tubes (which connect the nose to the ears), it’s easier for bacteria to migrate into their ears.

Why are you more likely to get a nosebleed in winter?The same heated indoor air that makesyour home cozy in winter also can dehydrate the inside of your nose. It can become crusted or cracked, or can even bleed. A dry nose makesyou more susceptible to germs, so exercise good nose care. Lightly coatthe inside with petroleum jelly. Over-the-counter saline mists and sprays (not decongestants) also are helpful.

Will antibiotics cure laryngitis? Most cases of laryngitis are caused by viral infections that make the vocal cords swell — so antibiotics are ineffective. Your best course of action? Drink plenty of fluids, rest, and cut back on talking. Straining yourvoice when you have acute laryngitiscan damage your vocal cords.

Source: American Society of Otolaryngology

Three Cheers for Your Ears, Nose, and Throat

Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

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1-800-533-UPMC 5

If you ever have to be hospitalized, you’ll certainly want to be cared for at a place that delivers quality health care using the latest technology available. That’s precisely what patients find when they are admitted to a UPMC hospital.

“UPMC’s vision of quality is for every patient to receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way — every time,” says Tami Minnier, RN, and chief quality officer forUPMC. “Technology lets us serve patients more efficiently and accurately. Most of all, we’re able to give patients greater control of their health care.”

Here are just two of the ways UPMC hospitals are delivering on that goal.

SmartRoom® technology brings it all to youLaunched three years ago by UPMC in partnership with IBM, SmartRoom is an impressive technology. First used at UPMC Shadyside and UPMC Montefiore, it is gradually being introduced in other UPMC hospitals. All patient rooms at the new UPMC East will be equipped with SmartRoom technology.

SmartRoom brings all essential data related to your care to your bedside. Its computerizedsoftware programsgive caregivers fingertip access toall the informationessential to yourcare — from yourelectronic medicalrecords to the tests you’ll need that day.

The SmartRoom concept simplifies workflow and makes documentation of your care faster and easier. Each room hastwo screens: one for your caregivers, and another for you to access email, entertainment, and a vast library of patient education videosand information.

The right medsat the right time“It is our goal to make the hospitalizationand discharge experience asstress-free as possible for ourpatients and theirfamilies,” saysJacqueline Dailey,UPMC’s vicepresident for Solutions forMedical Science, Research, and Patient Centered AccountableCare. “Not surprisingly, by the time patients leave the hospital,they’re often confused and overwhelmed by changes in theirmedications and how to take them.”

“We begin when you’re admitted with an electronic assessmentof your current medications and how they’re being taken,” explains Ms. Dailey. “As medications are adjusted or eliminatedduring your stay, this information is instantly available to allyour physicians — from your family doctor to the specialistscaring for you. That’s especially important if you transition from one level of care to another, such as intensive to acutecare.” An added layer of safety: both a pharmacist and the nurse administering the medications verify any new medicationorders from your doctors.

Throughout your stay, you’ll receive comprehensive instructions on your medications. “We know that people learn in different ways, so this information will be shared multiple times and in multiple ways,” notes Ms. Dailey. “We also urge patients to contact their doctors for help with any questions they may have on their return home.”

How technology is working to transform the quality of your care during hospitalization

Technology for 21st Century Hospitals

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6 UPMC.com/Today

Seven Barnishin was just 11, playing withaction figures alone in his Pitcairn home,when the tics began — involuntary armflicks, head jerks, and sounds. “I freaked. It seemed like something else was controlling me,” he says.

Tom and Amy Barnishin first thoughttheir son’s behavior was linked to the startof the school year and peer pressure.When symptoms grew worse, and othertics emerged, their doctor sent Seven to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC where he was officially diagnosedwith Tourette syndrome (TS) in January2009. “We were blindsided,” says Amy.

Diagnosing Tourette syndromeTS is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 100 people, says Keith Coffman, MD, a pediatric neurologist and co-director of the Tourette SyndromeClinic, part of the Brain Care Institute at Children’s Hospital. Most cases are diagnosed between ages 3 and 12; the majority are boys.

The main symptoms are sudden, repetitive, uncontrollable movements and sounds called tics, including throat-clearing, sniffing, blinking, gestures, and head jerking. For a true TS diagnosis, tics must start before age 18, include twoor more motor tics and at least one vocaltic, and last at least one year. Tics peak at the onset of puberty. Approximately 60 percent of children outgrow the tics, or the tics become so subtle only that person knows when they occur.

Coping with Tourette “People with TS cannot control their tics.They experience a sensation that makesthem feel like they have to move — like having to sneeze,” Dr. Coffman says.

The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner children can benefit. Movements can interfere with school work. Children with TS often are bullied, teased, or viewed as being disruptive.

That’s especially difficult for adolescentswho want to fit in. Tics, such as throatclearing, turning, or shaking, also can cause pain.

At the Tourette Syndrome Clinic, patients have access to a trio of experts:two pediatric neurologists with training in neurodevelopmental disorders, and an adult neurologist trained in movement disorders who provides transitional care for older teens.

