in keystone oaks

WINTER 2010 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Green Tree Celebrates125 Years!

Pipe Organs ProvideWholesome

Entertainment

Blanket NightProvides Comfort toChildren in Need

HolidayCheer!

2 Keystone Oaks

Welcome to the premier issue of Keystone Oaks!

You may be asking yourself, “What is this new magazine and why am Igetting it?” Allow me to answer that.

I founded IN Community Magazines over a decade ago with the beliefthat people want to read news about their community and the peoplewho live and work there. They want positive, uplifting news, andinformation about their municipalities and schools.

We are supported entirely by advertising, not taxpayer dollars. While we dooffer school districts and municipalities the opportunity to purchase pages inour magazines, we give them rates that, in most cases, are less than what theyare paying to put out their own newsletters to constituents.

We accept no advertising for alcohol, tobacco or firearms. We can guarantee that what you read inour pages will be family-oriented, upbeat and something that you can be proud of. In fact, weencourage you to submit your ideas for stories to our managing editor, Marybeth Jeffries, [email protected]. What’s a good story? That depends on you! We routinelycover nonprofit organizations and the good they do in the community. We cover fundraising events.We feature local houses of worship. We want to know about the Boy or Girl Scout troop that’sworking on a community project. We want to feature the team that makes WPIALs. We want tofeature the team that is just starting out as a club sport. We’ve done features on centenarians,librarians and veterinarians. If you think hard enough, I bet that you can think of at least one personwho’s making a difference in your community. That’s what we want to know about.

I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with you, Keystone Oaks!

Wayne DollardPublisher

As the holiday season approaches, I hope you'll step away from the list making and cookie baking for just a few minutes to enjoy theinformation we have compiled for this edition of Keystone Oaks. As always, our goal is to offer a bit of insight into the community. Someof our most interesting features focus on residents and their passion inall things "community." As you are going through your bu sy days (andholiday parties) please don't forget to let us know about any person ororganization who you feel would be interesting for us to feature. Weget some of our best story ideas and are so inspired, by our readers!The amount of good will and charitable activity that seems to flowfrom the Dormont, Green Tree and Castle Shannon community isamazing and awesome.

From all of us at In Community Mag azines, we hope your holidaywill be filled with a good dose of peace and a little bit of joy, and thatyou're surrounded by the love and companionship of those who meanthe most to you.

Marybeth JeffriesManaging Editor

IN Keystone Oaks is a non-partisan communitypublication dedicated to representing, encouragingand promoting the Dormont, Green Tree, and Castle

Shannon communities and its comprisingmunicipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts ofthe people who live and work here. Our goal is toprovide readers with the most informative and

professional regional publication in theCommonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PUBLISHER

Wayne Dollard

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Mark Berton [email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR

Marybeth [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jamie [email protected]

WRITERS

Jonathan BarnesKelli McElhinny

Pamela Palongue

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Michael Andrulonis Bill IvinsCassie Brkich Jan McEvoyAnna Buzzelli Joe MilneSusie Doak Tamara TylendaPati Ingold Tracey Wasilco

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rebecca BaileyGaryyonphotography.com

One Way Street Productions

ADVERTISING SALES

Nicholas Buzzell David MitchellBrian Daley Tamara Myers

Gina D’Alicandro Gabriel NegriTina Dollard Robert OjedaRose Estes Annette Petrone

Beatriz Harrison Tara ReisJason Huffman Vincent Sabatini

Jessie Jones Michael SilvertConnie McDaniel RJ Vighetti

Brian McKee

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 2010.

CORRESPONDENCEAll inquiries, comments and press releases

should be directed to:IN Community Magazines

Attn: Editorial603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray, PA 15317Ph: 724.942.0940 Fax: 724.942.0968

www.incommunitymagazines.com

Spring Issue Deadline: January 5, 2011

WINTER 2010

Most childhood Christmas memories are of joyful occasions with precious family-bonding moments: mom and dad singingChristmas carols; children with happy, angelic faces gazing up

at them in tranquil adoration. My own memories are also quite happy.But after comparing notes, I have slowly come to realize that my entirefamily is quite possibly out of their spruce tree. So, for an inside look athow a dys functional family spends its Christmas, please read on…

Immediately after Thanksgiving, a disturbing lunar phase would alwaysbegin at our house. My otherwise fairly normal, career-oriented motherwould begin to clean our house in anticipation of my grandparents’ arrivalfor Christmas. Not the normal tidying up one might do for a family visit.No, this was more like a murder had been committed at our house and mymother’s cleaning was the frantic attempts of the killer to remove everyshred of DNA evidence. My mother would methodically begin to disinfectevery object in our house, including the dogs. Not even my toys, whichwere thoroughly soaked in bleach, were spared, resulting in my MalibuBarbie turning into a white-haired old lady in need of a sunbed. I havenever been sure why my mother was so intimidated by her mother-in-law,but she apparently lived in fear that the frail, gray-haired woman wouldsomehow drag a stepladder into the kitchen and, risking hip fracture, standon the top rung to inspect for dust above the cabinets.

My father’s style of celebrating the holidays was the polar opposite of aBrady Bunch Christmas. Less than enthused about stimulating the econo-my through gift-giving, he wasn’t terribly fond of the Christmas tree either.So in their new house, he ingeniously designed a special closet where afully decorated Christmas tree on rollers could be wheeled out Dec. 1 andneatly rolled back into the closet on Dec. 26. Surely, he must be at leastpartially responsible for my quirky and oftentimes odd behavior.

December 18 my grandparents would arrive. My grandfather wouldwheel into the driveway, screeching tires, and jump out of their Buickproudly announcing, “Made it in 6 hours and 15 minutes,” the goal beingto shave minutes off of last year’s time. My grandmother, still white-lipped from the G-forces, would peel herself off the car seat and wobblein, complaining that my grandfather had driven 85 mph all the way.

On Christmas Day, mymother, who does notcook but is highlyskilled at thawing andmicrowaving, mor-phed into Betty Crocker,attempting suchcomplex dishesas green-bean-casserole andcongealed salad.Unfortunatelywith the pressureof the day, shewould usuallycharcoalize thegreen-bean casse-role. (I’m not sureif charcoalize is a word, butI really like it.)

One holiday, mythoughtful grandfathershocked the entire village bycrossing gender lines and washing dishes. Unfortunately, while dishwash-ing, his dentures flew into the garbage disposal as if sucked out of hismouth by an unseen evil force. He quickly turned off the disposal andpulled out a set of mangled dentures. Silently, he turned the switch backon and threw the dentures back into the garbage disposal. I miss him.

Maybe we are all a little dysfunctional in one way or another.With the holidays, it’s easy for anyone to get a little neurotic. So, inbetween cursing the bakery for selling the last Boston crème pie andthat mad dash for the last parking space at the mall, just keep sayingunder your breath, “Peace. And on earth, good will toward mankind.”Happy holidays.

Keystone Oaks | Winter 2010 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

4 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE Keystone Oaks

GREEN TREE’S

125TH ANN

Green Tree has certainly come a long waysince its beginnings over a century ago whenGreentree Road was a Native American trail.Today, the borough enjoys two major officecomplexes, eight parks, a nature center and itsown library. The borough can also claim twonationally well-known personalities, ZacharyQuinto and Ron Paul.

Quinto, an Italian-Irishactor, grew up in Green Tree. He has appeared in a regular occurring role on the TV series “Heroes” as the character Sylar and is the replacement for Leonard Nimoy’s character of Mr. Spock in the 2009 version of the film “Star Trek.”

Ron Paul, a republican congressman servingthe 14th district of Texas, attended DormontHigh School and his family owned the Green

Tree Dairy. Paul has gained national notorietyby running for President of the UnitedStates, twice on the Libertarian ticket.

