in mt. lebanon

SPRING 2013

Clark Renovations Bringing

Kitchens and Baths Back to Life

t. Lebanon

t. Lebanon

t. Lebanon

FROM THE PUBLISHERWelcome to the spring issue of IN Mt. Lebanon magazine!

I hope that you are as anxious as I am to get the cold and snow behind us and get busy planning projects around the house.

is issue is dedicated to home-improvement projects great and small. Some projects will give you curb appeal, some will increase your homes value, and others are for the sheer enjoyment or luxury of it.

Regardless of your aims with your home, whether guing the walls, or just planting the perfect tree in the yard, our homes are a source of pride for us, and not in a status sense. ey are where we raise our families, where we feel safe, and where we invite our friends and loved ones for parties and fellowship.

Our homes are where our children play, and where oentimes, we tend to sick loved ones. ey are where we try hardest in life, and where the challenges of life hit us the most. Our homes bear witness to our triumphs as well as our sorrows, and they are as much a part of our personalities as what we choose to wear or adorn ourselves with.

So with so much importance placed on the walls that contain us, we hope that you can nd at least one project within these pages to be fodder for your next project around the home.

Have a wonderful spring!

Wayne Dollard, Publisher

Summer content deadline: 4/16/13

2 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Mt. Lebanon

Mt. Lebanon | Spring 2013 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Vein Institute of PittsburghYou Dont Have to Live with Painful Varicose and Spider Veins .................................... | 3

Dr. Daniel RairighStraighter Teeth in Six Months ............... | 30

Julian Gray AssociatesPennsylvania Death Taxes ...................... | 59

Healthy Pet ProductsOur Pets Can Survive on Anything But Dont We Want Them To Thrive? ............... | 65

NovaCare Rehabilitation ............ | 88

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Visions Remodeling & Home Repair ...................................... | 19

DINING OUT

Peters Place ....................................... | 25

ON THE COVER | Steve Clark of Clark Renovations in one of his creations.

UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Spring 2013

2013 UPMC

Whats Inside2 When Its More than Just Heartburn

3 Hope and Healing4 A Healing Touch Food in a Glass

5 Clinical Trials Can Change Lives

6 Depression and Older Adults7 Comprehensive Care for Todays Urology Patients

UPMC Today_Mercy_Spring_2013_v16.indd 1 1/28/13 5:50 PM

IN Mt. Lebanon Magazine | SPRING 2013 |

SPRING 2013

Clark Renov

ations

Bringing

Kitchens an

d Baths

Back to Life

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

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FEATURES

Clark Renovations - From Bathroom Blahs to Bathroom Spas ................................................................................... | 6

Home Improvements in Mt. Lebanon .................................. | 8

Local Dancer Featured As Sugar Plum Fairy .................... | 26

Mt. Lebanon Resident Helps Children Thrive at Local Orthodox Preschool ...................................................... | 74

Cruising Into Spring in True Mt. Lebanon Fashion ............ | 78

COMMUNITY INTERESTS

Home Improvement Special Value Coupons .................... | 24

UPMC Today | Health and Wellness News ..................................... | 41

Tomosynthesis Offers Women Greater Detection of Breast Abnormalities ................................................................ | 62

Special Value Coupons .......................................................... | 86

New Advanced Treatment for Skin Cancer ......................... | 87

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

From Bathroom Blahs, to Bathroom Spas

lark Renovations was tasked with the job of incorporating the wants and desires of a Mt. Lebanon couple into a functional, yet visually pleasing master bathroom retreat. One key component requested by this Virginia Manor couple was the elimination of

their whirlpool tub to allow for the incorporation of a signicantly larger zero threshold shower. is type of entry enables a safe access path without having to step up over a physical barrier. Chris Clark, one of Clark Renovations experienced designers, went to work developing a solution that met both the clients needs and their budget. A granite seat and soap dishes were added to improve function while maintaining a feeling of luxury. A hand shower was added alongside the standard showerhead to ease cleaning and provide access from the seated position. Lastly, a tile feature was incorporated along the rear wall of the shower to provide a focal point.

e main dry space incorporates a radiant heated oor to ensure a comfortable atmosphere and eliminate the cold feet oen associated with tile oors. Custom Amish cabinetry by Schrocks of Walnut Creek provides

Clark Renovations

C


a warm contrast against the cool colors of the granite and porcelain tile. Ample storage abounds through the use of a tall linen closet with six pullout shelves and a seven foot vanity cabinet complete with large storage drawers and tip outs at each sink. A recessed area at the center of the toe kick in the vanity base makes a perfect storage location for the couples scale. e granite vanity top was built with an extended 4 backsplash that acts as a raised shelf and runs the full width of the room. Twin Kohler Archer medicine cabinets are centered above the Kohler Caxton under mount sinks in a mirror eld that stretches from wall to wall. Two triple sconce lights top o the space and provide for optimum illumination.

e commode was relocated to improve trac ow and replaced with a coordinating Kohler Archer comfort height unit that greatly reduces the strain on legs and knees. Adjacent to the commode, an inset tiled shelf was added per the homeowners request, to allow for storage of additional tissue.

General lighting for the space is accomplished by the use of four Lightolier recessed lights. A Nutone fan was added on a timer, which allows for adequate ventilation and a means to ensure the fan is not le running all day long. Finishing touches include crown molding, a wainscot accent wall with chair rail, and polished chrome accessories.

Clark Renovations has been remodeling homes in Pisburgh for over 43 years. Quality products, skilled crasmen, experienced designers, and a large support sta help to ensure your project starts on time, stays on track, and is completed eciently. eir ve-year warranty leads the industry and provides added peace of mind.

If you are considering remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, windows or doors, visit their showroom located at 3180 Industrial Blvd. in Bethel Park or visit them on the web at www.CLARKREMODELING.com.


If you have a home, you know how challenging it is to maintain it. Roofs leak, landscapes need weeding, and kitchens and baths need facelifts. If youre handy, you can get by with your own sweat equity. However, most people dont have the skills, let alone the time, to tackle major household projects many of which will require you spending more time at the office just to be able to tackle the price tags such projects come with. Here, we try to cover it all for you from financing your project to enjoying it when its complete.

Building a home addition can be a good alternative to buying a new home or building a house from scratch. Besides saving money, it can be a means of investing in your home and customizing your home to serve your familys specific needs and desires. But additions also bring up potential problems that may not make them the best option for everyone.

An addition can drastically change the way a house looks from the road or yard. An addition that isnt well planned can look like it doesnt belong or doesnt match the rest of the house in terms of style or overall shape. Planning an addition carefully with a skilled architect is the best way to ensure that the house looks as good, or even better, than it did before the addition. An architect should be able to produce sketches that give a sense of how the finished addition will look. To minimize the appearance of an addition, homeowners can usually choose to build onto the back of the existing house, thereby hiding the new construction from the road.

Depending on the size of an addition and the construction schedule, it may take weeks or months before an addition is completed. Bad weather can cause unanticipated delays, and working with an unreliable contractor can prolong the process even further. If a homeowner cant afford to be patient during the planning and construction process, moving into a new, larger home may be a better option.

An addition can be a good investment, helping to increase the value of a home. Using a home equity line of credit or getting a new mortgage that includes money to pay for the addition can be a wise financial decision, especially when interest rates are low. However, if the expected value of an addition which a homeowner can estimate by studying the sale prices of nearby homes with similar characteristics is less than its cost, it may be a poor investment.

An addition is likely to raise the value of a home. After the addition is completed, a new assessment will raise property taxes. Prior to adding on, homeowners should estimate the value of their home with the addition and compute a new annual tax liability based on current tax rates.

Building an addition is an ideal time to invest in energy-efficient fixtures and construction. Windows that prevent hot or cool air from escaping and low-energy-consuming appliances can minimize the cost of an addition by reducing energy bills and its environmental impact.

Remodeling your bathroom is another popular way to jazz up your home as well as build equity. In some cases, not only is remodeling the bathroom an aesthetic choice but a functional choice as well. Giving your bathroom a boost doesnt always have to require a boatload of cash or space just a little planning and creativity before you get started. Refresh your baths

Home Improvements In Mt. Lebanon


look with a wow-worthy makeover that improves its style and function. Perhaps you have an old toilet that you want to replace with a high-efficiency model that will lower your water bill. Or perhaps the old tile is falling off your shower and you need to replace it. Whatever your situation is, there are many options to choose from, including do-it-yourself options.