Be in the know about TS Treatment varies.While there’s no cure,medication sometimes helps control tics.Psychologists can teach habit reversal and relaxation techniques to help patientscope with stress and reduce symptoms. But the most important treatment is education, says Dr. Coffman. “That includes educating families, educators, and the general public about TS.”

“Knowledge is power. I’d be unnerved if I didn’t know what it was,” adds Seven,now age 14. Although he cycled through almost every tic, the movements and sounds have subsided with treatment.

The Barnishins credit the team at Children’s for helping them understand TS, guiding them through treatment options, and providing support.

“Children’s gave us answers and helped us gain control over an uncontrollable situation. Instead of being spectators, wewere part of the process. That helped lower Seven’s anxiety, which helped ease the tics,” says Tom.

To learn more about the Tourette Syndrome Clinic and the Movement Disorders Clinic at Children’s Hospital, visit chp.edu, choose Neurology as theservice, then click the Clinics and Services button on the left.

Controlling a life in motion at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

Other TS facts include:• TS patients have the same IQ range as the general population.

• People in every walk of life, includingprofessional musicians, athletes, authors, and scientists, have TS.

• Less than 15 percent of TS patientsswear or use inappropriate expressions.

Did You Know?

Taking on Tourette

An estimated 200,000 Americans haveTS, but misconceptions still surround the disorder.

For example, TS is not an emotional or behavioral condition. It is an inheritedneurodevelopmental disorder that causes abnormalities in the brain.

��

6 UPMC.com/Today

Seven Barnishin was just 11, playing withaction figures alone in his Pitcairn home,when the tics began — involuntary armflicks, head jerks, and sounds. “I freaked. It seemed like something else was controlling me,” he says.

Tom and Amy Barnishin first thoughttheir son’s behavior was linked to the startof the school year and peer pressure.When symptoms grew worse, and othertics emerged, their doctor sent Seven to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC where he was officially diagnosedwith Tourette syndrome (TS) in January2009. “We were blindsided,” says Amy.

Diagnosing Tourette syndromeTS is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 100 people, says Keith Coffman, MD, a pediatric neurologist and co-director of the Tourette SyndromeClinic, part of the Brain Care Institute at Children’s Hospital. Most cases are diagnosed between ages 3 and 12; the majority are boys.

The main symptoms are sudden, repetitive, uncontrollable movements and sounds called tics, including throat-clearing, sniffing, blinking, gestures, and head jerking. For a true TS diagnosis, tics must start before age 18, include twoor more motor tics and at least one vocaltic, and last at least one year. Tics peak at the onset of puberty. Approximately 60 percent of children outgrow the tics, or the tics become so subtle only that person knows when they occur.

Coping with Tourette “People with TS cannot control their tics.They experience a sensation that makesthem feel like they have to move — like having to sneeze,” Dr. Coffman says.

The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner children can benefit. Movements can interfere with school work. Children with TS often are bullied, teased, or viewed as being disruptive.

That’s especially difficult for adolescentswho want to fit in. Tics, such as throatclearing, turning, or shaking, also can cause pain.

At the Tourette Syndrome Clinic, patients have access to a trio of experts:two pediatric neurologists with training in neurodevelopmental disorders, and an adult neurologist trained in movement disorders who provides transitional care for older teens.

Be in the know about TS Treatment varies.While there’s no cure,medication sometimes helps control tics.Psychologists can teach habit reversal and relaxation techniques to help patientscope with stress and reduce symptoms. But the most important treatment is education, says Dr. Coffman. “That includes educating families, educators, and the general public about TS.”

“Knowledge is power. I’d be unnerved if I didn’t know what it was,” adds Seven,now age 14. Although he cycled through almost every tic, the movements and sounds have subsided with treatment.

The Barnishins credit the team at Children’s for helping them understand TS, guiding them through treatment options, and providing support.

“Children’s gave us answers and helped us gain control over an uncontrollable situation. Instead of being spectators, wewere part of the process. That helped lower Seven’s anxiety, which helped ease the tics,” says Tom.

To learn more about the Tourette Syndrome Clinic and the Movement Disorders Clinic at Children’s Hospital, visit chp.edu, choose Neurology as theservice, then click the Clinics and Services button on the left.

Controlling a life in motion at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

Other TS facts include:• TS patients have the same IQ range as the general population.

• People in every walk of life, includingprofessional musicians, athletes, authors, and scientists, have TS.

• Less than 15 percent of TS patientsswear or use inappropriate expressions.

Did You Know?

Taking on Tourette

An estimated 200,000 Americans haveTS, but misconceptions still surround the disorder.

For example, TS is not an emotional or behavioral condition. It is an inheritedneurodevelopmental disorder that causes abnormalities in the brain.