Although Green Tree spans just two squaremiles, the borough has observed its 125thanniversary with major league celebrations. The special events were kicked off by a balloon

release on April 16. Each child from Fred L. Aiken School and St. Margaret of Scotland School released a balloon into the air with a tag on it explainingthat the person who recoveredthe balloon should e-mail the Green Tree Historical Society

and register the find and the number on it,which represented a child. The balloon thattraveled the furthest landed the child whoreleased it a prize. Coincidentally, on the day of the release, there was a storm, and one of theballoons was recovered in Wilmington, Delaware!Two children were awarded gift certificates to

Zachary Quinto, who played Mr. Spock in the

2009 film Star Trek, grew up in Green Tree.

Audrey Henn & Carl Henn

Audrey J. Mazon, Libby Feldinger

Mary Lou Schmotzer, Ryan McGregor(representing Tim Murphy)

Adele Bonassi, Fmr. Mayor of Green Tree John Bonassi, Ginny & Ron Klammer


IVERSARY

The West Store & Gas Station on PresentDay Mansfield Ave., 1930s. Removed for Parkway West Interchange.

The White Homestead, photographed in 1900. (Present day location of the Green Tree Radisson on Western Ave.) Ralph White,the patriarch of the family, is pictured in the center in the white shirtwith suspenders. Courtesy of Green Tree Historical Society.

Barnes and Noble for having the longest traveling balloons.

President and founder of the Green TreeHistorical Society, Marilyn Albitz, gave aPowerPoint presentation on the history of the borough at the local fire hall, which wasattended by hundreds.

Albitz also organized two concerts in thepark in June featuring the Pitt Alumni Bandand the Community Band South. This was the first time a concert had ever been held inGreen Tree Park. Both concerts were a greatsuccess.

Says Albitz, “Parks don’t have to be used just for sporting events.”

In July, a gala dinner with musical enter-tainment and a Chinese auction was held at the Green Tree Radisson, and in August therewas a community picnic at Newell Field. Apresentation was made to David Newell, Jr. inhonor of his father who was the first to bringLittle League baseball to Green Tree. David

Newell, Jr. may be better known as Mr.McFeely, the delivery man on Mister Rogers’Neighborhood.

The anniversary celebration culminatedwith exhibits presented by the historical society,the Green Tree Garden Club, Green TreeAthletic Association and other local organizationsin the Green Tree fire hall on September18,with a wine and cheese party that followed inthe evening.

Albitz notes, “We may be small, but GreenTree has a lot to offer and is a wonderful placeto live.”

Ryan McGregor, (Representative from Tim Murphy’s Office) Chuck Hammer (Mayor of Green Tree)

Arlene Fleck, Dr. Dorothy Fleck (first resident of Veri)& John Fleck

Samantha & Casey Fair

Carol Kosters, Peggy & John Mehal, Marge Oliver

Mary Lou Schmotzer, Chuck Hammer & Marilyn Albitz (President of Green Tree Historical Society)

-Photo credit: Gary Yon Photography


With the tickling of ivories by a skilledorganist alongside silent-era movies,every so often, the auditorium of

Keystone Oaks High School becomes a livinghistory lesson. Home to the PittsburghTheater Organ Society’s restored Wurlitzertheater organ, which was created to be playedin accompaniment with silent movies, andwhich was replaced the pit orchestra, listenersregularly are given the chance to t ake a tripback to the past in the school.

While the theater organ itself was replacedby “talkie” movies, some of the atmosphere ofthe era when people went to the theater forhours and saw several movies comes backregularly at the Dormont school. The organconsole is unique in that it is painted white,with brightly painted and gilded-wood relief.

“It’s an exciting sound and a nostalgicinstrument,” said Society member JoyceSpark. “And it’s wholesome entertainment.”

Similar to a church organ, the organ’smechanics are invisible to the listeners, withits pipes and percussion instruments(including a snare drum) hidden behind wallsflanking each side of the stage. The organ’spipes can simulate violins, flutes, trumpetsand saxophones, clarinets and otherinstruments. Drums, cymbals, marimbas andxylophones in the pipe chambers also can becontrolled from the organ’s console. Theinstrument makes sounds such as auto horns,chimes, sleigh bells, thunder, train whistles,bird whistles and other noises to enhanceviewing a silent movie.

Formed in 1969 by a group of fans oftheater organs, Pittsburgh Area TheaterOrgan Society in 1973 found a Wurlitzer thatbegan its life in 1927 in the Prospect Theaterin Brooklyn, N.Y. After restoring the organ, itwas installed in 1978 in Keystone Oaks HighSchool auditorium. It is the only theater pipeorgan in a public auditorium in the Pittsburghregion.

It is cared for and promoted by Societymembers like John Gombita, a NorthHuntingdon resident who is president of theclub. A retired UPMC broadcast engineer, he said he enjoys the tinkering with theinstrument, which is why he is restoring hisown organ at home.

Others in the Society said all aspects of the organ appeal to them.

“I love the music,” said Jay Smith, ofBaldwin, noting that he visualizes thedifferent parts of the organ moving as helistens to them played. “But I love themechanics of it.”

Those interested in hearing the Society’s organ always have another chance,since the group has a regular schedule ofevents. To learn more about the nonprofitgroup, visit the Society’s website,http://mysite.verizon.net/patos.wurlitzer.For PATOS event tickets, call 412.241.8108or 724.446.9744, or [email protected].

Hector Olivera playing one of the three featured organs at theSeptember 4, 2010 concert.

By Jonathan Barnes


Lance Luce from Michigan at the

console.

Ken Double and Skip Stine

10-year old PATOS member Robbie Halpner from Upper

St. Clair with Paul Roberts from England both sitting on

the organ bench after the November 13, 2010 concert.

Robbie played three solo numbers on the Baldwin con-

cert grand piano.

hen it comes to exercise, it’s hard to break through thehype and advertising ploys for the newest and best car-

dio machine or workout.However, the best cardio workout depends on engaging the

heart through a multitude of levels and workloads, said DanGriffin, general manager of Oxford Athletic Club. Griffin, whois certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, saidpeople are becoming more ed ucated when it comes to theircardio workout.

“People understand you do not have to do long, slow dis-tance exercises, to be in the fat-burning zone. The studies areshowing now that low-intensity heart maintenance levels arejust as efficient for calorie burn. Middle heart rates – the kind

Keeping the Most Important Muscle Fit


of exercises where you can talk to your neighbor, but can’trecite the Gettysburg Address – those work well also,” Griffinsaid. “The higher heart levels have a whole different physiologi-cal response and work on different parts of your body. Somewho do a little bit of exercise in all three ranges lose weightquicker, and it doesn’t take more time. You take those 30-40minutes you usually dedicate to your workout and break it up.”

Griffin said there are new workout machines that take advan-tage of that data to help athletes meet those various heartranges.

“There always are machines that are the ‘hot machines.’ Inthe ‘80s and ‘90s, it was the stepper, and now it’s treadmills,ellipticals, and multi-angular training. With a treadmill, you’rein one plane, moving forward. With multi-angular and multi -plane machines you’re moving forward, and you’re also goingleft, right, forward and back,” Griffin said. “Another hotmachine right now is the ArcTrainer, which is a cross between astepper and an elliptical. With step training, few people can lastlong enough to make that work right, so the ArcTrainer is afavorite among tennis players and other athletes who come in.”

In addition to specialized card io machines, Griffin said circuittraining still gives people a great workout.