One popular and inexpensive option is to have a theme for your bathroom. Examples could be a Disney theme for a childs bathroom, or perhaps a beach theme. This can be accomplished by painting the walls, adding a wall border and by well-placed dcor. Some larger and more costly bathroom updates include new flooring, new sink and vanity and a new bathtub or shower. These improvements will get even costlier if you paid someone to do it for you.

Decks on the rear or side of homes have become extremely popular in the United States. Used for entertaining or just relaxing, decks come in all shapes, sizes, designs and material.

The most popular, and least expensive, deck material is treated wood. It is durable, however it will need to be painted or stained yearly or every other year depending on your climate. Composite decking products are building materials manufactured using a mixture of plastic and wood fiber. Composite decking materials are very popular because they require less maintenance than wood and often use recycled materials. Composite decking is easy to install and is guaranteed with a 20-year warranty against rotting, splitting, splintering or termite damage. However, composite decking can be very costly.

Vinyl decking made from Cellular PVC is a great choice for decking because it is essentially resistant to stains, mold, insects and fading. PVC material is low maintenance and is a sustainable building material. But like composite, it can get costly.

Powder coated aluminum decking can be used to create a watertight floor for your deck. This unique material will never splinter, rot or rust. LockDry Aluminum decking is cool to the touch and is available in five colors. Aluminum decking is strong and lightweight. The LockDry system can be used to create a dry space to use under your deck on rainy days.

Decks can built right on the ground, or be elevated high in the air, depending on the design of your home. If you are building a deck yourself it is very important to check all local building codes and follow all of the guidelines very closely to ensure the safety and long-term durability of your deck.

Bringing your family together is often difficult. A family game room is a fantastic way to upgrade your home and bring the family together. Whether you have an unfinished basement, an unused attic room or an empty garage, you can transform it into a fantastic oasis where your family can spend countless enjoyable hours. There are many aspects to making your game room

Our Home Improvement Partners

We specialize in fabricating granite counter tops for all jobs, whether it is for kitchen, island, vanity or decks. We provide the best price because we import our granite slabs directly and do our own fabrication onsite

with no middleman markups. We will be happy to assist you with choosing colors, designs and provide you with information about granite counter top fabrication.

New Choice Home Deco., Inc.412.567.0596 Pitgranite.com

With Angelo Associates, a professional installation means your work will be done by skilled, experienced craftsmen using the finest tools and equipment available. We want to serve you. Please visit our office/showroom or

call for a free design consultation and estimate in your home. You can also visit our website at: www.angeloassociates.com

Angelo Associates Inc.412.655.3430 www.angeloassociates.com

Whether its building your dream home or making a livable space come alive, Prime 1 Builders, Inc. excels in single home residential projects. From sustainable and energy efficient home design to custom renovations, we work

to exceed your expectations and stay within your budget. Let Dan Meade and his team of craftsman, make your dream home become a reality. Call us today to discuss your project.

Prime 1 Builders412.257.0161 www.prime1builders.com

Action Builders is a Design Build company. We believe in listening to our customers and designing within a budget. We pride ourselves on professionalism, quality and total commitment to your project. We back

our projects with 30 years of experience and a five year warranty. Check out our website for more details.

AB Action Builders412.212.6009 www.pittsburghadditions.com


remodel a success. First you should talk to a Design/Build contractor about water access, waste lines and additional electricity needs. The contractor can also offer advice on any changes that might be necessary to update the space, whether it be additional insulation for a garage or attic room or waterproofing for a basement room.

Water access could also be an important aspect if you plan to have a bar or sink area. A Design/Build contractor can offer advice on what needs to be done to make the area completely usable. You might also want to speak with the contractor about creating an additional half bathroom for guests and family members to use when youre entertaining.

Electricity for lighting and appliances is also incredibly

important. If you are updating an unused area of your home, the current electric wiring may not be able to handle the additional demands of a game room. The Design/Build contractor can guide you through what will need to be updated and how much it will cost.

If finances are an issue there are definitely still projects you can complete

yourself including painting, laying carpet, adding shelves or simply updating the dcor.

Gone are the days when it was frowned upon to bring work home. Today a home is not a home unless it has a home office. Whether you are turning an extra bedroom into a workspace with store-bought furniture or constructing a full-scale two-level library and office, home offices are a regular part of what makes a house a home in 2012.

Making the space your own is essential to effective use of a home office. Create a space that makes you more productive and relaxed at the same time and that is a winning combination. A desk is an essential part of most offices. Choose one that meets your needs. If all you need is a work top to use your laptop from, consider a computer cart and save the space for a comfortable chair or small sofa. If you are in the market for a larger desk, consider office furniture resellers. They sell executive-grade used furniture for a fraction of the cost.

Bookcases or other storage can be a nice addition. Not only can they store books, but they are also great places to display awards or showcase your favorite collection of knicknacks or memorabilia. Decide whether you prefer furniture pieces or built-ins. Antique shops have great deals on beautiful bookcases, and most local cabinet shops can design and install custom built-ins. If you have a closet in your office, visit your local home center for a plethora of storage and organizing options.

A comfortable chair or two is a necessity. Choose long-lasting fabrics and



sturdy frames. Go with classic styles that wont end up as next years garage sale item. Test out the chair before you buy it. Desk chairs especially need to provide good support and be comfortable.

We live in a society of over-indulgence. Nothing shows this like the home theater. So many popular home magazines have a page dedicated to converting your basement into a home theater, or something similar. The HGTV website has 16 home theater features alone. But how doable is the home theater in reality? First, you need a fairly large space, either a big family room or a basement. Second, you need to budget for all the furnishings including, of course, the stars of the show: home theater equipment a big-screen TV, DVD player and

speakers and comfy seating. Also very popular for home theaters is floor and aisle lighting similar to real movie theaters, and perhaps even an old-fashioned popcorn maker.

Frankly, home theaters are generally for those with deep pockets because there really is no way to make a home theater cheaply. Still thinking of taking the plunge? The home improvement website Home Time has a really useful feature on home theater planning. It covers everything youll need to consider, like the space youll need and even suggested room layouts, to maximize your viewing pleasure.

Kitchens are the most popular room in the house to remodel. Many people consider the kitchen to be the center of the home and its most important component. Another reason it is so popular to remodel is there are so many things in the kitchen that can be remodeled... cabinets, cabinet hardware, countertops, floor, appliances, lighting, walls and sinks.

There is very little right or wrong when it comes to remodeling your kitchen; it comes down to personal taste. There are so many choices when it comes to style, design and type of material for every component of your kitchen. When remodeling there is much to consider: cost, what is your goal, what is your situation (pets or small children could help decide what type of flooring to use, for example) and what is the cost vs. equity value of the remodel.

If finances are an issue and you are not the handiest individual, there are still many simple and easy things you can do to add pizzazz and value to your kitchen. For example, you can paint your cabinets and add new handles rather than buying new cabinets. Adding a stylish splashguard behind your stove and sink is easy to do and adds great appeal. Painting the


Visions Remodeling & Home Repair (formerly Case Handyman and Remodeling) is your full-service, locally-owned, expert home repair and remodeling company, based in Canonsburg. We offer the full range of home improvement

services, including complete design and installation of the latest kitchen and bath concepts, and most any home repair or improvement project large or small. For more information visit our web site at www.visionsremodel.com

Visions Remodeling & Home Repair724.745.9888 www.visionsremodel.com

ARK Home Improvements has been owned and operated by Tony Konopka and has been servicing the South Hills area with all phases of interior and exterior remodeling, garages and custom addition renovations. As well as offering

preliminary design consultation and final architectural renderings of a proposed project. We have built an excellent reputation in our 28 years of business and our customer service record is impeccable.

ARK Home Improvements724.942.4222 arkhomeimp.com

Pittsburgh Rug Company has been providing the region with the most stunningly beautiful collection of Oriental rugs at the guaranteed lowest prices. Now, in addition to receiving accolades as the best source for rugs,

Pittsburgh Rug Company is now being recognized as the areas number one source for Oriental rug cleaning.

