special: plum real estate section - plum borough district 20123.pdf · special: plum real estate...

44
Timeless T reasures Prom 2012 SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section SUMMER 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE PLUS! Venango Trails: An Exceptional Lifestyle

Upload: lamphuc

Post on 17-Feb-2018

229 views

Category:

Documents


4 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Timeless

TreasuresProm 2012

SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section

SUMMER 2012 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

PLUS! Venango Trails: An Exceptional Lifestyle

Page 2: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

120 over 80. What’s it worth to U?

Reaching your goals is worth more than ever. It’s worth money. That’s because HealthyU offers financial incentives for making healthy lifestyle decisions. Now when you do things like quit smoking, work with a health coach, or even get a flu shot, we put money into your very own Health Incentive Account. Money that can be used to help pay for doctor visits, prescription drugs, and even surgery. To learn more about this new, one-of-a-kind plan, talk to your employer or visit UPMCHealthyU.com.

Introducing HealthyU from UPMC Health Plan.

upmchealthyu.com

Intr

oducing HealthyU Intr

oducing HealthyU

om UPMC Health Plan. fr

Intr

smoking, work with a health coach, or even get a flu shot, we puthealthy lifestyle decisions. Now when you do things like quit

s b That’s Reaching your goals is worth mor

ffers financial incentives for making

om UPMC Health Plan. oducing HealthyU Intr

smoking, work with a health coach, or even get a flu shot, we puthealthy lifestyle decisions. Now when you do things like quit

fers finan because HealthyU ofe than everReaching your goals is worth mor

om UPMC Health Plan.

oducing HealthyU

smoking, work with a health coach, or even get a flu shot, we puthealthy lifestyle decisions. Now when you do things like quit

fers financial incentives for making.s worth money. It’e than ever

om UPMC Health Plan.

smoking, work with a health coach, or even get a flu shot, we put

plan, talk to your employer or visit UPMCHealthyU.com.even surgerycan be used to help pay for doctor visits, prmoney into your very own Health Incentive Account. Money that

plan, talk to your employer or visit UPMCHealthyU.com.e about this newn moro learTTo lear. even surgery

can be used to help pay for doctor visits, prmoney into your very own Health Incentive Account. Money that

plan, talk to your employer or visit UPMCHealthyU.com., one-of-a-kind e about this new

escription drugs, andcan be used to help pay for doctor visits, prmoney into your very own Health Incentive Account. Money that

upmmchealthyu.com

Page 3: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

IN Plum | SUMMER 2012 |

INSIDE

COMMUNITY INTEREST

Groundbreaking for New Municipal Center ................ | 1

Plum Plant Exchange .......................................................... | 2

Plum School District Superintendent’s Message ...... | 3

Center Sixth Graders Visit Washington D.C. ................ | 4

Plum Senior Awards ............................................................ | 6

Plum School District Prom ............................................... | 8

Pivik Students get a New Home ..................................... | 10

Senior Post-Secondary Plans ........................................... | 12

UPMC Today l Health and Wellness News You Can Use .... | 15

Resident Profile / Mark Serrao ........................................ | 30

Plum Police Department Charity Torch Run ................ | 32

Pressley Ridge School for Autism ................................. | 34

ON THE COVER | Plum School District’s Prom, ‘Timeless Treasues’ was held at the Omni William Pennon Friday, May 18, 2012.

UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2012

Here Comes the SunIt’s definitely summer, and you’re ready to enjoy every minute of it. Before you grab your sunglasses and head outdoors, check out our skin protection tips on page 4.

What’s Inside2 You’re Invited! UPMC East Community Open House is June 16

3 Exhausted and Sleepy?

4 Pamper the Skin You’re In

Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

5 Your Health Care Goes Mobile

6 Talent + Imagination + Learning = Events You Won’t Want to Miss

7 Summer Travels for Seniors

IN Plum is a non-partisan community publication dedicated to representing,encouraging and promoting the people of Plum Borough by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to providereaders with the most informative and professional regional publication in theCommonwealth of Pennsylvania.