“Circuit training is still alive and well. We have trainers who takepeople through workouts that are as demanding as can be,” he said.“Unless you need bulk and heavy lifting, there’s a lot to be said forthis functional training where you’re pushing sandbags and workingout without stopping between sets. I’ve done it, and have gotten myheart rate from 130 up to 170, and it stays within that range withinthe whole half hour. The key though, is to do it in a circuit fashion.That way, you don’t have to stop between exercising.”

Griffin said that because circuit trainingfocuses on different musclegroups, the workoutstypically are faster toget through.

“Muscularly, youdon’t need the restbecause you’reworking a differentmuscle group eachtime,” he said. “Cardio-wise, you may haveto wait 30seconds or so betweensets, but youcan definitelybe fit bydoing that.”

The Allegheny County Health Department is joining with theAllegheny County Immunization Coalition to remind everyonethat vaccinations keep infants, children, teens, adults and senior citizens healthy across the lifespan.

Diseases that once killed and disabled millions of Americanscan be prevented, but only if everyone is up to date with thevaccinations needed to keep themselves, their loved ones and ourentire community healthy and protected,” said County HealthDirector Dr. Bruce W. Dixon.

While most vaccines are given in the first six years of life, anumber of others are strongly recommended for adolescents,adults and the elderly. But unlike younger children, these groupsare much less likely to keep their vaccinations up to date.

Less than 6% of adultsnationally have been vaccinated againstpertussis or whooping cough, and such a low vaccination rate notonly puts them at risk but also endangers infants too young to beimmunized who might catch the disease from them.

The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 60 yearsold and older, but very few in that age group have received theimmunization since it became available in 2006.

The HPV vaccine, which protects against the human papillomavirus that is the main cause of cervical cancer, is recommended for females from 9 to 26 years of age, but veryfew of them have been immunized since the vaccine waslicensed in 2006.

Longer-established adult vaccines that still remain well below100% coverage provide protection against several other diseasessuch as influenza, pneumonia, tetanus and diphtheria.

Health officials also remind parents to make sure their childrenare caught up with the vaccines required for students in grades K-12 and have proof of vaccination for the upcoming school year.

Please check with your health care provider or contact theHealth Department at 412.687.ACHD or achd.netto keep yourself up to date with your vaccinations.


Not Vaccinating Puts At Risk Not Only the Individual but Their Loved Ones Too

It’s the kind of thing that can comein an instant like a lightning bolt, orsneak in over the course of weeks like apersistent fog. In any form, it’s unwelcome and costs U.S. businessesmillions of dollars in lost work and sickdays. It’s back pain, and while it’s not totally understood, it’s totally real formillions of Americans.

There are several varieties of backpain, each with their own names base d

on the location on the spine from whichthey seem to originate. One of the more

common ones that you may have heardabout is “lumbago,” or lower back pain. The

name stems from the lumbar section of thespine, and the condition has fueled an estimated $70 billion industry in itself in

physician services, self-help remedies, ointments, devices and more. America’s obsession with lumbar and its proper sup port

has led to seats with lumbar adjustments being standard inmost high-end vehicles. For those who drive economy cars,

there are pillows, wedges, lattices of beads and vibrating heating pads that plug into your car’s lighter socket, each

proclaiming more relief than the next.

BACKPAINMany Causes, Few Cures

If you’re just dealing with day-to-day aches and

pains, most doctors agreethat compresses

of warm, moist heat are the best way to cope.


Do you know of someone from the Keystone Oaks area who is serving in the armed forces?

ATTENTIONMILITARY FAMILIES

Send along a photo, their name and where they serve to [email protected].

We would love to highlight theircommitment to our country!

You might be surprised to find that your firstchiropractic visit may include 15 minutes ofmassage therapy, where warm, moist heat com-presses are placed on your back, followed by 15 minutes of TENS, or transcutaneous electri-cal nerve stimulation, which zings and zapsyour muscles with a pleasant tingling sensation.

While it all feels great, scientists are split as towhether any of it works for the long term. Astudy by the American Academy of Family

Physicians came to the conclusion that while heatpacks, deep heat, and massage are useful in the

immediate relief of symptoms, long-term effective-ness is still in question, and the use of TENS therapyhas demonstrated no long term effectiveness at all.

What the study did conclude is that unless the painis the result of a deeper medical condition, like can-cer or infection, exercise and patient education arethe best tools out there in helping the patient in the

long-term.

Despite the accoutrements that one can purchase, few provide total relief. That’s because the actual causes of run-of-the-mill, everyday back pain are largely unknown. Many reasons for serious back pain are easily diagnosed because theyhave a direct causal basis or present with other symptoms suchas weight loss, fever or incontinence. Someone in a recent car accident, for example, would know that their current back painis a result of the collision. However, it’s been postulated thatback pain may also be the result of stress at work or at home,reasons that would not show up in an MRI or X-ray.

If you’re just dealing with day-to-day aches and pains, mostdoctors agree t hat compresses of warm, moist heat are the bestway to cope. Over the counter pain relievers are also safe, solong as you take them as directed. Chiropractors and physicaltherapists may be able to suggest a stretching regimen thatcould alleviate some of the more common aches and pains associated with the spine. In fact, more and more chiroprac-tors have integrated techniques into patient visits oth er thanthe basic routine adjustment.

Exercise and patientExercise and patienteducation are the besteducation are the best

tools out there intools out there inhelping the patienthelping the patient

in the long-term.in the long-term.


Potential Customers in Dormont, Green Tree

& Castle Shannon

Call [email protected]

ADVERTISE HERE!

Reach 10,000


In early November, supporters of Project Linus came together at

St. Margaret's Church cafeteria for Blanket Night. Started as a companyservice project almost a decade ago, Blanket Night originated in the home of Lynne Gross, owner of Greentree Printing. This year's drive provided

more than 150 polar fleece tie blankets to local children's homes andhospitals. All of these hand-made blankets were lovingly created to comfort

those children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 - 1 1

Health and Wellness News You Can Use

© 2010 UPMC

What’s Insidepage 2 Falls Are No Laughing Matter

page 3 The Difference a Number Can MakeNew UPMC Rehab Institute President

page 4 Be Happy and Healthy this WinterAre You Sad?Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

page 5 New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

page 6 When Kids Get Hurt, We’re Ready

page 7 UPMC Offers Expanded Imaging Services in South Hills

Here’s to a Happy,Healthy Winter

If winter isn’t your favorite season, look inside for some great ways to keep your health and spirits intact.

F

2 www.UPMC.com/Today

Prat falls on TV sitcoms may make us chuckle, but in real life, they’redeadly serious. Falls are the leadinginjury-related reason people go to theemergency room. Each year, morethan a million Americans suffer a slip,trip, or fall injury, resulting in morethan 17,000 deaths.

Falls don’t have to be an inevitablepart of life. There are many proactive strategies you can take to prevent them from happening to you and others.

“Have you ever noticed that athletestend to be injured late in a game?That’s because they’re tired, distracted, or rushed,” says Gary P. Chimes, MD, PhD, Department of Physical Medicineand Rehabilitation, UPMC MercySouth Side Outpatient Center.“These same conditions are often at play during a fall. You may blame a fall on a slippery sidewalk or unstable chair, when the real underlying cause is entirely different.Knowing what causes a fall is key toaddressing the problem.”

Your “personal safety margin” diminishes when factors such as age,fatigue, body weakness, and chronicillness are added to the equation.

“Falls often point to other underlyinghealth issues. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of what yourbody is telling you,” says Dr. Chimes.

Three things you can doto avoid fallsExercise: Exercises that promotestrength, balance, and body coordination are especially importantto prevent falls. Dr. Chimes recommends the martial art of tai chi, especially for older adults.

See your doctor regularly:Schedule annual physical and eye examinations to uncover underlyingmedical problems that could lead to falls. Notify your doctor if you feel unstable or experienceproblems like dizziness due to medications.