Pittsburgh Rug Company412.325.RUGS (7847) www.pittsburghrugcompany.com

In 1987 Inks Installations, a home remodeling business was established by Michael T. Inks. Today, Inks Installations is ranked at the top of the businesses involved in home remodeling. Inks is family owned and operated, serving

Allegheny County and the surrounding areas, specializing in bathrooms, kitchens, additions, game rooms, roofing, siding, and other small jobs. For more information call or stop by the showroom!

Inks Installations412.653.0850 www.inksinstallations.com


Home Improvements In Mt. Lebanonwalls can also make a huge difference in your kitchen, as can changing the light fixture.

If done well, landscaping can completely change the character and perception of a home. Landscaping encompasses anything on the outside of the home including grass cutting, plants, flowers, rock, mulch, borders, vegetable gardens and more.

Beyond the aesthetics, landscaping can be beneficial to a property if designed properly. Solar heat absorbed through windows and roofs can increase cooling costs, and incorporating shade from landscaping elements can help reduce this solar heat gain. Shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 9F (5C). Because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25F (14C) cooler than air temperatures above nearby blacktop.

Using shade effectively requires you to know the size, shape, and location of the moving shadow that your shading device casts. Also, homes in cool regions may never overheat and may not require shading. Therefore, you need to know what landscape shade strategies will work best in your regional climate and your microclimate.

Also, if you can determine how much water your plants actually need, then you wont overwater them and waste water. It is important to not only understand a plants particular watering requirements, but also evapotranspiration.

Evapotranspiration (Et) is the amount of water that is evaporated from the soil and transpired through the plants leaves. This amount of water needs to be replaced through watering. If you know your areas Et rate, you can plan the amount of water to be replaced through irrigation. Its best to water or irrigate your plants in the early morning when evaporation rates are low. This also provides plants with water before midday when the evaporation rate is the highest.

Lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cast an enchanting spell on any outdoor space. It is also very effective for safety and security purposes.

Examples of exterior lighting include: torches, candles, lanterns, solar ground lighting, flood lights, lamp posts, landscape lighting and general light fixtures. For setting a mood the most popular lighting is candles or small lanterns. For security and safety purposes, it is critical to have flood light or lamp posts or ground solar lighting or all. A burglar is much more likely to enter a home without a lot of light on the outside illuminating the property.

With countless styles and options available, there are no right or wrong choices. The outdoor lighting a homeowner will choose will come down to budget and personal preference.

continued on page 14



Habitat for Humanitys Pisburgh ReStore sells reusable house building and home improvement materials to the public at 50-70% o the retail value. All proceeds help secure aordable, safe housing for low-income families in the Greater Pisburgh area. e ReStore presents an environmentally and socially responsible way to keep good, reusable materials out of the waste stream while gaining funds for Habitats community improvement work.

Donate: We accept new and gently-used residential building materials, furniture, appliances, and home dcor. Clean out unwanted items, reduce handling and storage costs, and help your community.

Shop: New inventory arrives daily priced at 50%-70% below retail value. Watch for weekly sales in addition to our already low prices.

Volunteer: Oering a variety of positions for all ages and abilities including customer service, picking up donations, and sorting donated goods.

For more information on store hours, donations, or volunteering, please call 412-271-HOME (4663) or visit pisburghhabitat.org/shop.

Many of us take pride in our homes, investing countless hours rearranging and remodeling the interior. But it can also be refreshing to step out of the confines of the inside and spend some time outside. Its especially enjoyable during the spring, summer and fall months. When the weather is favorable, its difficult to miss out on a nice day outside.

But spending time outside doesnt mean you have to forfeit

your creature comforts. With a few small adjustments you can make your outdoor space comfortable and inviting. Turning a yard, patio, porch or other outdoor area into a functional living space can be a rewarding task, and will expand your living space to the outdoors. With the right setup, you can spend more time in the sunshine and fresh air, and host events al fresco for friends, family and neighbors.

Options for outdoor living include outdoor kitchens, dramatic lighting, fireplaces or fire pits, a water feature (like a fountain), outdoor living rooms, gazebos and pavilions. With so many options to choose from,


for most people it will come down to price, climate where they live and available space in which to be creative.

Ponds can be a wonderful addition to your propertys outdoor experience. Surprisingly, they are not as difficult to build as one might think.

Before you start, call 811 or your local one-call center to have electric and gas lines marked so you know where to dig to steer clear of them. Then, when you map out the location of your pond, put it where it will be noticed visible from a window, off a patio, or along a walkway but away from the play areas of small children or pets. Keep clear of major root systems or mature trees, which can block too much of the sunlight plants and fish need. Youll also need to be within reach of a grounded exterior outlet so you can plug in a pump, an essential tool for keeping the water aerated; most pumps come with a maximum cord length of 25 feet, and extension cords are not recommended. You may need to bury the power cord a few inches down in PVC pipe to hide it.

Space permitting, you need at least 40 cubic feet for your pond about 7 feet by 4 feet to keep the water clean. An initial shallow terrace just inside the perimeter of the pond holds rocks that conceal the liner edge and keep it in place. A second, deeper terrace supports plants that live in the water and help balance the ponds ecosystem. As you dig, you must slope the sides of the pond so that if the water freezes, the ice will push up instead of against the liner. Even in warmer climates, small ponds can change temperature rapidly, so if youre adding fish youll want a deeper pond that will maintain a more consistent temperature and accommodate the fish 18 to 24 inches for goldfish and at least 3 feet for koi.

To maintain the consistent depth of the water, you need to line the pond. A thin layer of sand and old newspapers or burlap bags softens the jagged edges of rocks and roots. But over that you will need to put a waterproof skin. There are several types of flexible liners meant for small ponds made from polypropylene and EPDM, among other materials. Look


John R. Swentosky, owner of Oxford Landscaping, has been providinglandscaping/construction services to the South Hills of Pittsburgh for over 25 years. We are proud to offer an extensive variety of hard and

soft scape services to commercial and residential customers. Phone 412.996.7589. Fax 412.221.6145. www.oxfordlandscapingpa.com. Follow us on Facebook for project photos and tips. P.L.N.A. Member

Oxford Landscaping412.996.7589 www.oxfordlandscapingpa.com

Taylor Rental, a premier rental center, has been serving the Pittsburgh area for 34 years. Our products include canopies, tables, chairs, concession equipment, pipe/drape, staging, contractors equipment (Bobcats, excavators),

lawn/garden, floor care, plumbing, home improvement, etc. Delivery and pickup service is available. Reservations recommended. We fill propane tanks and motorhomes. New and used equipment for sale, and equipment repair available. Visit our newly renovated showroom.

Taylor Rental Center412.833.7300 www.taylorrentalpittsburgh.com/bethelpark

Jim Jenkins Lawn & Garden Center is the place Where Every Lawn & Garden Should Begin. We are a family owned business with 30 years of experience providing our customers with top-quality

plants, products, and the knowledge to teach you to be a successful gardener. We offer the hottest trends in lawn and garden design and care, including unique and exclusive plants and decorating items.

Jim Jenkins Lawn & Garden Center412.221.3070 www.jenkinslawnandgarden.com

Habitat for Humanitys Pittsburgh ReStore sells reusable house building and home improvement materials to the public. The ReStore accepts donated goods which are sold at 50-70% off the retail value. All proceeds

help secure affordable, safe housing for low-income families in the Greater Pittsburgh area. We accept new and gently-used building materials, furniture, appliances, and home dcor.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh ReStore412.271.HOME (4663) pittsburghhabitat.org/shop


for one thats weather-resistant, so it will stand up to UV rays and freezing temperatures. It should also be rated fish-safe if you plan to stock your pond and come with a warranty of 10 to 20 years so your pond will be watertight for many years to come.

Remodeling your home can generate tremendous equity for the future, as well as personal enjoyment in the present. Remodeling projects come in all shapes, sizes and costs. Projects can range from replacing flooring or a faucet, to installing new trim work or tile and replacing windows and doors. Remodeling can also take on the form of revamping or adding a bathroom, redoing a kitchen, overhauling your homes exterior for improved curb appeal, or completing an addition to increase your homes square footage and add valuable space. Big and small changes can both have an impact and will improve the way your home looks and functions, increasing its value and making it more enjoyable for you and your family.

The key to any remodeling job is to make sure it makes sense financially. Not all remodeling jobs are cost-effective. For example, it is possible to pay $75,000 for a new addition, but an appraiser may be of the opinion that it only raised the value of your house by $50,000. It is very important that you do as much research as possible and talk to as many experienced professionals as possible so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.