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1-800-533-UPMC 7

Changes Continue to Transform UPMC Mercy Emergency Department Recently completed makeover cuts wait times with focus on careUPMC Mercy’s Emergency Department (ED) has put the finishing touches on a major expansion and renovation projectwith the opening of a new patient observation unit in December.Known as a Clinical Decision Unit (CDU), the 17-bed facilityprovides a special transitional area for patients — including those with chest pain, asthma, or abdominal pain — who needmore time for treatment or testing before a decision is made to discharge or admit them. Patients will stay in the CDUwhile awaiting their test results, freeing up beds for other emergency and admitted patients, says Michael Turturro, MD,chief of Emergency Services at UPMC Mercy.“All of our ED improvements focus on enhancing the patientcare experience. We’re treating patients more quickly, more efficiently, and more comfortably,” Dr. Turturro says.

Expanded capacityBefore the 18-month expansion and renovation project began, the UPMC Mercy ED treated approximately 45,000patients annually. Last year, the ED reported 70,000 patientvisits. Now averaging nearly 200 patients a day, UPMCMercy’s ED is on track to see at least 73,000 patients this year.

The new ED, with 36 beds, also has created more capacity by improving its efficiency. “But no matter how many rooms or beds we add, there are always challenges,” says Valerie Krasneski-Schreiber, RN, BSN, MS, unit director of UPMC Mercy’s ED. “Our top priority is to deliver safe patient care quickly and more efficiently.”

New Super Track: Quick assessments and streamlined care Key to achieving that goal is a redesigned reception area staffedby a clinical nurse who makes quick assessments and assigns patients to one of three levels of emergency care. Dr. Turturrosays ED patients now move from the reception area to a treatment room within an average of 10 minutes of arrival.

In addition, the Mercy ED’s innovative new Super Track concept offers speedy care for patients with minor injuries andillnesses needing less urgent care — moving them throughtreatment to discharge in under an hour. “With Super Track,our goal is to ensure that patients who come to the ED with minor injuries and illnesses quickly get back to their lives afterreceiving prompt, comprehensive care,” says Tom Gronow,MHA, vice president of operations at UPMC Mercy.

Faster lab resultsAnother important ED upgrade is the addition of a mini-lab providing critical point-of-care-testing for ED patients. That means faster urine tests, rapid strep, blood analysis, and other key tests that can speed up treatment.“Having test results in minutes absolutely makes a difference,”says Ms. Krasneski-Schreiber. “In stroke patients, for example,time is of the essence. We need vital information to make theright decisions and act quickly.”Other ED improvements include:• Thirty-six newly renovated treatment bays • Two new state-of-the-art trauma resuscitation bays for treating the most acutely injured patients

• A new 128-slice CT scanner offering the latest imaging technology with faster scanning capability

• An expanded and modernized patient and family reception area (featuring stained glass panels from the original Mercy Hospital chapel)

• Wireless Internet access and flat-screen TVs

To learn more about UPMC Mercy and its ED services, visit UPMCMercy.com.

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UPMC Mercy1400 Locust St.Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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

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

Follow UPMC Mercy on Facebook.

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Selling hundreds of properties, with over $20 Million in sales since 1989 in the Keystone Oaks school district.”

I live here.I play here.I work here.

BOB DINI

Create a MemorySee someone you know? Looking for a great gift?As a special service to our readers, IN Community Magazines can

beautifully frame a reprint of any article in our magazines at a surprisingly affordable price. With your choice of frame colors and finishes, the reprint

you choose will be protected from yellowing and fading over the years.

Call 724.942.0940 or e-mail [email protected]

NOTICE FROM THEGREEN TREE POLICEDEPARTMENT

Please be advised thaton Wednesday,November 16, 2011, two(2) males requested entryto a home in Green Tree

to “check the water pressure”. Luckily theresidents asked them to leave and contacted theGreen Tree Police Department. The males wereseen operating a smaller 4-doored white vehicle.Three (3) males were seen leaving in the vehicle.

These types of scams ha ve occurred in areacommunities in the past and the actors usuallytarget the elderly and the scam works like this:

Two actors approach your house and tell youthat they are from the water department and needto check your meter or the pressure flow of yourfacets. They usually ask you to accompany one ofthem into the basement or another level of yourhouse as the other stands by. While you are withthe one , the other goes through your rooms andbelongings taking valuables, this is not discovereduntil well after the actors have gone. They couldalso ask you to come outside.

To help prevent this scam from occurring, pleasekeep the following in mind:

• Water department employees will have aphoto ID on them, so ask to see their ID.

• Water employees are usually in some type ofuniform, blue pants with a light blue shirt. Look

for a uniform along with the ID.• If coming in to check meters, they usually will

have a hand held meter reading device, although agreat many reading units are now placed on theoutside for easy access.

N EVER ALLOW ANYONE UNKNOWN TO YOU TOENTER YOUR HOME WITHOUT PROPER ID.

DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL 9-1-1 IF YOU SEEANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.