Check your surroundings: Clutter-proof your home, especiallysteps. Make sure carpets andhandrails are secure. Use a non-skid mat in your bath. If youhave small children, use safety lockson windows and be sure cribs, infantswings, and other equipment areplaced securely. Older childrenshould always wear protective gearwhen biking, skiing, or skating.

Falls Are No Laughing MatterHere’s how you can help avoid them at any age

Treating a Fall

“If you’ve taken a fall and suspect a serious injury, such as a broken bone, severe cut, or concussion, seek immediate medical attention,” advises Lisa R. Blackrick, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UPMC Mercy. The Level I TraumaCenter at UPMC Mercy is speciallyequipped to evaluate and treat seriousand complex injuries.

For less serious injuries such as asprain or pulled muscle, follow theRICE procedure, she says: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. “If yourpain worsens or does not diminishwithin two or three days, you shouldcontact your family doctor for what to do next.”

After a fall, many people — especiallyseniors — fear that it will happenagain. “The good news is that thereare many things that can be done tominimize the reoccurrence of falls, including physical therapy and exercise, medication adjustments, and lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Blackrick. “The important thing is to maintain a dialogue with your health care provider.”

To learn more about fall-related injury treatment options at UPMC Mercy, call 412-232-7865.

Quick Facts About Falls• Children under the age of five and seniors over the age of 70 have thegreatest fall rates.

• Among older adults, more than two-thirds of those who fall are likely to fall again within six months.

• The most severe falls among children are linked to baby walkers, windows, and play equipment.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control

1-800-533-UPMC 3

New UPMC Rehab Institute PresidentHer position as the president of the UPMC RehabilitationInstitute may be new, but Margaret (Peg) Reidy, MD, is a seasoned UPMC veteran. A physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, she began her career as a resident at the Hospitals of the University Heath Center of Pittsburgh (now UPMC). Today, as president of the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, Dr. Reidy overseeswestern Pennsylvania’s largest provider of inpatient rehabilitation services.

The UPMC Rehabilitation Institute offers accredited, specialized care for patients after illness and injury, including stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, amputation, and multiple traumatic injuries. Services are provided in seven acute care hospitals throughout thearea: UPMC Mercy, UPMC Horizon, UPMC McKeesport,UPMC Montefiore, UPMC Northwest, UPMC Passavant,and UPMC St. Margaret.

During her career, Dr Reidy has seen dramatic changes in the way physicians deliver rehabilitation services. Shedescribes the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute as a “very different kind of institute”. Since inpatient rehabilitationservices are provided at seven locations, patients can remain close to home and under the care of their physician.“Having world-class care in their own neighborhood benefits patients and their families,” she adds.

As Americans live longer and healthier lives, the demandfor quality, convenient inpatient rehabilitation services will continue to increase. “Baby boomers are expected toregain functional ability, whether they are recovering fromsurgeries or injuries, or coping with chronic illnesses,” says Dr. Reidy. “We are committed to helping them getback to a full life.”

For more information on the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, visit UPMC.com/RehabInstitute.

Margaret (Peg) Reidy, MD

See how your numbers stack up for peace of mind — or a wake-up call!

Many numbers are part of your dailylife, from your cell phone to your ATM code. But do you know the numbers that are critical to your physical health? Here are the three top numbers you should remember and monitor regularly:

120/80: Optimum blood pressureThere’s a reason high blood pressure(hypertension) is known as the “silent killer.” You can have it for years and never know it. As it damagesthe walls of your arteries, it also canwreak havoc on your heart, kidneys, and brain. High blood pressure can lead to a heart attack, kidney failure, or stroke.

When you have high blood pressure, the pressure of blood within the arteries — which carry blood from the heart throughout the body — is persistently elevated. Optimal bloodpressure in an adult is under 120/80. The range for prehypertension is 120 to 139/80 to 89. High blood pressure is any reading of 140/90 or higher.

99: Blood sugar levelIt’s a good idea to have your blood sugar checked. High blood sugar — diabetes — can lead to a host of othermedical problems if left unchecked, including vision and circulatory problems. Your optimal blood sugarlevel should be 99 milligrams perdeciliter (mg/dL) of blood or less. A count of 100 to 125 mg/dL is a pre-diabetes wake-up call; a level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

200: Optimum cholesterolCholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substancemade by the liver — and not all forms of it are bad. Sometimes, our bodies create too much cholesterol, which thencirculates through the blood stream.

To check your cholesterol levels, yourdoctor will ask you to fast before havingblood work drawn. Your test results will show the amount of cholesterol in your blood.

It’s the bad, artery-clogging cholesterol (LDL) that puts you at risk, so shoot for an LDL of under 130 mg/dL. Conversely, the higher your good cholesterol (HDL) the better, because it helps remove harmful LDL from your arteries. An HDL of 50 mg/dL or higher is ideal.

You should aim for a total cholesterolnumber (HDL + LDL) under 200mg/dL. A count of 200 to 239 is considered borderline, while levels of 240 and above double your risk of coronary heart disease.

Your doctor can help you learn and manage these numbers. To schedule an appointment with one of our primary care physicians, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

Sources: American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association

The Difference a Number Can MakeSee how your numbers stack up for peace of mind — or a wake-up call

For more information about important lifesaving numbers like body mass index (BMI),waist circumference, grip strength, and thyroidlevel, visit www.UPMC.com/Today.


Health Tips from UPMC Health Plan

Is your favorite winter activity staying indoors under a warm blanket in front of the television with a bag of snacks in hand?You’re not alone. Getting through the cold weather with yourhealth and spirits intact is difficult but not impossible. Followthese suggestions for a happier, healthier winter.

Fight the flu Cold and flu season is fast approaching. Here are some ways to avoid the sniffles.

• Washing your hands for 15 seconds using soap and warmwater is your best defense against germs. If soap and wateraren’t available, use an alcohol-based antibacterial product.

• Getting a flu shot can reduce your risk of infection by 90 percent. If you don’t like needles, a nasal spray vaccine is available.

• Eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, getting plenty of sleep, and reducing stress will help boost your immune system.

Winterize your skinAs the weather turns colder, the dry air causes itchy, dry skin. To keep skin more comfortable during the winter months:

• Switch to oil-based moisturizers with a minimum SPF of 30 for your face and body, and use them frequently.

• Protect your hands from the elements with a heavy-duty hand cream, and always wear gloves outdoors.

• Lips need extra protection, too. A moisturizing lip balm with vitamin E will help prevent chapping.

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.

Banish the winter blahs with exerciseDon’t pack your exercise gear away with your summer clothes. Staying active during the winter months can lift your mood, help your immune system, and keep you from gaining weight. Be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

• Walk indoors at a local mall. Need extra motivation? Join a walking group.

• Check out an exercise video at your local library or borrow one from a friend.

• With proper planning, walking outdoors in winter can be fun and exhilarating. Walk during daylight hours, dress appropriately, and wear skid-resistant shoes.

Did You Know?• People with SAD are more likely to have a blood relative with the condition.• More women than men are diagnosed with SAD.• Exercise can help boost your mood, and relieve stress and anxiety.

Be Happy and HealthyThis Winter

Are You Sad? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)If the darker, shorter days of winter really get you down, youmay be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that begins in the fall and gets better in the spring.

“Seasonal affective disorder is directly related to a decrease insunlight during the winter months,” says Edward S. Friedman,MD, a psychiatrist at the Western Psychiatric Institute andClinic of UPMC. The lack of sunlight disrupts the body’s internal clock, which can lead to feelings of depression.

In addition to seasonal onset, SAD sufferers experience whatDr. Friedman describes as a kind of hibernation. “They stay indoors, conserve energy, eat more, and sleep more,” he explains.