SUMMER 2012

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SUMMER 2012

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chool District News

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Fairview Township N

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Summer Parks & Re

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SPECIAL: Fairview R

eal Estate Section

SUMMER 2012

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PLUS! Fairview S

chool District News

letter

Fairview Township N

ewsletter

Summer Parks & Re

creation Programs

SPECIAL: Fairview R

eal Estate Section

SUMMER 2012

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Fairview Township N

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Summer Parks & Re

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SPECIAL: Fairview R

eal Estate Section

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SPRING 2013

Clark Renovat

ions

Bringing

Kitchens and

Baths

Back to Life


Clark Renovations has turned dreams into reality for over 40 years. Beautiful new kitchens, windows and doors transform your home into an energy efficient, updated space. Bathroom renovations with certain recommendations allow

you to remain at home comfortably throughout the golden years. Visit our showroom at 3180 Industrial Blvd. Bethel Park or online at www.clarkremodeling.com

Clark Renovations412.833.7222 www.clarkremodeling.com

Provides a full range of remodeling, design, and decorating products since 1995. Locallyowned and operated, we offer complimentary initial design service, friendly, knowledgeablestaff, and quality professional installation.

Products offered include kitchen and bath cabinetry, countertops, tile, hardwood, cork and bamboo flooring, carpet, area rugs, bath fixtures, and wallpaper.

Walls, Floors, & More, Inc.412.344.2400 waIlsfloorsandmore.com


Financing Remodeling ProjectsWhile home sales may be sluggish, home remodels are roaring. In the second quarter of 2011, Americans were expected to spend $132.8 billion on remodeling up 12.8% over the previous year, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

And its no surprise that these projects arent cheap. In fact, the same studies report that 57% of home-remodeling projects cost at least $20,000.

Since saving your pennies in a pickle jar is probably not enough to update your master bathroom with a slate walk-in shower or add granite countertops to your kitchen, explore these options to finance your new-and-improved home.

Purchase a Variable-Rate CD

What its good for: Projects that can wait until a fixed time in the future with a price tag you can pay by saving.

If you plan to pay for the kitchen of your dreams the old-fashioned way by saving for it consider a variable-rate certificate of deposit. This savings vehicle is similar to a traditional savings account in that you can add money to it at any time (a fixed-rate CD does not allow additional deposits during the term of the CD).

In return for an interest rate that may go up or down, the interest rate often is slightly higher than a traditional CD when you buy it. You make a low minimum deposit and lock in your money for a fixed time usually at least 6 or 12 months. If you withdraw your funds before then, you pay penalties and lose the interest.

Open a Home Equity Line of Credit

What its good for: Long-term projects that can be paid off over five or fewer years.

The beauty of using the equity in your home is that you write yourself checks from a line of credit and pay interest on only what you borrow. Plus, the interest is typically tax deductible.

While current low interest rates add to the allure, these credit lines can be tough to come by in this climate of lowered home values and tight credit. When interest rates rise, your home improvement project may become more expensive than you anticipated.

Refinance Your Home

What its good for: Larger projects for a home you plan to live in for the long term.

A cash-out refinance allows you to refinance your mortgage for an amount that is larger than your current mortgage. You get the difference in a check effectively rolling the sum into a newly financed 15- or 30-year mortgage. This can be an attractive option, as mortgage rates have hovered at historic lows in recent years.


continued on page 2018 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Mt. Lebanon

Covering the full range of home remodeling and repair services.

ase Handyman & Remodeling has long been known in the South Hills area as a reliable company for everything from complete

kitchen and bath remodeling to small handyman projects. at tradition is carried on now with a new name Visions Remodeling & Home Repair. Founder Je Morris and his son Jerey remain with the company, and are joined by David Ne, a lifelong area resident and businessman who intends to be even more responsive to the home project needs of area residents. e company began operations seven years ago as a franchisee of Case Remodeling, and has grown signicantly since then. But while the franchise model made sense as a startup company, it became unnecessary for an existing, thriving business. Visions will continue to operate with the same sta, services, and consistent quality that Case has been known for, but under a dierent name.

Visions is a rather unique company in the scope of services that it oers to homeowners. While some companies may oer kitchen and bath remodeling, few of them are interested in working on small projects. On the other hand, there are many small handyman companies (sometimes one person) that dont have broad capabilities, and may be unreliable. Visions can perform almost any home service full remodeling, small repairs, roofs, basements, window replacements, and more.

We know how frustrating it can be for homeowners to nd a good reliable, reputable source for their home repair and improvement needs,

explains Ne. I have experienced it many times myself. You need somebody that you can trust, even on small repairs that dont involve a large dollar value. We want to be that company that you rely on. Many of our customers that count on us for the small stu become clients for major projects, because they have experienced our quality and reliability, and they know that we are not just there for the high priced jobs.

Also dierent about Visions is the depth of their capabilities. eir oce at 2544 Washington Road in North Strabane contains a showroom for kitchen cabinets, countertops and other items, but also has an in-house granite fabrication facility, a complete wood shop, and a painting and staining facility. Having the granite fabrication allows Visions to oer not only complete kitchen countertops, but also smaller pieces for bathroom vanities, bar surfaces, tabletops and sills. ese are usually carved from remnant pieces le over from larger projects, and are on display in the outside Visions lot. ey fabricate from granite, marble, quartz, soapstone, and other popular materials.

On top of all that, Visions also operates Pisburgh Shed Company, one of the areas largest suppliers of backyard sheds, garages and barns. Unlike many of Pisburgh Sheds competitors, sheds are built at the customer premises, and many varieties and options are oered. Several examples are in place on the Visions lot.

For more information regarding Visions Remodeling & Home Repair, please visit the web site at www.visionsremodel.com, or for Pisburgh Shed, www.pisburghshed.com.

(formerly Case Handyman & Remodeling)

business spotlight

Visions Remodeling

& Home Repair

C


Are you dreaming of a backyard oasis, complete with comfortable seating, replace and outdoor grilling station? Do you want a healthy manicured lawn, and colorful plantings to enhance the natural beauty of your yard? Its never too early to start planning for your outdoor enjoyment.

John R. Swentosky, owner of Oxford Landscaping, has been providing professional landscaping and construction services to commercial and residential customers in the South Hills of Pisburgh for over 25 years. His extensive landscaping knowledge and aention to detail has created gorgeous projects for residents all over Pisburgh. Commercial customers enjoy the benets of having Oxford Landscaping maintain their properties, as well. Warming up to a crackling replace brings family and friends together. Impress your guests with home-cooked meals and chilled beverages served in your outdoor living area. Exposed aggregate patios and walkways create a unique personality of their own and are easy to maintain.

Follow us on Facebook to see pictures of completed projects and useful tips for your own yard. John is proud to be a P.L.N.A. Member.

Lawn and landscape care/maintenance Retaining walls/patios Concrete sidewalks/driveways Outdoor living areas Fireplaces/re pits

Designs/plantings Planter bed care/maintenance Outdoor lighting Fencing Snow and ice removal services

Providing Outdoor Enjoyment for Over 25 Years

The downsides include closing fees that can be in the thousands of dollars. Plus, the threshold to qualify, including income and home-value requirements, can be high both of which can pose a challenge in this economy.

Return on your InvestmentThinking about adding a deck or revamping the kitchen so you can up the price of your home before you sell? You might want to crunch the 2010-11 Cost vs. Value numbers, compiled by Remodeling magazine, before you do.

Projects with highest return on investment

Replacingentrydoorwithsteeldoor(102%)

Garagedoorreplacement(84%)

Addingawooddeck(73%)

Minorkitchenremodel(73%)

Vinylsidingreplacement(72%)

Woodwindowreplacement(72%)

Atticbedroomaddition(72%)

Project with lowest rate of return on investment

Homeofficeremodel(46%)

Sunroomaddition(49%)

Bathroomaddition(53%)

Garageaddition(59%)

The data includes national and regional averages on over 20 common home improvement projects ranging from kitchens and baths to roofs and decks. Data for both midrange and upscale projects is provided on:

Averagecostofproject.

Addedresalevalue.

Percentageofinvestmentrecouped.

Changefromlastyearsreport.