GREEN TREE’S 6TH ANNUALSNOWMAN CONTESTSubmit photos of your snowman towww.greentreeboro.comEntries accepteduntil March 17th

Enter as manytimes and as manydifferent smowmenas you would likefrom the first snowfallof the 2011 seasonthrough March 17th.Catagories include MostTraditional, Most Unique and Tallest.Send your entries electronically via thesnowman contest entry page atwww.greentreeboro.com or mail your entriesto Green Tree Snowman Contest, 10 WestManilla Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15220.

MAILED PHOTOS WILL NOT

BE RETURNED.Judging by independent panel.CONTEST ENTRIES ARE FOR GREEN

TREE RESIDENTS ONLY. WINNERSRECEIVE $100 GIFT CARD

SCRAPBOOKING DAYS ARE BACK!Get out your calendars and mark the following

day for scrapbooking!Hope you can make it and don’t forget to bring

a friend or two.Bring your own supplies and snacks and we’ll

be sure to have a great time catching up on ourfavorite hobby!When: January 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A $5 donation to the GREEN TREEWOMEN’S CLUB to support Operation Shoeboxis greatly appreciated!

Hope to see you there!Contact Maureen at 412.344.4574 [email protected] for further details or any questions.

Sponsored by the Green Tree Woman’s CivicClub.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 28 SELLINGLUMINARIA

Troop 28 is selling luminaria this year as a BoyScout Fundraiser. Kits are still available whilesupplies last. One luminaria kit has enough sand,white paper bags and candles to create 10

GREEN TREE NEWS AND EVENTS � � GREEN TREE NEWS AND EVENTS � � GREEN TREE NEWS AND EVENTS � � GREEN TREE NEWS AND EVENTS

By Pamela Palongue

No one wants their holiday spoiled by an accident, fire or tragedy.The following tips will help keep your holiday bright and full of cheer.

Never mount lights with nails or tacks which may damage the wireinsulation inside. Thread the light strings through hooks or insulatedstaples. Before hanging lights outdoors, make sure they are certified for outdoor use.

If you have small childre n or pets, it’s best to avoid breakableornaments altogether. Make sure all ornaments are hung high enoughon the tree to be free from the reach of small children.

Check to make sure that your artificial Christmas tree is fire-resistant. If you are buying a real tree, choose one that is fresh bychecking the needles to make sure they are pliable and not brittle.

Choose a place for the tree that is a safe distance from radiators,fireplaces and space heaters.

Be sure to put plenty of water in the tree stand to keep the tree fromdrying out and becoming a fire hazard. Marc Rasschaert of LandmarcProducts.com has invented a Smart Tree Keeper watering device whichplays “Jingle Bells” when the tree becomes low on water. Rasschaertsays, “A watered tree is the safest tree.”

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree as the branches canbecome electrically charged if the lights are faulty.

Avoid Christmas decorations that resemble candy or food, sincesmall children may try to eat or swallow them.

Remember that poinsettias are poisonous when ingested, so avoiddecorating with them if pets or small children will be attending yourcelebration.

Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. The wrapping paperburns intensely and can cause flash fires which havethe potential to destroy a home.

If you are using any ingredients thatmay cause an allergic reaction suchas nuts or seafood, be sure to letyour guests know before they eatthe dressing with the oysters.

Although it’s tempting toabandon the kitchen to hang outwith your guests, unattendedcooking accounts for a majority ofhome fires in the U.S. during theh olidays. Keep an eye on themulled cider.

Finally, test your smokedetectors to make sure thatthey are all working properly.

Have a safe andenjoyable holidaycelebration!

The Best Holidays are Safe Holidays


luminaria. The cost for one kit is $10.Purchases can be made by contacting JoshGunia, Boy Scout Troop 28, at 412.922.9669 orby email at [email protected].

LIBRARY BRICK SALES TO END IN 2012

Buy your honor or memorial brick at GreenTree Public Library before time runs out! Fornearly a decade, the library has been building up itsimpressive wall of bricks in the first floor lobby ofthe Municipal Center . However, due to spacelimitations and the rising cost of production, thelibrary will no longer be accepting brick ordersafter December 30th (or once all bricks have beensold). Currently there are seventeen 8” x 4” bricksavailable for purchase at $50 each and three 8” x 8”bricks available for purchase at $500 each. Allproceeds benefit the library. Brick order forms may be obtained at thelibrary fr ont desk or by visitingwww.greentreelibrary.org and clicking on the “Make A Contribution” link.

NURSERY SCHOOL AT KEYSTONE OAKSHIGH SCHOOL SPRING SESSION Conducted by the Child Care classes

We normally have a 1-1 ratio of high schoolstudent to nursery school child so children receiveindividual attention. All ‘lessons’ taught by the

high school students relate to a weekly topic.Examples of lessons are: Calendar, Pledge ofAllegiance, Art, Story, Math/Science, Game,Alphabet, etc. Age: 3 1/2 to 5 years (not in Kindergarten)

(16 children* maximum per class)Time**: 8:50-10:15 a.m. or 12:20 – 1:45 p.m.When: Feb. 13 – May 23, 2011, Mondays,Wednesdays and FridaysFee: $35 (includes snacks and supplies)Length: 12 Week Session (following the districtcalendar)Applications are available at each ElementarySchool office or by calling Mrs. Dayka, Familyand Consumer Science teacher, KeystoneOaks High School, at 412.571.6088,[email protected]

*District children have first priority, othersaccepted as openings permit.