Those behaviors can distinguish SAD from other types of depression. And individuals who already suffer from clinical depression may feel worse in the fall.

If you are diagnosed with SAD and your symptoms are severeenough to affect your daily life, your doctor may recommendantidepressant medications, light therapy, or psychotherapy.

While it’s normal for anyone to have a down day occasionally,don’t brush off those feelings. “Anyone with symptoms of depression that last more than two weeks should see their doctor,” advises Dr. Friedman.

1-800-533-UPMC 5

New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Innovation at UPMC

Robotic technology revolutionizingWhipple surgeryWhen Coy Smith* found out he had pancreatic cancer and needed aWhipple procedure, he started gettinghis affairs in order. He even consideredgoing without surgery. “It occurred tome that I might not come back home,” says Mr. Smith.

Although he left most of the worryingup to his wife, a licensed practical nurse, he knew enough to realize thesurgery would not be a simple task. Whipple surgery — one of the most complex surgeries performed — involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, part of the stomach, and small intestine.

But the 58-year-old Altoona-area resident was lucky. He was one of the first patients at UPMC CancerCenters to undergo a non-invasive version of the Whipple procedure using state-of-the-art robotic technology. He was operated on in October 2009 by the surgical team of A. James Moser, MD, and Herbert J. Zeh, MD — co-directors of the Pancreatic Specialty Care Center and two of just a handful of surgeons worldwide who perform the Whipple procedure using robotic surgical technology.

Mr. Smith woke up in recovery and immediately began joking with thenurses. After a week’s stay in the hospital, Mr. Smith began six months of chemotherapy. One year later, he is cancer-free. “I’m healthy and very fortunate,” Mr. Smith says.* Mr. Smith’s treatment and results may not be representative of similar cases.

“This is pioneering technology — the first major innovation in pancreassurgery in more than 100 years — and UPMC is considered among theworld’s leaders,” says Dr. Moser.

Precise robotic technology Surgeons use the da Vinci® Si SurgicalSystem, a robotic surgical device that allows them to operate through a seriesof small incisions (including one to accommodate a miniature camera) with greater dexterity and range of motion, plus a magnified three-dimensional view of organs on a large, high-definition screen. Instead of the “chopsticks” used in laparoscopy,robotic surgery equipment allows formore natural movements, includingwrist function, explains Dr. Zeh.

“It has a 360-degree range of motion,which has much more freedom of movement than your own hand,” says Dr. Zeh. “You can get into placeswhere your hand can’t go.”

The robotic technology enhances the surgeon’s ability to see detail andmanipulate anatomical parts with great precision. Like conventional laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery is minimally invasive.

Patients benefitThe two surgeons have published papers on the robotic Whipple procedure and have spoken at conferences around the world. They are now compiling data on patient outcomes.

While it is not yet clear whether this approach produces better surgical outcomes, both surgeons say it is clear that patients may benefit in many ways, including less pain, reduced recovery time, minimal scarring, and reduced need for bloodtransfusions. That means patients can begin chemotherapy sooner.

“We are pleased to be able to offer thisnew technology,” Dr. Zeh says. “Thedata shows that as a whole, patients whoundergo the robotic-assisted Whippleprocedure do as well as patients whohave the traditional open surgery.”

Perhaps the biggest benefit is reducingfear in patients. According to Dr. Moser,as many as one half of all pancreatic cancer patients choose not to have surgery to remove their tumor becausethey are afraid of a large incision and the long recovery time associated with traditional surgery.

“We hope that by minimizing thetrauma of surgery we can get more people to select this treatment and continue on with chemotherapy,” Dr. Moser says. “Not everyone withpancreatic cancer is doomed. This procedure is giving patients hope.”

For more information about the robotic Whipple procedure or any ofUPMC's pancreatic cancer treatments,call 1-888-623-PANC (7262).

Potential Benefits of the Robotic Whipple Procedure

• smaller incisions • minimal scarring • reduced blood loss and need

for transfusion• less pain • shorter hospital stays• faster recovery time and

start of treatment

F


It never fails. Just as you settle in for a relaxedevening or weekend, your child suddenly develops a painful earache or takes a nasty tumble and breaks an arm.

Thankfully, parents in the North Hills andSouth Hills now have convenient “after hours”access to the pediatric specialty care found atChildren’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.The new Children’s Express Care Centers in Wexford and Bethel Park offer expert care for minor injuries and illnesses.

“All we do is take care of kids — that’s our specialty. That’s important because kids are different from adults. Their illnesses and injuries are different and their medicines and treatments are different,” says Raymond D. Pitetti, MD, medical director of Children’s Express Care.

Urgent care just for children

Some pediatric health concerns are urgent but not life threatening. Those are exactly thetypes of cases that the Children’s Express CareCenters are designed to handle, says Dr. Pitetti.

The Express Care Centers provide exclusivelypediatric-focused treatment in offices that arespecially designed for children. Staffed by pediatricians, emergency medicine physicians,physician’s assistants, and nurses who are specifically trained to care for kids, the Centers operate evenings and weekends when pediatricians’ offices are closed.

“The entire experience is geared toward kids — from the size of the equipment, to the medications and staff, and even the décor.We also know how to interact with kids andtheir parents to make them feel at ease,” Dr. Pitetti says.

After-hours service, convenient locations

The new centers in the North Hills and South Hills — Children’s North in Wexfordand Children’s South in Bethel Park — are open 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. No appointments are necessary, and walk-ins are welcome. Parking is free. A third location will open in the Monroeville/Murrysville area next spring.

Children’s Express CareWexfordChildren’s North2599 Wexford Bayne RoadSewickley, PA 15143Phone: 724-933-3644Monday through Friday: 5 to 9 p.m.Weekends: Noon to 8 p.m.No appointments needed. Walk-ins welcome.

Children’s Express CareBethel ParkChildren’s South1300 Oxford DriveBethel Park, PA 15102Phone: 412-692-3145Monday through Friday: 5 to 9 p.m.Weekends: Noon to 8 p.m.No appointments needed. Walk-ins welcome.

When Kids Get Hurt, We’re ReadyChildren’s Express Care Centers open in Pittsburgh’s North and South Hills

Children’s Express Care Centers Can Help

The pediatric specialists at the centers can treat a wide range of illnesses or injuries in children and teens, including:

• animal bites• bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma

attacks• colds, fevers, flu, and other viral

illnesses• cuts, bumps, lacerations, abrasions,

and splinters• ear, throat, and sinus infections• incisions and abscess drainage• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and

dehydration• rashes, poison ivy, and allergic

reactions • simple fractures, twists, sprains,

strains, and dislocations• splinting • cyst removalThe Express Care Centers also offer on-site x-ray services, EKGs, blood tests,urine and throat cultures, and urinalysis.

If necessary, children with more seriousconditions will be fast-tracked to the Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital, or referred to pediatric specialists.If follow-up care is needed, children will be referred back to their own pediatriciansalong with a report on their visit to the Express Care Center.

Benefits of the Express CareCenters include:• access to treatment when

your primary care physician is not available

• quality pediatric care for non-life threatening illnessesand injuries for children and teens

• convenient locations• free parking• no appointments needed• referrals for further

evaluation and treatment• access to lab tests and

diagnostic imaging

1-800-533-UPMC 7

UPMC Imaging Services of South Hills, located just off Route 19 in Bethel Park, has become a convenient choice for arearesidents. With MRI and more breast imaging services now available, the South Hills center is even better prepared to provide for your imaging needs.