The above numbers assume youre hiring out the labor on the project. If its a do-it-yourself project, and you do a good job, the rate of return on your investment will be higher. Unless you plan on doing the work yourself, or not doing the project makes your house undesirable or unsellable, most home improvement projects will return less from your investment than you put in, so you might want to consider staying in your home a while to enjoy the results of your improved home!


Peters Place


22 724.942.0940 to advertise | Mt. Lebanon

S P E C I A L V A L U E C O U P O N SHome Improvements In Mt. Lebanon

24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Mt. Lebanon24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Mt. Lebanon

tarted by brothers Bill and Mike Peters more than 25 years ago, Peters Place is a destination restaurant known for its fresh, unique

recipes and calm, warm atmosphere. e restaurants menu is so good, Peters Place has carved out a niche as the place to go for wedding receptions. We do more than 40 weddings a year and can hold anywhere from 30 to 300 people in our banquet rooms, said Mike Peters. Our wedding packages start at $29.95 per person and include a complete dinner, 4-hour bar, champagne toasts and custom wedding cake. If you have your own hall, Peters Place does osite catering as well. But for everyday lunch and dinner, you cant go wrong at Peters Place. Open seven days a week at 11 a.m., patrons can get a typical lunch entre for around $9, and a dinner entre for around $18. We also do daily specials, Peters said. We typically have six lunch specials and six dinner specials every day. We had the opportunity to sample the Orange Glazed Salmon, which arrived at the table a feast to the eyes as well as the palate. Visually, the pink salmon covered in a thick layer of orange marmalade, was served with a side of fresh, crisp green beans and a strawberry garnish. e salmon was moist, supple and perfectly done. e glaze complemented the salmon and the green beans, for a savory, fruity mix that recalls the fresh bounties of the fall farmers markets. To say our chocolate mousse was decadent would be clich, but very apropos. Fluy and thick at the same time, the mousse was sweet, but not too sweet, and covered with a blanket

of whipped cream streaming with chocolate sauce. is is a dessert that merits a trip to Peters Place on its own. Peters Place and their experienced

chefs never hesitate to take on a challenge. So if you like your meal prepared a certain way, just ask and theyll do their best to accommodate your needs and avors to your liking. No challenge is too great for their more than 70 years of combined culinary experience. Peters Place is conveniently located at 1199 Washington Pike, just o the I-79 exit before the Great Southern Shopping Center. With plenty of on-site parking, you and your party will never want for a space. e kitchen closes at 9 p.m. weeknights, 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays and 8 p.m. on Sundays. Peters Place also does o-site catering for showers, anniversaries, corporate events and more. For more information, go to www.Petersplacerestaurant.net, where you can view banquet room design plans, wedding menus and more. Or you can call 412.221.5000 to make reservations, although they are not required.

tarted by brothers Bill and Mike Peters more than 25 years ago, Peters Place is a destination restaurant known for its fresh, unique

recipes and calm, warm atmosphere.

Sknown for its fresh, unique

recipes and calm, warm atmosphere. e restaurants menu is so good, Peters Place has carved out a niche as the place to go for wedding

bar, champagne toasts and

If you have your own hall, Peters Place does osite catering as

But for everyday lunch and dinner, you cant go wrong at Peters Place. chefs never hesitate to take on a


Sugar Plum Fairy Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar LOCAL DANCER FEATURED AS Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy Fairy

in Ballet Academy of Pittsburghs Rendition of The Nutcracker

BY MELANIE O . PAUL ICK


For many young girls, going to see e Nutcracker for the very rst time is a rite of passage. It is a passage into a magical world, one in which form, grace and beauty are praised. It is an enchanted world: a place where a story and the imagination can play with the music of Tchaikovsky.

Undeniably, the most alluring character of the entire ballet is the Sugar Plum Fairy. e audience waits for the moment when she enters the stage during the second act. She is the prima ballerina; she is in command of the evening. All eyes are on her. is is the role that all young girls dream of dancing when they begin learning ballet.

For three students at the Ballet Academy of Pisburgh, dreams were realized when they each got to dance the coveted role at the companys annual performance of e Nutcracker. Lacey Giglioi of Castle Shannon, Caroline Wilde of Bethel Park and Emily Carskadden of Mt. Lebanon each danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy at Independence Middle School eater in Bethel Park on December 7, 8, and 9, 2012.

Both Emily Carskadden and Lacey Giglioi began dancing at the age of three and Caroline Wilde started when she was six. All have studied ballet at the Ballet Academy of Pisburgh since their opening in 2006. Lindsay and Steven Piper, directors of the Ballet Academy, have been instrumental in teaching the girls proper technique and form, as well as pushing them to excel athletically. At the Academy, Lacey, Caroline and Emily became the dancers that they are today. In addition to the excellent dance instruction

that they received on a daily basis at the Ballet Academy, Caroline recalls some remarkable dance teachers who guided students through summer intensives and master classes. ey include Allison DeBona of the CWs Breaking Pointe and Stephen Hanna and Jock Soto, principal dancers for the New York City Ballet. ese teachers were memorable to me, Caroline comments, because their careers are so amazing and I felt that if I correctly used what they taught me, I could successfully start my own career.

All three girls have vivid memories of seeing e Nutcracker when they were young. When Emily was three years old, she went to see her cousin perform in the ballet and was instantly captivated. She remembers the magic of the performance: the gorgeous costumes, stunning backdrops and beautiful dancers. When Lacey was four, her grandmother took her to see the Pisburgh Ballet eatres production in the city. She recalls that it was the most beautiful experience ever. I remember the dancers twirling in the falling snowakes, the ever-growing Christmas tree, the bale scene between the mice and the Nutcracker, and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. I stood up to watch their every move. It was then that Lacey knew that her life would never be the same. She thinks back to one moment that will always be my favorite memory: when the Cavalier oers his hand to the Sugar Plum at the start of the Grande Pas [de deux]. I can honestly say that is the moment I fell in love with ballet, and started dreaming that I would someday get to wear the glistening tutu and have a hand extended to me. Ms. Carskadden

was also smien by the magic of the Sugar Plum Fairy. When [she] performed, I was mesmerized. It was then that I decided that I wanted to start dancing. It seems that seeing the Sugar Plum Fairy perform once is all it takes to inspire a future generation of dancers. And the Sugar Plum is, indeed, iconic. Ms. Carskadden concurs: [she] is the prima ballerina. e ballerina that lile girls recognize. e ballerina that inspires.

And so, Lacey, Caroline and Emily fell in love with ballet. As the years went by, the girls performed a variety of roles in the annual winter performance of e Nutcracker. Since entering the Ballet Academy of Pisburghs high school program, Lacey has danced the lead Spanish and Mirliton roles, the Dew Drop Fairy and the Demi-soloist in the Waltz of the Flowers. Caroline loves to perform the Marzipan lead, Dew Drop and Snow Queen. Emily has danced a large variety of roles as well, and is so well-versed in the various characters, in fact, that she challenges anyone to play a random piece of music from e Nutcracker and [she] will be able to dance the choreography for that part!

is year, it was their turn to be the Sugar Plum Fairy. Being chosen to perform the Sugar Plum Fairy, explains Caroline, means that you have put in enough time and energy to be personally chosen to perform the legendary and dicult role. inking back to how she was feeling during those tense moments before she went on stage, Lacey Giglioi recalls that she was running over the choreography in my mind, reminding myself to breathe, thinking how thankful I am to have parents that support me and I prayed.

BEING CHOSEN TO PERFORM THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY, explains Caroline, means that you have put in enough time and energy to be personally

chosen to perform the legendary and difficult role.


to hug Emily and tell her that she was going to be amazing. I dont think she realizes how much that meant to me, recalls Emily, but I felt so much beer aerwards.

Aside from the beautiful costume and the prey face, perhaps the main reason that the Sugar Plum Fairy is so highly regarded is the level of technique one must master in order to dance that role. Lacey explains that there are so many challenges for this dancer, including solo work, partnering, lead work with the rest of the cast, and working with the youngest dancers. Also, she explains that the turn sequences have to be timed and spaced so carefully; the choreography is very intricate and specic to that role, not the standard combinations [from class]. Furthermore, incredible stamina is required to perform for the length of time that the Sugar Plum Fairy is on stage. Finally, everyone who performs this role has the pressure of dancing just as well or beer than the previous Fairies.