**Time requests cannot be guaranteed.

ATTENTION ALL SCRAPBOOKERSAND CRAFTERS!

Girl Scout Troop 51531 is hosting ascrapbooking event. Please join us a full day of

crafts while the girls raise money for their trip toSavannah Georgia so they can explore thebirthplace of Girl Scouting and celebrate the 100thBirthday!

Mark your calendar for this very special event!When: January 14, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.Where: The Green Tree Fire HallCost: $35 if registered before January 31”, $40 forlate registrants

Costs include: Breakfast, lunch, dinner andsnacks; table space forcrafting; ChineseAuction; gift bag;assistance unloadi ngand loading yourstuff and time tospend on yourfavorite craft!

Circuits andcartridges will beavailable for use,must use your ownmat. Cutting mats will be available forsale.Early Bird Special: Set up on Friday evening 6 to10 p.m. for a $5 donationExtended Stay: Leave your stuff behind and joinus Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $5. These profitswill be donated to the Green Tree Women’s Club.Space is limited. C omplete and return yourregistration form today! Download a copy at:www.greentreeboro.com/girlscouts.htm

GREEN TREE NEWS AND EVENTS � � GREEN TREE NEWS AND EVENTS � � GREEN TREE NEWS AND EVENTS � � GREEN TREE NEWS AND EVENTS


by Amanda S.F. Hartle

As a child, William Urbanek wanted to be a weatherman.“I was fascinated by clouds and thought it would be a neat

job,” he said.He may not have become a weatherman, but Urbanek knows

Keystone Oaks School District the same way a weathermanknows the Pittsburgh forecast; for almost every year since he was achild, Urbanek has been a fixture at the school.

Since 1978, Urbanek has served as a middle and high schoolEnglish teacher, elementary and secondary school guidancecounselor, elementary and secondary school psychologist,assistant high school principal, elementary school principal,assistant superintendent and superintendent while acquiring atleast 12 advanced degrees and certifications.

But that all changed in early December as the lifetime goldeneagle flew into retirement after 36 years.

“Keystone Oaks was a great place to get an education and it’sbeen a wonderful place to spend a career,” said Urbanek.

His first career stop in the district was as a middle schoolEnglish teacher, and on the memorable day, he backed into afellow teacher’s car.

“I hadn’t even been in the building yet," he laughs, as he tellshow he found the vehicle’s owner in the classroom next to his.

“I told him I hit his car and he asked if I wanted to coachfootball. He was paying no attention to the fact that I’d just backedinto his car.” He left the room as a coach and was never asked topay for the repairs.

After his rough start, Urbanek says that he worked hard toshow his now fellow teachers that their work on him as a student

had not been wasted. “The pressure was on to not let them down. I was a product of

them. I worked harder and ran a little faster to show them whatthey had done. I wanted them to be pleased.”

He spent nine years teaching English in the middle and highschools before his next career stop came calling.

“I started to notice that the students were comfortable withme. They would come up and talk to me about problems withtheir boyfriends or girlfriends, and if they were having problems athome I would listen.”

Guidance counselor was his logical next step when he realizedhis talent for listening combined with his aptitude for workingwith under-performing students would serve him well in theposition. Though he planned on obtaining his master’s ofguidance and counseling with a secondary certification atDuquesne University, he found himself getting a dual certificationto work with students at the elementary level too.

It was a fortuitous decision, as district administrators felt thebest fit for him was an open guidance counselor position atVernridge Elementary and, later, Myrtle Elementary.

“On Friday, I was teaching Shakespeare to freshman, and onMonday, I was walking down an elementary school hallway withthese tiny, little children gripping their stuffed Pound Puppies.”

A few years later, he found himself acquiring anothercertification as a school psychologist, so he could listen and refer

For More Than30

Years,Keystone Oaks

Was His Passion

students for the help they needed in onestep.

From the elementary level, hetransferred to the high school guidanceoffice where he realized that as anadministrator he could help even morestudents.

This mindset, a staple throughout hiscareer, greatly affected his work assuperintendent with the student body.

“Everything the student senate hasasked of Dr. Urbanek, he has gotten donefor us,” said Matt Hoey, student senatepresident.

“He listens well and has taken ourthoughts and concerns into considerationand I appreciate that about him.”

Already knowing he excelled atlistening, he returned to DuquesneUniversity yet again and obtained hisprincipal certification in both elementaryand secondary levels. He went on a fewinterviews outside Keystone Oaks, butbefore he knew it he was the high schoolassistant principal after a recommendationby the school’s leader.

This pattern of recommendationscontinued at his next post when he got acall from Aiken Elementary School’sprincipal stating he was selecting Urbanekas his successor. He headed Aiken for twoyears, and while there, a colleague

recommended he pursue hisdoctorate.