UPMC Imaging Services of South Hills offers the following services on-site:

Radiology

•MRI

• general x-ray

Magee-Womens Imaging Services

• digital mammography

• ultrasound

• DXA bone density testing

UPMC Cardiovascular Institute

• nuclear medicine

• echocardiography

• peripheral ultrasound

• vascular studies

“We recently added MRI, digital mammography, and on-site breast biopsy, to give South Hills residents more services right in their neighborhood,” says Lori Collins, director of imaging services at UPMC Mercy. “With our advanced, state-of-the-art technology, our staff can provide fast, high quality images,” she adds.

Imaging services, especially for children, are now available at the new Children’s Express Care center, located in the samebuilding as UPMC Imaging Services of South Hills.

“When a child needs an x-ray, it’s reassuring for parents that it can be done nearby instead of driving to another location,” adds Ms. Collins. (Read more about the Children’s Express Care Centerand its hours of operation on page 6.)

UPMC Imaging Services of South Hills participates in most insurance plans. The center also offers comfortable and private waiting rooms and testing areas, as well as free parking and valet service.

UPMC Imaging Services of South Hills1300 Oxford DriveBethel Park, PA 15102

Radiology Services (x-ray and MRI)Phone: 412-851-8740

Hours for x-rays Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Same-day appointments available.

Hours for MRI Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m to 4 p.m. Same-day appointments available.

Magee-Womens Imaging ServicesPhone: 412-833-9000

Hours Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

UPMC Cardiovascular InstitutePhone: 412-347-3240

Hours Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about all imaging services at UPMC, visitwww.UPMC.com/Imaging.

UPMC Offers Expanded Imaging Services in South Hills

F

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 on Facebook.

Time to Take Care of YouHolidays are for celebrating all of the things that make life special. Don’t let a major illness, injury, or even a sore throat keep you from enjoying them. UPMC Mercy physicians’ offices are open and conveniently located near you. Our physicians are accepting new patients, and in most cases evenoffer same-day appointments.

Just call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) or visit www.UPMC.com/PatientCare,and we’ll get you an appointment with one of our doctors. It doesn’t matter why you need us; it matters that we’re here if you do.

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0on th

e go...


Red

Sophie

Adopt a Pet

It’s the Holidays!Find each of these words in this puzzle.

Winter Weather Safety Tips Have a snack before going outside. It willgive you energy and keep your body warmer. Make sure to wear sunscreen on your face.The snow can reflect up to 85% of the sun'sultraviolet rays. Dress in layers of clothes. Waterproof pantsand jackets will keep you dry and warm! Never go sled riding alone. Always have aparent supervise. When you’re playing outside, go inside everyonce in a while to warm up. If you start to shiver or feel numb, goinside right away and tell an adult.


Pine Cone Christmas Tree

Ornament



[email protected]

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Do you know someone who is doing something good for the community?

Are you having afund-raising event?We love parties!

Send us the information

and we'll do our best to

get your organization

some well-deserved

recognition.

Maybe it's your Mom –

does she volunteer with a

charitable organization?

Has your child volunteered

their time somewhere? We

want to know about it and

honor their commitment!

Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09Hurry offer expires 12/31/09

Allegheny County’s seventh annual phone card drive for U.S. troops who are stationed overseas isunderway ran through December 9. Residents donatedinternational phone cards at Soldiers & Sailors MemorialHall & Museum in Oakland, Boyce, North and SouthPark offices, and at the Office of the County Executive inRoom 101 of the County Courthouse.

“This drive is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women who areprotecting our freedom far away from their families and friends,” said AlleghenyCounty Executive Dan Onorato. “I encourage everyone to join in our effort to connecttroops with their loved ones during the holidays.”


DORMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETYTHE

The Dormont Historical Society was founded in 1999 to pre-serve the borough’s history, and its volunteers are kept busy fulfill-ing that purpose. With the interest and help of past and presentresidents and the backing of Borough Council, amazing progresshas been made. Donated items and furnishings fill the two roomsand connecting hall that the Society occupies in the lower level ofthe Dormont Municipal Center, the former Hillsdale Schoolbuilding, 1444 Hillsdale Avenue. Pictures, artwork, yearbooks andmemorabilia of all kinds from businesses, organizations, schools,individuals, police and fire departments are displayed.

Besides maintaining those displays, the volunteers update theveterans registry, which goes back to World War I; file real estatetransfers and death notices/obituaries; keep faculty lists for all theschools in the Dormont/Keystone Oaks School District; andrecord former and present businesses.

The Society’s meetings, which are open to the public, are heldat 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in our museum inthe Municipal Center, except for the following months: March,September and November, during which we feature our SpeakersSeries, free and open to the public, in the Dormont Presbyterian

Church; an annual dinner is held in May and a field trip in July. Everyone is invited to enjoy the programs, attend the meet-

ings, and visit the Society’s headquarters in the Municipal Center,on Thursdays from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Arrangements can be madefor other times by calling Muriel Moreland, 412.341.3667, orJohn Cunningham, 412.343.0635. You can also contact them ifyou have questions, items you would like to donate or memoriesto share.

Membership in the Society costs $10.00 a year for an individual or family; $25.00 for a business, which includes an ad in our annual“Dormont Memories” calendar. Filled with interesting picturesof bygone times, the calendar costs $5.00, $6.50 if mailed. Membersreceive bimonthly newsletters previewing the programs, updatingSociety news, relating facts and stories from the borough’s past, andtelling the recent acquisitions added to our various collections.

If you are a part of Dormont or are interested in itshistory, why not become a member of the Society?Just send a check to Dormont Historical Society,2832 Espy Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216.

Full-time, full-service agent, servicing the South Hillsand surrounding areas. I’m able to assist with all yourreal estate needs, whether buying or selling, includingfree market analysis. I’m a consistent multi-milliondollar producer and market share leader, and Ireceived Pittsburgh Magazine's 5 Star Agent Award. I have been a South Hills resident for over 30 years.


mericans filing federal returns canexpect year-end tax planning to be a

bit more complicated this time aroundbecause we don't know what the tax rateswill be for 2011 just yet. The currentrates, known as the “Bush tax cuts” from2001, are due to expire on Dec 31 of this year.

So when the new rates get passed,taxpayers won't have a whole lot of time toplan. Jeff Marzina, executive vice presidentat Bill Few Associates says that the bestplan of action here is to be prepared.

“For this year," says Marzina, "I think Ithink its very important that people bepaying attention to what happens in thepolitical spectrum in terms of tax rates forthe new year and to make sure you haveyour advisers lined up so when rates areset, you don’t wait.”

Each year, an individual is allowed togive a financial gift of up to $13,000 toany or as many individuals as they want towithout being subject to a gift tax. If yougive beyond this, you must fill out a gifttax return, which goes against the unifiedcredit amount that they are allowed togive at their death. Right now, this is notdetermined.

So you could give gifts of up to$13,000 to 15 grandchildren and not paya tax on it. According to the IRS, Youcan't deduct the value of gifts on yourincome tax return unless they are left to acharitable organization.

Federal estate taxes may have beenrepealed for 2010 but they are set to returnon January 1, 2011, and will tax up to 55%on estates valued at more than $1 million.In 2009 the rate only imposed a 45% taxon estates in excess of $3.5 million, and allassets got a “step-up” in basis whensomeone died. This meant that no taxwould have to be paid on appreciatedassets like stock and real estate. But undernew laws all assets inherited may besubject to the capital gains tax.

If the current administration'sproposal to allow rates to expire andreturn to 2009's rate, the “step-up” inbasis will return. Another proposal is tohave most of the current brackets stay butraise tax rates of the highest bracket, andtaxes on dividends and capital gains jumpfrom 15% to 20%. The Republicanproposal is to extend current tax rates fora period of 2 years and cap dividends andcapital gains at 15%.