While Lacey, Caroline and Emily have dierent plans for the future, each of them cant imagine life without dance. Lacey hopes to make a career out of dancing, although

While balancing life as a high-school student with life as a dancer can be overwhelming at times, the girls have learned how to budget their time and manage their stress. It is never easy, however, to have

to miss out on so many social and extra-curricular activities.

ere was one moment on stage, however, that immediately calmed her and brought her condence and assurance. During the second act, a group of the youngest dancers ran on tip-toe to give the Sugar Plum Fairy her wand. For Lacey, the smiles on their precious faces took away any nervousness I had. It reminded me of how far I had come. Emily Carskadden felt like a celebrity walking from the dressing room to the stage on her performance night. I was stopped constantly to take photos with the younger students. It took me an extra ve minutes toget to the stage! For the most part, Emily felt calm leading up to her performance, except for one moment before the show when her partner, who had been having back and ankle problems for a while, told her he wasnt feeling so well. I tried to hold myself together, explains Emily, but I think by that point, I had been [feeling the] stress for so long that I had a bit of a meltdown. What abated her stress? Having her friends backstage supporting her and telling her that she was going to be great. Also, one of the instructors from the Ballet Academy, Lindy Mandradjie, made a point


she has not decided what route she would like to take. She is currently looking into college dance programs as well as graduate programs with professional companies. Caroline would like to join a ballet company or Pisburgh Ballet eatre Schools graduate program. One of Emilys prerequisites for any college or university that she will aend is that it must have some sort of ballet program whether that is a ballet major, minor, or student-run ballet company. She comments that I have been dancing for so many years - I cant just stop dancing completely aer high school. Ballet has been a part of me for as long as I can rememberto give it up now would denitely leave a gaping hole in my life.

While balancing life as a high-school student with life as a dancer can be overwhelming at times, the girls have learned how to budget their time and manage their stress. It is never easy, however, to have to miss out on so many social and extra-curricular activities. But, ballet does and must take precedence over those things. When asked if they had any advice for the beginning dancer, Emily responds that the most important thing is to keep dancing, no maer how hard it is sometimes. You will have days when [you want to quit] because you are sick of missing events and friends, but with those days come [others] when you absolutely love dance and cant wait for your classes each day. Lacey adds that one should remember to dance for the moment enjoy every part, every class. e reason you dance should be because it is fun and that there is nothing in the world you would rather do.

For more information about the Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh, visit: www.balletacademypgh.com.


hen people hear that someone is getting braces, immediatelyimages of metal mouth come to mind. This treatment ismost commonly associated with teenagers and at one time

may have led to embarrassment and insecurity. However, todaybraces are so widely accepted during the school-age years thatchildren are sometimes eager to begin orthodontic treatment. It isrefreshing to see this shift in acceptance among teenagers.

What about the adults who have crooked, crowded, uneven, orspaced smiles? There are adults who may have missed theopportunity to straighten their teeth when they were younger andare now looking at their options. The workplace can be asunforgiving as high schools once were. However, this shouldntlimit adults from the opportunity to have a straighter, moreattractive smile. There are currently a few options for adults tohave their teeth straightened.

The traditional method of metal braces and wires over atreatment time of a couple years is still a great option for a

straighter smile. For some patients teeth this may be the only realoption. Many people do, however, fall into a category that canbenefit from Invisalign or Short Term Orthodontics. Almosteveryone has heard of Invisalign, and it is a great treatment optionfor patients with mild crowding and moderate spacing. However,there are limitations in tooth movement for more severe cases.Short Term Orthodontics can provide an alternative to traditionalbraces and Invisalign. All three options have their benefits andlimitations that should be explored before making a decision.

6 Month Smiles is a cosmetic short-term orthodontic optionthat uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. The averagetreatment time is six months. The technique works by focusingtreatment on the patients primary concern. The faster treatmenttimes are accomplished by treating only the teeth you see whenyou smile, not by increasing the forces on the teeth. 6 MonthSmiles does not make major changes to the alignment of the backteeth as traditional braces can. Fortunately, most adults primarycosmetic concerns do not involve the back teeth. The treatmentcomfort is comparable to traditional braces. With 6 Month Smiles,your smile can be straighter and more symmetrical in 5 -8 months.Whitening is also included with treatment. Another benefit of 6Month Smiles is that it is typically a more economical choice dueto shorter treatment times and lower cost.

6 Month Smiles is not a replacement for traditional braces, butrather an alternative that can provide a more symmetrical andpleasing smile for adults who are not interested in the time, costs,or cosmetics of traditional braces. Children are still best treated bytraditional comprehensive orthodontics, but it is nice for adults to have one more option for a straighter smile. Dr. Rairigh is acertified Invisalign and 6 Month Smiles provider. Learn more atPittsburghIsSmiling.com or 6MonthSmiles.com.

Wa f t e r

This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Daniel Rairigh. Dr. Daniel Rairigh practices at Advanced Dental Solutions of

Pittsburgh on Fort Couch Road. He received his degree from WestVirginia University School of Dentistry. Dr. Rairigh is a member of theAmerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of GeneralDentistry. He is a certified Invisalign provider and is certified in MDIplacement. Dr. Rairigh is also an accomplished artist who has wonnumerous awards for his artwork. You can learn more about Dr.Rairigh or send him an email if you have article suggestions atwww.pittsburghissmiling.com.

Straighter Teeth in Six Months

before

InBBW-Summer2012_09McKeesport_winter 10/18/12 9:44 AM Page 68

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hen people hear that someone is getting braces, immediatelyimages of metal mouth come to mind. This treatment ismost commonly associated with teenagers and at one time

may have led to embarrassment and insecurity. However, todaybraces are so widely accepted during the school-age years thatchildren are sometimes eager to begin orthodontic treatment. It isrefreshing to see this shift in acceptance among teenagers.

What about the adults who have crooked, crowded, uneven, orspaced smiles? There are adults who may have missed theopportunity to straighten their teeth when they were younger andare now looking at their options. The workplace can be asunforgiving as high schools once were. However, this shouldntlimit adults from the opportunity to have a straighter, moreattractive smile. There are currently a few options for adults tohave their teeth straightened.

The traditional method of metal braces and wires over atreatment time of a couple years is still a great option for a

straighter smile. For some patients teeth this may be the only realoption. Many people do, however, fall into a category that canbenefit from Invisalign or Short Term Orthodontics. Almosteveryone has heard of Invisalign, and it is a great treatment optionfor patients with mild crowding and moderate spacing. However,there are limitations in tooth movement for more severe cases.Short Term Orthodontics can provide an alternative to traditionalbraces and Invisalign. All three options have their benefits andlimitations that should be explored before making a decision.

6 Month Smiles is a cosmetic short-term orthodontic optionthat uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. The averagetreatment time is six months. The technique works by focusingtreatment on the patients primary concern. The faster treatmenttimes are accomplished by treating only the teeth you see whenyou smile, not by increasing the forces on the teeth. 6 MonthSmiles does not make major changes to the alignment of the backteeth as traditional braces can. Fortunately, most adults primarycosmetic concerns do not involve the back teeth. The treatmentcomfort is comparable to traditional braces. With 6 Month Smiles,your smile can be straighter and more symmetrical in 5 -8 months.Whitening is also included with treatment. Another benefit of 6Month Smiles is that it is typically a more economical choice dueto shorter treatment times and lower cost.

6 Month Smiles is not a replacement for traditional braces, butrather an alternative that can provide a more symmetrical andpleasing smile for adults who are not interested in the time, costs,or cosmetics of traditional braces. Children are still best treated bytraditional comprehensive orthodontics, but it is nice for adults to have one more option for a straighter smile. Dr. Rairigh is acertified Invisalign and 6 Month Smiles provider. Learn more atPittsburghIsSmiling.com or 6MonthSmiles.com.

Wa f t e r

This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Daniel Rairigh. Dr. Daniel Rairigh practices at Advanced Dental Solutions of

Pittsburgh on Fort Couch Road. He received his degree from WestVirginia University School of Dentistry. Dr. Rairigh is a member of theAmerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of GeneralDentistry. He is a certified Invisalign provider and is certified in MDIplacement. Dr. Rairigh is also an accomplished artist who has wonnumerous awards for his artwork. You can learn more about Dr.Rairigh or send him an email if you have article suggestions atwww.pittsburghissmiling.com.