“I told him all the doctors Iknew were eggheads. All theytalked about was theory, theoryand more theory. He told methat I could be the anti-doctor. Ithought about it and decided Icould to that. I would be moreof a practitioner.”

He was later named assistantsuperintendent and thensuperintendent in 2005.

“As a superintendent, youare looking for and being anadvocate for every student andteacher.”

And during his tenure, hedecided to take inspiration frompeople who had affected himthroughout his career likeformer superintendent JackBlack, who would meet withhim and discuss where

Urbanek’s career was headed.‘“I had no idea what a superintendent

did at that time. All I knew was this busyguy was taking time out to meet with meand that made an impression on me.”

Black also presented a calm demeanorand never showed his frustration — a traitsome say Urbanek also shares — and atleast one of Black’s ideas found its wayinto Urbanek’s leadership style.

“One year, in my paycheck, he hadplaced a holiday poem in with ourpaychecks. It was just a few stanzas, but itlet me know that my big boss was takingcare of me.”

He remembered that tradition and hasmade sure fellow district employees get aletter wishing them a happy holidayseason each year.

“It all came from that one littleletter.”

He also credits his KeystoneOaks teachers and his colleaguesin helping make him a success.

“I became a teacher becauseof the teachers I had here.They got me excited aboutthings I normally wouldn’thave been excited about.

“My career was all due tothings people saw in me. I’vebeen able to use all mycertifications and degreesbecause people believed in me.”

Just as people believed inhim, Urbanek believes inKeystone Oaks, according toGwen Walker, Keystone Oaks’director of fiscal services.

“With Dr. Urbanek's retirement,(Keystone Oaks) not only loses anexceptional leader but also its mostardent champion. It has beena privilege to work

with and for someone who genuinelybelieves that we owe it to the children todo the best job we can do every day. Hewill truly be missed by the Keystone Oaksfamily. ”

And as he travels, pursues collegiate-level teaching opportunities and works onhis memoir and advice book tentativelytitled Beyond the Bells: What ReallyHappens After the Classroom Doors Close,he’ll miss Keystone Oaks, too.

“I will always check scores. I will behere for the musical. I want to seeKeystone Oaks do well.”



By Pamela Palongue Two years ago, Pastor Annette Bolds stood

before her congregation at Dormont UnitedMethodist Church and spoke of a need to help thepeople of the community facing economichardship.

She did not have to wait long for an answer toher appeal; following the service which was heldon Scout Sunday, two scout leaders came forwardto start a ministry to provide a meal for free tothose facing economic hardship.

The Community Outreach Ministry atDormont United Methodist Church workstogether with Boy Scout Troop 23 and Cub ScoutPack 870 to offer a dinner the third Thursday ofevery month for hungry people. The meal is free,although donations are accepted if a person is ableto contribute. According to Bolds, the meal variesaccording to what donations they receive.Breadworks has consistently donated the bread forthe event every week since it began. Individuals inthe community have donated food items and thenthe meal has been planned around the provisions.In the past they have served up stew, grilledhamburgers, ham and hot dogs.

Program coordinators have learned to trust inDivine Providence.

“We have no money,” said Bolds. “The seedmoney from the grant I wrote two years ago isgone. There have been many times we wonderedhow we were going to provide the dinner, butsomeone always comes forward and donates at thelast minute to make it possible.”

The leaders of the scout troops work togetherto prepare the meal. Then the cub scouts and boyscouts, decked out in their scouting uniforms,serve the meal to the diners. A main focus of the

dinner is fellowship and Bolds and the staff make apoint to visit the different tables and talk with theattendees.

“This was a priority from the beginningbecause we want to get to know the people in ourarea,” said Bolds.

There is little doubt that Dormont and thesurrounding area has been hit hard byunemployment in recent years. Many people inthe area are either unemployed or underemployed.

“A lot of the poor in our area are seniors,” saidBolds, “they have too much month and notenough money.” Fixed incomes combined withcostly pharmaceuticals and health problems cancontribute to an insufficient income. Many of thedisadvantaged people that Bolds sees are familieswith small children.

Recently Bolds accompanied a young family tocourt to plead with the landlord to keep them frombeing evicted. The mother was pregnant and thefather had been laid off and their rent was twomonths behind. Sadly, the landlord did notacquiesce, and they were evicted shortly thereafter.The couple was forced to move into a home withrelatives who were also unemployed and alreadyhad too many persons living under one roof. Their plight is just a sampling of the hardships thatBolds witnesses every day and the ministry istrying to help.

In addition to the community dinner offeredeach month, the Community Outreach is alsoforming a support group for the unemployed tooffer emotional support and help with writing

resumes, basic computer skills such as searchingjob databases, uploading resumes and filling outonline applications. They are currently in need ofvolunteer instructors to help with this ministry.

Another new ministry that will begin soon isthe After School Program. The nursery of thechurch is currently being transformed into anactivities room for local kids in grade 5 through 8,which will help the children with their homeworkand will provide educational enrichment. This willprovide a safe haven for children to come andreceive encouragement and support.