Marzina says that the question manypeople are asking is, if you have assetsthat have significant capital gains built in,

should you accelerate taxes and sell thoseassets in 2010 to ensure 15% tax rate,instead of waiting for 2011 and having therate jump to 20%?

The problem here is that taxpayerswont have a lot of time to make thesedecisions. According to Marzina, if thenew tax laws are in place by Dec 1, there will only be a 30-day window tomake any decisions this year. So the bestthing to do is make those decisions asquickly as possible.

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

b y J a m i e W a r d

Older Adults inKeystone Oaks

Beechview Center1555 Broadway Ave.Pittsburgh, PA 15216412.571.3224

Elizabeth Seton Center1900 Pioneer Ave.Pittsburgh, Pa 15226412.344.4777

Transportation For Older AdultsThere are several agenciesthat offer free or reducedrate transportation servicesto individuals who qualify.

Medical AssistanceTransportation Program(MATP)1.888.547.6287Provides non-emergencymedical transportation toresidents of AlleghenyCounty who have a validPennsylvania Departmentof Public Welfare MedicalAssistance Card.Free Bus Pass for Senior Citizens

The Port Authority allowsAllegheny County residents,65 years of age and older,to ride free on local publictransportation (buses,trolleys and rapid-transitlines). Participants mustobtain identification cards,which are available free ofcharge, from participatingtransportation providers.Call 412.442.2000 for thelocation nearest to you.

ACCESS 65 Plus andACCESS ADA Program 412.562.5353 or TDD 1.800.654.5984ACCESS is door-to-door,advance reservation,shared-ride transportationprovided throughout PortAuthority's service area. It serves primarily seniorcitizens and persons withdisabilities. There are norestrictions on the purposeor number of trips whichmay be taken by riders,except that riders arerequired to share theirvehicle with others travelingin the same direction and atthe same time.

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

Are you a nonprofit SeniorCenter serving the needsof our community’s olderadults?We would be happy topost your contactinformation. [email protected] with yourcenter’s name and phonenumber.


ith the winter months approaching, it's time to put away

the golf clubs and short sleeve shirts and break out the

jackets. It's also time to start thinking about safety.

According to the National Institute of Health, more than 1

in 3 Americans over the age of 65 slips and falls each year. It's

the number one cause of injury related deaths.

So with snow and ice just around the corner (and if moving

to Florida is out of the question), it's a good idea to review some

tips on keeping yourself safe this winter.

• Buy shoes with a non-skid sole or with good traction to get

a better grip with the ground. Leather- and plastic-soled

shoes have the worst traction in winter weather.

• Check for icy railings and avoid icy and uncleared sidewalks

and walkways.

• Take your time to map out the best route to get wherever

you are going and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when

you feel you may need it.

• If you have to walk over an icy surface, bending your knees

and taking slower steps can reduce the risk of falling.

And as always, safety begins at home. Make sure the areas

around your home are salted and cleared. The Center for

Disease Control and Prevention suggests using rock salt or

another chemical de-icing compound. If needed, as a family

member or neighbor to help you.

Senior Agenciesb y J a m i e W a r d

Older Adults inKeystone Oaks


Winterizing Your Car Can Keep You Rolling Despite the Conditions

Where your child goes to school involves a lot more thanwhether their QPA can get them into the right college. It also is ahuge factor when people are shopping for an existing home, orlooking to build a new home altogether.

Jeff Costa of Costa Home Builders said his clients look for top-performing school districts to build in. “With new homeconstruction in some of the top school districts, they don’t havea lot of land to build houses. People would love to build a home there, however, the land is usually not in the best shapeor there’s already a house on it,” he said. “Coming down the lista little bit, where people are building homes is in the best schooldistrict where there are nice lots available. It definitely plays arole in where people want to build.” Costa said that it’s notuncommon for someone to buy a lot, tear down the existing houseand build a new house where the old one stood.

Mary Lou Hagman, a Peters Township based Realtor, said alot of people whose children are out of school downsize theirhome and are willing to move into a district where the school’sreputation or success may be less prestigious. “It’s the numberone priority for those with children,” she said. “Then, what’s hap-pening in the better school districts, is the people who haveraised their children and are looking to downsize are moving tothe areas where the schools don’t matter.

REAL ESTATEIN Keystone Oaks

SCHOOLS DON’TJUST TEACH,THEY SELL

by Josh Wetmore

3817-19 Willow Ave, Castle Shannon 129900

412-833-7700 x209

3225 Piedmont Ave, Dormont Borough 129900

1611 Hillsdale Ave, Dormont Borough 139900

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.

So you have both ends:you have people looking forthem and have peoplelooking to get out of thebetter school districts oncetheir children are off tocollege and gone.

A great, non-biased toolfor potential homeowners toaccess information on school districts is Standard and Poor’swww.SchoolMatters.com, where any schools can be comparedbased on a variety of factors.

It’s a comparison that could give you the edge when itcomes to your property value when it’s time to buy or sell.

“There are a ton of places that have lots available, wheretheir school districts are not as successful with test scores anddifferent reputations, so the lots sell for a lot less money,”Costa said. “The school district, I believe, is the driving force of the real estate market. I get calls all the time where peopledon’t have to be in the number one or the number three schooldistrict, but they do want to be in the top 20. If you’re looking at the hundred school districts in the Pittsburgh Business Times,the top 20 is probably where you’re going to see the peoplebuilding houses.

BOB DINI


Winterizing your vehicle isn’t nearly as hard as it may sound. In fact, thanks to the moderate climate of western Pennsylvania, and the expediency of our regional public works professionals, there’s little if anything for us to do to prep our cars for

winter weather. But there are some things that are just good sense.

• Consider changing to thinner oil for the winter. The regular oil you use in the summer canget thicker in the cold of winter, leading to longer start up times until your engine is properlylubricated. If you aren’t the type who changes your oil on your own, ask your local mechanicabout changing viscosity for the winter months.

• Check the basics! If you don’t do anything else, make sure you cover the basics. Make sureyour windshield wiper fluid is full with a fluid that won’t f reeze in low temperatures, and carry anextra gallon in the trunk. When the Pittsburgh slush flies, it’s easy to go through a full container ofwiper fluid. Make sure your tires are inflated properly and that you have enough tread on them. A rule of thumb for minimal thread is to stick a penny in your treads with Lincoln’s head down. If the rubber doesn’t meet his hairline, your tread’s too low. Some people switch to snow tires for the winter, which is never a bad idea. Make sure your spare is inflated properly and that youhave a roadside assistance kit. Emergency blankets can easily fit in glove boxes, as do flashlights,ice scrapers and extra gloves.

• If you don’t have jumper cables, get some! Most car batteries lose charge due to cold temperature. Carrying jumpers not only increases the chances that you’ll find a good Samaritanto jump a charge off of, you can also be the good Samaritan who helps others who may be in distress.

Winter driving poses a multitude of challenges, but if you cover these basics, you’ll eliminate a good bit of them. However, you can’t eliminate bad driving, so be alert and keep an eye out for others on the road this time of year.

Winterizing Your Car Can Keep You Rolling Despite the Conditions

A lot of people think that

getting ready for winter

simply means an annual

furnace check, turning off and

draining outside faucets, and

some shrink wrap over their

windows. However, if you don’t

winterize your vehicle, you may

be stuck in that comfy living

room waiting for a ride to

come pick you up.

WinterSlow You Down –

D O N ’ T L E T

Our Gyne Girl Guide Pre-pregnancy CounselingHormone TherapyMenopause Management

Gynecologic SurgeryBone Density TestingAging Gracefully

Robert C. Rankin, MD FACOG & Robert H. Warner, MD FACOG

412-572-6127www.rankinwarner.com

1050 Bower Hill Road Suite 206 Mt. Lebanon, PALocated 2.5 miles and 5 minutes from 79S

For the last eight years, Steel CityCollision has been helping people in theSouth Hills get their vehicles back on the

road. Conveniently located by the Killarney T-Station at 951 Killarney Drive Rear, Steveand his team have served as a full-service bodycollision shop with 24 hour towing service.