Straighter Teeth in Six Months

before

InBBW-Summer2012_09McKeesport_winter 10/18/12 9:44 AM Page 68

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GAELIC FOOTBALL GROWING in Pittsburgh Area and Across the United States

BY MAHEW J. FASCEI

When Mt. Lebanon resident, John Young, was a 17 year old boy he le Ireland with a group and participated in an eight month study program at Duquesne University. He didnt know what to expect in Pisburgh, but he soon fell in love with it, in part because of the citys rich Irish culture. He returned to Ireland at the end of the program to nish school. Ten months later, he won a lifetime visa and returned to Pisburgh for good.

Shortly aer coming back to Pisburgh, Young began playing on the Pisburgh Gaelic football team. So what is Gaelic football you might ask? According to the Pisburgh Gaelic Athletic Association, Gaelic Football can be described as a mixture of soccer and rugby, although it pre-dates both of those games. It is a eld game which originated in Ireland in the 14th century and is the most popular sport in Ireland in terms of aendance. Gaelic Football has spread throughout the world, especially in North America where the North American County Board (NACB) of the Gaelic Athletic Association was formed to promote the sports of Hurling, Gaelic Football, and Camogie.

Gaelic Football is played on a eld approximately 135 yards long and 90 yards wide. e goalposts are the same

shape as on a rugby eld, with the crossbar lower than a rugby one and slightly higher than a soccer one. e ball used in Gaelic Football is round and slightly smaller and harder than a soccer ball. It can be carried in the hand for a distance of four steps and can be kicked or hand-passed (a striking motion with the hand or st) to a teammate. Aer every four steps the ball must be either bounced (similar to a basketball dribble) or solo-ed, an action of dropping the ball onto the foot and kicking it back into the hand. You may not bounce the ball twice in a row. To score, you put the ball over the crossbar by foot or hand/st for one point or under the crossbar and into the net (similar to a soccer goal) by foot (or hand/st in certain circumstances) for a goal. e goal is defended by a goalie and worth three points when scored.

e scoring of a Gaelic game is posted as follows: the number of goals scored by a team is posted rst and the number of points scored by that same team is posted second. So a score of 3-11 would be the American equivalent to 20 ((3x3)+11). A nal score of 4-8 to 1-15 would be the American equivalent to 20-18. In North America, each team consists of thirteen players, lining out as follows: one goalkeeper, two full-backs, three half-backs, two midelders, three half-forwards and two full-forwards. A game is

played over two 30 minute halves. e Pisburgh mens Gaelic football

team has 35 players. ey play their games at Founders Field and practice at Bishop Canevin. e team travels around the country to play other teams; playing between 14 and 16 games a year. Aer playing for nearly twenty years, Young is now coach of the team, along with John Connolly. Young is also Chairman of the Association. Young owes a lot to the Gaelic football league; he even met his wife Marie through the league. Marie is from Ireland and she was living there at the time, he explains. She came to visit her brother, who was playing on the Pisburgh team with me, and we met and the rest is history. She loves it here now as well. Marie plays on the Gaelic footballs ladies team, which has approximately 25 players.

e Pisburgh team is a two time National Champion, having won the title in San Francisco two years ago and won the title again in Philadelphia last season. e team is approximately 50% American and 50% Irish. ey are the rst and only non all Irish team in league history to win a championship.

e team, along with the Pisburgh Gaelic Athletic Association, is active in all things Irish across the city, including marching in the St. Patricks Day Parade. e team is able to operate through


sponsorships and year-long fundraising eorts. Anyone is eligible to be a part of the Gaelic football league either as a player or a volunteer; they are always looking for new people that are enthusiastic about learning the game.

For more information, or to get involved, please visit www.pittsburghgaa.com or call John Young at 412.452.1040.


Two sisters Svitlana and Hanna Dziamko were born in Ukraine and came to the USA aer Perestroika when the Soviet borders got somewhat soer. Both sisters reside in Mt. Lebanon just a few streets away from each other and are accomplished professionals. Svitlana Dziamko Tomson is a CPA and Dr. Hanna Dziamko is a pharmacist in the Pisburgh area. However, Ukrainian heritage is very dear to both of them and thats what enticed them in 2009 to spearhead the establishment of e Ukrainian Community of Western Pennsylvania (UCOWPA) a 501(c)(3) arts and cultural nonprot organization.

Currently, more than 40,000 people in the Pisburgh metropolitan area trace their heritage to Ukraine and UCOWPAs objectives are to bring together the dierent generations of Ukrainian Americans, their descendants and any person who is interested in the promotion of Ukrainian culture in Western Pennsylvania, and to present cultural and educational programs at which all ages can participate.

When it comes to preserving her Ukrainian heritage, Svitlana refers to Ukraines greatest poet, artist and champion of his peoples freedom, Taras Shevchenko, who once wrote: learn from others, but do not forsake your own. Svitlana believes that those words are as relevant today as they were over 100 years ago. To forget where we came from is to be as a river without a source or a tree without roots and it is very important that our children learn as much as possible about their ancestors and keep our beautiful Ukrainian culture alive.

Hanna believes that we are blessed to live in the Pisburgh region where cultural contributions from people around the world are appreciated and valued.

Mt. Lebanon resident Dr. Hanna Dziamko creates stunning Ukrainian Easter eggs and shares her knowledge with those who want to learn this ancient art

Mt. Lebanon resident Dr. Hanna Dziamko creates stunning Ukrainian Easter eggs and shares her knowledge with those who want to learn this ancient art


ere are always people that search for resources to enrich their knowledge about dierent cultures.

To contribute to this cause, Svitlana and Hanna volunteer at UCOWPAs Ukrainian Easter Egg Decoration Workshop. Hanna creates stunning

Ukrainian Easter Eggs and she shares her knowledge with those who want to learn this ancient art.

Are you ready to learn a new skill and make something prey? Register for the 4th Annual UCOWPA Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating Workshop. How cool is this? You use beeswax to draw on an egg, and then dye the egg. When the wax is removed, youve got a beautifully decorated, unique egg. is ancient technique is fun for all ages, and allows for artistic expression as well as an enjoyable process. Dr. Hanna Dziamko will show you how to do it step by step. No experience necessary and all participants will take home their own creation.

is year Western churches will celebrate Easter on March 31st while Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter on May 5th. To accommodate both, UCOWPA will oer two workshops: March 16th and April 13, 2013. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by March 8 and April 7, 2013 accordingly. Register online at ucowpa.org or call 412.364.0968.


A Stellar Send-OffPisburgh City Council recently honored Family Hospice and

Palliative Care full-time therapy dog Ivan, a ve year-old Golden Retriever, with an ocial proclamation. Since June of 2010, Ivan has provided compassionate care to patients at Family Hospices Center for Compassionate Care inpatient unit in Mt. Lebanon. e inpatient center serves patients who are residents of Pisburgh, Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania. Reading the proclamation at e Center for Compassionate Care is Lori Marabello, Executive Assistant to Pisburgh Councilwoman eresa Kail-Smith. Ivan is seen with his owner and Family Hospice President & CEO Rafael Sciullo. Family Hospice is also served by nine other therapy dogs who visit patients in the community thanks to the eorts of Family Hospice volunteers. Sciullo and Ivan departed Family Hospice at the end of January, as Sciullo is moving on to become President and CEO of Suncoast Hospice in Clearwater, FL.


A Stellar Send-Off


Professional actors performing F.J. Hartlands Adrift.

Mike Buzzelli, actor, writer and stand-up comedian addresses the audience about local screenwriters.

The gallery area of Third Street Art Gallery

H e l p f o r L o n e l y S c r e e n w r i t e r s i n M t . L e b a n o n


Carnegie Mayor Jack Kobistek speaks with Carnegie Screenwriters Founder and President, Bob Scott.

H e l p f o r L o n e l y S c r e e n w r i t e r s i n M t . L e b a n o n by Pa m e l a Pa l o n g u e

oes the name Tony Kushner ring a bell? How about William Nicholson? Kushner wrote the screenplay for the recently released Lincoln and

Nicholson did the screen adaptation for the lm version of Les Miserables. ough many of us may have seen these movies and laughed and cried with the characters as their words plucked at our emotions and the story unfolds before us, few people give much thought to the fact that their uerances were penned by a screenwriter, laboring away in a solitary endeavor.