All ministries need money to survive, so withthis in mind, Dormont United Methodist will beoffering a meal of soup, salad and an entrée thesecond Thursday of every month, beginning Dec. 8 There will be a modest charge for the mealsince it will serve as a fundraiser to help supporttheir programs.

The Community Outreach program needsvolunteers to teach basic computer and jobhunting skills, food donations for their freemonthly dinners and monetary donations as well.

Five Loaves Two Fishesand

If you would be interesting indonating or volunteering your timeto this worthwhile ministry to help

local people in economichardship, you may contact theiroffice at 412.531.9055. For moreinformation on Dormonth United

Methodist Church or theirministries, you may visit their

website at www.gbgm-umc.org.

For as long as some Pennsylvania residents can remember theyhave sat down four times a year and filled out a small postcard.This small postcard asked you to list your wages, calculate

approximately 1 percent of your earnings and mail a check to your localearned income tax collector in your community municipal building.

This small postcard asked you to list your wages, calculateapproximately 1 percent of your earnings and mail a check to your localearned income tax collector in your community municipal building.

But in 2012, every taxpayer in Castle Shannon, Dormont and GreenTree boroughs can cross one more chore of their to do list thanks to anew, state mandate.

Beginning Jan. 1, all employers who have work sites in thecommonwealth are required by Act 32 of 2008 to withhold all earnedincome taxes from every employee. And all employees have to do ismake sure they have filed out a residency certification form.

“The legislation affects every single municipality and school districtin Pennsylvania,” says Mitch Hoffman, local government policymanager at the state Department of Community and EconomicDevelopment.

“That in itself is huge. In addition, it also affects every single taxpayerand every single business that operates in Pennsylvania.”

In the BeginningEarned income taxes have been a fixture in Pennsylvania since 1965.At the time, state lawmakers imposed the levy to allow local entities

such as school districts and municipalities to raise more funds.“It provided an avenue for local taxing bodies to impose a tax to help

fund their operating costs, and it was only imposed on people whoactually had earned income not those who were retired or were notworking,” says Hoffman.

Earned income tax is unique to Pennsylvania. Neighboring stateshave a similar structures in place, but they are not identical.

In theory, the tax is simple.

Anyone who works in the state pays on average a 1 percent tax fourtimes a year. Some townships, boroughs and school districts tax a bithigher and some a bit lower.

And to pay their bill, an employer could withhold the tax from an employee’s pay or the employee themselves could calculate their tax and send it to their local earned income tax collector.

But from the start, issues arose.Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers

of local municipalities in the country, and at onepoint, there were up to 560 different earnedincome tax offices in the state, says Hoffman.

“It was very fractured and veryconvoluted. There was no consistencyin collections. No consistency inannual returns and no consistency in

transfer of records from one tax collector to another.”Confusion about where to send taxes also abounded for

companies that are headquartered out of state but have a plethora ofwork sites and thousands of employees in Pennsylvania.

“Many of these companies did withhold the tax, but with so manydifferent collectors it was difficult for them to comply with all theexpectations,” says Hoffman. The cumbersome structure also was notattractive to new businesses endeavors as it created one more regulationinterested companies had to comply with when they opened a site inPennsylvania.

Within decades, people started to question the structure used tocollect earned income tax.

A New WayBy 2002, various organizations sought change and restructuring.Their pleas were supported by a study commissioned by the

Pennsylvania Economy League among other entities.The study found that millions of dollars across the state

New Earned Income TaxProcedures Leave theCollecting to Employers

BY AMANDA S.F. HARTLE


were not being accounted for correctly and millions of potential taxdollars were not being collected at all. The actual amount alwaysremained uncertain, says Hoffman.

“I talk to employers every day who have had work sites inPennsylvania for years and have never collected the tax. We are not justdealing with Pennsylvania businesses though, this hits businesses acrossNorth America.”

Change was slow to come, but in 2008, state lawmakerspassed Act 32 and its effects were so far reaching it gavelocal municipalities and school districts three yearsto implement its regulations.

Under the new law, the burden related to thetax has shifted from employees to their employers.

Every employer in Pennsylvania is required tohave each employee fill out a one page localearned income tax residency certification formby year’s end.

On the form, employees list their address,municipality and county of residence. This

information matches to a municipality specific code ensuring thetax dollars are automatically withheld and end up at the correcttax collector.

Throughout Pennsylvania except in Allegheny County,earned income tax collector positions were eliminated or alteredas taxes will go to a county level tax collector chosen by a taxcollection district made up of representatives from everymunicipality and school district in the specific county.

In Allegheny County, four collection districts were chosen tobetter serve the area’s unique demographics, says Hoffman.

“The four collection districts are separated by the rivers.Allegheny County is different than anywhere else in the statedue to its diverse populations and number of corporations.”

Going ForwardIn addition to the more centralized structure, the law

has other oversight and accountability features.There are explicit time frames set out for the

distribution of dollars as well as training andcertification for all tax officers. There also arepenalties for late payments and annual auditing,says Hoffman.