Now, they’ve expanded their business to include mechanical services – from stateinspections, and tire a nd battery sales andinstallation to brake maintenance, oil changesand a whole lot more. These added servicesmean they can help current and newcustomers who need more than body repairs.

Steel City Collision is a local,independently owned and operated businessthat provides fast, friendly service to get yourvehicle running back on the road because ofan accident or if you’re just getting it ready for winter driving.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call Steel City Collision at 412.882.1012.

We’re ready to get going to keep you andyour vehicle going.


SaintWinifredThe

StoryBetween 1950 and 1960 the city

dwellers of Pittsburgh started moving tothe suburbs. As a result the population of Mt.Lebanon increased from 25,000 to 35,000inhabitants. This meant the two local Catholicchurches were overflowing and that a newchurch and school became imperative.

Bishop John Cardinal Wright began theprocess for a new community to assist theneeds of the Catholic families. With a nameof a Welsh girl – Saint Winifred Parish’s birthbegan. A complicated and rancorous legalisticcontroversy preceded this birth.

A site was chosen in mid 1959. But theproposal to build a religious establishmenthere collided with the Master Plan forCommunity Development drafted by thegoverning body of Mount Lebanon and its Board of Commissioners. It was rein-forced by a strict zoning ordinancedesigned to hold initial construction to a minimum.

In 1960 a tract of 7.2 acres in a formerlywooded area bordered by Sleepy HollowRoad and Briarwood Avenue was purchasedby the Pittsburgh Diocese. At the time ofpurchase, owing to the zoning controversypermission to build the proposed school,church, rectory and convent lay somewherein a legalist no-man’s land. Had the landacquisition been put off until permission to build, the land would have been divided and developed into homes. There followed a year of hearings, appeals, petitions andcounter petitions. Finally in late 1960 theMount Lebanon Commissioners announcedthe withdrawal of their opposition to theproposed church.

On December 1, 1960 Bishop Wrightannounced the establishment of the parishand placed it under the patronage of St.Winifred. He appointed its first pastor,Reverend Benedict Erkins.

Father Erkins actually celebrated thenew parish’s Mass in the auditorium ofSouth Catholic High School (now SetonLaSalle) on December 11, 1960. PastorErkins moved into the new rectory inFebruary of 1963. The convent was occupied by the first complement ofSisters in September, 1964

All four buildings designed byBertrand Marliere curve gracefully intoa shelf cut from the hillside aboveSleepy Hollow Road.

Reverend Erkins conceived the inte-rior design of the church. His idea wasin keeping with the ecumenical aspira-tion to make the congregation full par-ticipants rather than spectators at theLiturgy.

On Sunday, October 13, 1963 some 34 months after the establishment of theparish, the first Mass was offered in thenewly built St. Winifred Church. Over1,100 parishioners participated in givingthanks for the blessing received.

St. Winifred celebrates 50 years as aparish serving the areas of MountLebanon, Castle Shannon and Baldwin.The parish also includes parishionersfrom Dormont, Upper St. Clair andBethel Park. Our journey continues withexcitement, life and reasons to celebratewith one another.

St. Winifredcelebrates

50 years as a parish

On behalf of current pastor Father Kevin Dominik, Saint Winifred Parish welcomes everyoneto join us for a Liturgy or simply to visit our campus for prayer and meditation. During theweek all are welcome to the Monday evening 7 p.m. Mass, held in the church. Daily Mass isheld in the Chapel at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.There is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Friday from 8:45 a.m. until noon in theChapel. Our weekend Mass schedule is 5 p.m. Saturday, which features contemporary music.Sunday morning Masses are offered at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. For more detailsabout all of our programs and activities, please visit our website at www.stwinifred.org.

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So whose bar is it?It’s a fair question, given that the bar that

has stood at 3841 Willow Avenue for morethan 60 years, in a building that’s over 100years old, has undergone some changes inownership in recent times.

Owned by Else Franzmann, SomeoneElse’s Bar was better known as Weiland’s for 20 years until 2005. Then it became Mark’sWillow Inn, which closed in 2008. Aftermonths of trying to convince Mark to give itanother go, Else re-opened the bar in Octoberof 2009, bringing back some menu staples fromWeiland's and adding some new taste treats.

“The jukebox is 30-years old, and I like itthat way. I'm old school,” says Else, age 40,who ran two bars in California beforecoming to Pittsburgh. "I got into thisbusiness because I enjoy making peoplehappy. I made money for others for severalyears and decided it was time to do it myself.With my own bar, I can have parties andmake people happy all the time.”

Someone Else’s Bar is surprisinglydemure. The atmosphere is dim, but classy,smoke-free and family-friendly. Else saidcouples with children are regulars at the bar,and while there’s no official children's menu,they are happy to downsize several menuitems. Of course there are chicken tidbits,chicken quesadillas and grilled cheese thatcan be appreciated by all ages. For thegrown-ups, the portions are anything butchild-sized. Else stresses fresh ingredients inall of her menu offerings, and while you maybe in a bar, you’re not getting “bar food.”

Take, for example, the Tuesday nightAngus burger special: a half-pound of Angus

beef cooked to order with yourchoice of three custom toppings, onesauce and, if you so desire, yourchoice of typical burger toppings –lettuce and tomato.

Your custom toppings can rangefrom bacon, sauerkraut and chili tocoleslaw, potato pancake and sautéedonions, to name a few. Each week,Else offers a “Guest Topping" which, in thepast, has included hot pepper cheese, bakedbeans and crumbled bleu cheese. Once yourburger is concocted, you can smother it inyour ch oice of buffalo, BBQ, honey mustard,thousand island or bleu cheese dressings. Allthat comes in at just $7 on Tuesday nights.Prices vary the rest of the week, based ontoppings selected. With most sandwiches atSomeone Else’s Bar, $3 will double the meat,taking your half-pound burger to a full pound.

Other highlights on the menu includethe customer-tested and -approved BuffaloChicken Quesadilla, the W illow AvenueStacker, which is a monster hybrid betweena Reuben and a Rachel on Cibrone’s marblerye; and the Viking Buffalo Chickensandwich—a sandwich made "famous" byWeiland's, now reconstructed with twofreshly-breaded, deep-fried chicken breastson a Cibrone's hoagie roll, with lettuce andhomemade buffalo sauce. For the smallerappetite, the Viking Jr. was introduced inMay. All the love, only half the size.

While there’s no dessert menu atSomeone Else’s Bar, there’s really no need.Everywhere you turn you’ll find jars ofM&M’s, Twizzlers and Hershey Kisses forthe taking.

“I love candy. It brings people together.Strange as that sounds, it works. It’s mything. Sometimes we’ll give away Klondikesor cupcakes, but there’s never a shortage ofcandy,” Else said.

And there’s never a shortage of“Snacks,” a.k.a., appetizers. Someone Else’sBar offers wings with homemade sauces,pierogies, potato pancakes and NachoNachos, to name a few. Else said that if youmention this review to her the next timeyou’re at Someone Else’s Bar and purchasea sandwich or burger, your “snack” ofchoice is on the house.

Someone Else’s Bar is open Monday-Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Fridays 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sundays only during Steelers games. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m., Monday-Wednesday, and 11 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

If you want to keep up with daily specials,you can get on Someone Else’s e-mail list by e-mailing [email protected] or by following Someone Else’s on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/someonelsesbar. For takeout, call 412.343.4332.

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