Everyone has their story to tell and a new group called Carnegie Screenwriters Group, supports local aspiring screenwriters to help them get their works from the wrien page to lm. e group originally met at the Carnegie Library in Oakland, hence the name, but now meets the third Saturday of every month at the Mt. Lebanon Library. Mt. Lebanon area residents are lucky to have the group right around the corner in the neighborhood, when individuals drive from the four corners of Pisburgh to aend the meetings.

Founded by Bob Sco, who is the current president of the group, they are seeking non-prot status, which should be obtained later this year. We are interested in every type of screenplay from full-length features to short lms, teleplays or documentaries, explains Sco. Our goal is to support local screenwriters in geing their works into production and to help with the educational aspect of screenwriting.

e group meets and discusses strategies for submiing and producing works and then readings are done of scenes from feature length screenplays and short scripts, with helpful suggestions and encouragement.

Recently, the group has begun sponsoring live readings of scripts at the ird Street Art Gallery in Carnegie on the third Monday of each month. e

D


scripts are read by professional actors amid the ambiance of colorful works of art in a turn-of-the-century building with painted tin ceilings, exposed brick and original hardwood oors.

e rst event, which took place on February 18, was a great success in which three short scripts were presented, Adri by F. J. Hartland, Poetry Camp by Ken Levarse and e Shoe Rack by Beth Rohach. All the works were well-received by the audience with enthusiastic applause. Poetry Camp had the audience howling with laughter and local author, screenwriter and stand-up comedian Mike Buzzelli read from his recently released book, Below Average Genius. Based on his comical view of every day life, the audience connected with his endearing humor.

Sco commented on the event which was aended by approximately 50 people. I think this is a great inaugural event for us and a great turnout. Its nice to have a forum to present the screenplays and we hope to get many more submissions and members.

For more information on the Carnegie Screenwriters Group, you may visit the groups website at www.carnegieceenwriters.squarespace.com. e organization also has a Facebook page. e groups meeting times are listed on the Mt. Lebanon Public Library Calendar at www.MtLebanonLibary.org.

Glassware and pottery displayed at the art gallery.

C a r n e g i e S c r e e n w r i t e r s G r o u pc o n t i n u e d f r o m p r e v i o u s p a ge


UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Spring 2013

2013 UPMC

Whats Inside2 When Its More than Just Heartburn

3 Hope and Healing4 A Healing Touch Food in a Glass

5 Clinical Trials Can Change Lives

6 Depression and Older Adults7 Comprehensive Care for Todays Urology Patients


Most of us can count on an antacid or two to tame a bad case of heartburn. But acid reflux, of which heartburn is a symptom, can lead to a far more uncomfortable and potentially dangerous condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Linette Johns of Upper Burrell first underwent surgery for GERD in 2000. But in recent years, severe heartburn and other symptoms reappeared. I knew the success rate of a repeat surgery on the esophagus wasnt good, so I was hesitant to have it done, says Linette. But my son, Jeff, whos studying to be a doctor, told me that I could be at risk for esophageal cancer. That motivated me to take the next step.

Tackling complicated cases

In March 2012, Omar Awais, DO, chief of thoracic surgery at UPMC Mercy, performed the repeat surgery on Linette. Under his expertise, some of the regions most complex, minimally invasive esophageal surgeries are taking place at UPMC Mercy, including:

Minimally invasive surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus to treat esophageal cancer Repair of recurrent hiatal hernia Repeat esophageal surgery

Large hiatal hernia (also known as giant paraesophageal hernia) repair Achalasia (a rare swallowing disorder) surgical therapy Esophageal diverticulum repair and removal

Patients travel hundreds of miles, and most have had prior surgeries, notes Dr. Awais. Before and after operating, we use a quality of life test to measure a patients degree of reflux. Weve learned that our patients typically experience better outcomes, less pain, and faster recovery times through our efforts. We also work with patients on long-term lifestyle changes to maintain their health.

Linette says her re-operation saved my life. I feel like a new person. She has lost weight and no longer takes medication for diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Are you at risk?

Certainly not everyone with GERD requires surgery. Most cases can be controlled through medical therapy, weight loss, modified diet, and medication, says Dr. Awais. But early detection and treatment of GERD is key because of its associated risk with esophageal cancer. At greatest risk are men over the age of 50 who are obese and have suffered from heartburn three or more times a week for five years or longer.

To learn more about UPMC Mercys programs to diagnose and treat complex problems of the esophagus, call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).

2 UPMC.com/Today

When Its More Than Just HeartburnUPMC Mercy oers comprehensive testing and minimally invasive surgery for complex problems of the esophagus.

Testing is keyA variety of tests are needed prior to any esophageal or gastric surgery. At UPMC Mercy, patients can get these tests done quickly and efficiently at one location, including:

Endoscopy Allows a doctor to use a thin, narrow tube with a camera and light to view the inside of the throat and stomach

Motility testing Identifies how well the muscles of the esophagus are functioning

Acid ph testing Measures the amount of acid exposure into the esophagus

Impedance testing Measures the frequency and amount of gastric fluids (both acidic and non-acidic) entering the esophagus and larynx from the stomach


1-800-533-UPMC 3

Decades after receiving a childhood blood transfusion, Chris Sosinski was shocked to learn he had the hepatitis C virus, which had led to cirrhosis and the prospect of a liver transplant.

Today, Chris remains hepatitis C negative, thanks to a new direct-acting antiviral therapy he received at the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases last year. Months after ending treatment in October, his viral load remains at zero.

That means its gone, says Chris, 49, of Jeannette. No more medicine and if I take care of myself no transplant.

Baby boomers beware

Chris is one of a growing number of baby boomers diagnosed with hepatitis C, a problem so serious that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that everyone born between 1945 and 1965 be tested for the virus. The CDC estimates that more than 75 percent of the nations 3 million adults currently living with hepatitis C are baby boomers and most dont know theyre infected.

Hepatitis C is a silent disease; most people have no symptoms, says Kapil Chopra, MD, director, UPMC Center for Liver Diseases. But if diagnosed early, it can be cured or managed successfully before it can develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer.

A new era of treatment

Thankfully for Chris and other hepatitis C patients, two drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 ushered in a new era of treatment, delivering improved cure rates and shorter treatment time for the most prevalent and hardest to treat strain of the virus. Playing a critical role was the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases, where specialists have been at the forefront in the evaluation and clinical trials of promising new therapies.

Hundreds of UPMC patients took part in groundbreaking clinical trials for those new drugs. (Turn to page 5 to learn about other clinical trials and how they are affecting patients lives.) Today, even more are participating in clinical trials of new therapies at UPMC with the potential for even better results in fighting chronic hepatitis C infections.

These are exciting times. Over the next few years, we expect to have several new options that will eradicate the hepatitis C virus in most patients without side effects, says Dr. Chopra. Its a new era of treatment and hope for our patients.

A leading resource for complex care

Treating and managing hepatitis C can be complex for both patients and health care providers. In the tri-state area, UPMC is the leading provider of comprehensive and advanced specialty care for patients with the virus.

Our multidisciplinary specialists are involved in researching and evaluating new treatments. They bring a unique perspective for managing these complex therapies, explains Dr. Chopra.

These specialists work together to assess patients, select appropriate antiviral therapies, educate patients, monitor for adverse effects and drug interactions, and provide support for patients and family members. They are familiar with the latest, cutting-edge therapies and developing new ones, adds Dr. Chopra. For those patients who dont respond to treatment and are experiencing liver failure, the program also provides seamless transition to UPMCs internationally renowned transplant program.

To read about the risk factors for hepatitis C and what you can do, visit UPMC.com/Today. For more information about treatments for hepatitis C, contact the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases at 1-800-447-1651.

Hope and HealingUPMC is leading the way with new treatment options for hepatitis C.


4 UPMC.com/Today

A Healing Touch There are ways to relieve pain and nausea through alternative medicine.A growing number of patients are adding acupuncture and other alternative therapies to their medical care.

What is alternative medicine?

If you visit an acupuncturist or chiropractor, youre seeking treatment in the field of complementary and alternative medicine an increasingly mainstream tool for doctors.

You dont have to be a believer for it to work, says Betty Liu, MD, a physician and acupuncture specialist at the UPMC Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Ive seen dramatic reductions in pain and nausea some instantaneous, some after multiple sessions.

Who uses it?

Patients frequently turn to acupuncture and other therapies to control pain, including arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia

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