“All of these are built in to guarantee theamount of monies being collected are collectedproperly, remitted properly and distributedproperly.”

Filing returns also will be more uniformthroughout the state.

“Some local returns were several pages, somehalf a page and some had none at all. Now there is

a standard form for all of Pennsylvania and all the tax collectors arerequired to use it. We now have consistency.”

Dormont Borough Manager Gino Rizza expects the positiveoutcomes predicted to come to fruition in time.

“Hopefully it is a positive thing for the Borough of Dormont. Rightoff the bat, it may not run smoothly as with anything that is new. I’mhoping in 2013 we’ll see an increase.”

Due to this uncertainty, he has budgeted his revenues from the taxfor 2012 as $760,000 - approximately the same as 2011. Dormont

already used an outside vendor to collect earned income taxes andRizza doesn’t foresee a difficult transition to Jordan Tax Service,Allegheny County’s southwest region tax collector.

“We are 42 percent rental. Sometimes the renters move on andit is hard to track them. Now, they’ll be paying their

earned income tax at the sametime as they are paying theirother taxes.”

New Earned Income TaxProcedures Leave theCollecting to Employers

BY AMANDA S.F. HARTLE


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The best way to start is by setting a budget. Onceyou’ve determined how much you can afford, you willknow if New Zealand, Hawaii or Florida is in your future–and all three have spectacular beaches, resorts andamenities for you to enjoy. If you’re not a surf and suncouple, we can certainly help you find the right packagefor you.

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The UpscaleWhile we may not all have $10,000 or more to spend

on a honeymoon, most couples willsplurge on this trip morethan any other futurevacation because of thegift money from thewedding, and the fact thatit’s a once-in-a-li fetimecelebration. So if you’re inthe $5,000 to $10,000range, you’re still going to find great resorts in Hawaiiand the Caribbean. The Meridian Club in Turks andCaicos, Peter Island in the British Virgin Islands, and the


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call them if you’re considering Europe, mountainretreats or a trip to the Big Apple. Chances are, they’ ll beworth their weight in aspirin when it comes to theheadaches you’ll avoid, and your honeymoon will be atrip you’ll want to take again and again.

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Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction.It would seem reasonable that withmillions of sperm and only one eggthat the majority of infertility problemswould lie with the female. Not true,according to the National Library ofMedicine which tracks nationalstatistics kept by fertility clinics.Difficulties with fertility are evenlysplit, with the source of fertilityproblems being linked to the maleone third of the time and the femalealso having difficulties one third ofthe time. The final third is a mixtureof situations where both parties haveinfertility issues and those cases where the cause is indeterminate.

The good news is that there is hopefor males who wish to start a family.Director of Male ReproductiveMedicine Surgery at UPMC, Thomas Jaffe, MD, an urologist,offers a hopeful perspective formales experiencing difficulties withreproductive issues. “Because of manytechnologies and treatments, manymen who previously had no hopeof fathering a child now have treatmentoptions that can be [effective.]”

One important advancement inreproductive research is a relativelynew diagnostic test called theDAZ test. The DAZ test detectsa genetic mutation in the Ychromosome for sperm production.

This test is ordered when spermproduction is unusually low. Anotherimportant factor in analyzing the quality of the sperm is its motility or movement. Generally, sperm with greater motility are able to more easily fertilize an egg.

One common problem among menwith fertility issues is type 1 or juvenileonset diabetes. Individuals withdiabetes may experience what’s called retrograde ejaculation. Simplyput, this is when the bladder stays open with ejaculatory fluids washingback into the bladder rather than exiting the body as with normal functioning. “This problem can betreated with Sudafed which helps the bladder to stay closed during ejaculation,” explains Dr. Jaffe.Retrograde ejaculation can also be a problem with spinal cord injuries,nerve damage or certain medicationsthat contain alpha blockers such as high blood pressure medications.

Another problem Dr. Jaffe sees amonghis patients are men who have little tono sperm production. “Even with nosperm, we have found that thesemen still produce limited numbersof sperm within the tissues of thetesticles.” This sperm can be extractedfrom the tissue and remains viableto fertilize an egg.

One of the most common problemsassociated with male infertility iswhen an enlargement of a vein in the scrotum forms. These veins are specially equipped with one-wayvalves which insure that blood flows upward. When these veins becomecompressed, they crush the gonadalvein and heat and toxins build up in the scrotum inhibiting healthy spermproduction. The vein can be surgicallyrepaired however to promote normalfunction with increased sperm production and better quality withsperm motility increased.

Finally, male cancer patients mayexperience fertility problems due tochemotherapy and radiation treatments.“Ideally ,we [harvest] sperm priorto treatment. We work with thePittsburgh Cryobank to store thesperm until needed,” explains Dr. Jaffe.

Although no treatment is an absoluteguarantee, male infertility can oftentimes be overcome with the right evaluation and treatment.

For more information about Dr. Ja�eand treatment of male infertility, call 412.692.4100.

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