������������������

��

��������

SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section

SUMMER 2012 COM

MUNITY MAGAZINE

PLUS! Venango

Trails: An Exception

al Lifestyle

1 415

PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

FINANCIAL REPORT

Ten-Year History of General Fund Revenues/Subsidies and Expenditures .............................. | 23

History of General FundRevenues/Subsidies and Expenditures .............................. | 23

Local, State, Federal and Other Revenue Sources .......... | 24

Grants Awarded for the 2011-12 School Year .......................... | 24

2012-13 Projected Preliminary General Fund Expendituresby Object Codes ................................ | 25

Total of all 2012-13 Preliminary Budget Revenue Sources ............... | 25

Plum Real EstateSpecial SectionView from the Front Porch

Exploring the Man Cave

Venango Trails: An Exceptional Lifestyle

| 36

| 37

| 38

Timeless

Treasures

Page 4: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

STAFF

INPERSPECTIVEPUBLISHERWayne Dollard

REGIONAL EDITORS

Pamela Palongue [North and East][email protected]

Mark Berton [South, West and Erie][email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Leo [email protected]

AD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR

Debbie [email protected]

SCHOOL & MUNICIPAL CONTENT COORDINATOR

Megan [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cassie Brkich Jan McEvoyAnna Buzzelli Joe MilneSharon Cobb Tamara TylendaSusie Doak

WRITERS

John Barrera Aimee NicoliaJonathan Barnes Nick KepplerJennifer Brozak Chelsie KozeraMatt Fascetti Leigh LyonsTracey Fedkoe Dana Black McGrathMike Ference JoAnne NasserJacob Flannick Melanie PaulickBritt Fresa Gina SallingerHeather Holtschlag Judith Schardt PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mark Fainstein Len PancoastGinni Hartle Kathleen RudolphBrad Lauer Gary Yon

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS

Derek Bayer Tamara MyersTom Poljak

ADVERTISING SALES

Sophia Alfaras Aimee NicoliaBrian Daley Annette PetroneTina Dollard Vincent SabatiniKaren Fadzen Jennifer SchaeferJulie Graf Michael Silvert Connie McDaniel Karen TurkovichBrian McKee RJ VighettiGabriel Negri Nikki Capezio-Watson This magazine is carrier route mailed to all districthouseholds and businesses.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part withoutwritten permission is prohibited. Copyright 2012.

CORRESPONDENCEDirect all inquiries, comments and press releases to:

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

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Welcome to the summer issue of Plum magazine. This year, it seems summer started in early March. However, the warm days have given people a reasonto get outside early and often. Bulbs are blooming earlier and joggers are out in force. So I hope you’ve had a chance to get out there and take advantage of the early summer, and while you’re at it, let us know what you’re up to. We try to feature as much local content as we can in each issue and hopethat you enjoy that content. Now, we want to get even more local and ask you directly for your stories

in each issue. These features don’t have to be about you or someone you know doing something extraordinary like climbing Mt. Everest orswimming the English Channel. We want to know what makes ourreaders tick. It could be that you’ve always wanted a classicThunderbird and have been restoring one for the past few years. We’d like to see it, and I’m sure others would too. So let’s start off withthat, since we’re coming into car cruise season: If you or someone youknow has a pretty interesting restoration project going on in theirgarage, let us know! Email our editor, Pamela Palongue, at [email protected] or call us at 724.942.0940.We’ll be happy to hear your story and may even send one of ourphotographers out to capture your work for the next issue. Keep inmind, the project doesn’t necessarily need to be current – if you’ve beencruising in your restoration project for some time now, that’s okay, too.But we’d like to know what you did at the nuts and bolts level to getyour baby roadworthy. If you’re just not sure one way or the other if you think you have a good story, call Pamela and she’ll be happy to help you out!

Looking forward to seeing some whitewalls and chrome in the fall issue!Have a great summer!

Wayne Dollard, Publisher

Fall content deadline: August 15

Do you have a classic car thatyou’ve restored?If so, we’d like to hear about it. Email your name and contact information to [email protected].

Page 5: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Plum held an official groundbreaking for Phase 1 of their new Municipal Center on Wednesday, May 30th at the future site located between Renton Road and Old Leechburg Road in Plum Borough. The new facility will house the public works department, which consists of approximately twenty employees,50 pieces of maintenance equipment and vehicles and storage

for 6,000 tons of salt and antiskid material. The parks and recreation department is responsible for road maintenance, parks

and recreation maintenance and all borough building maintenance.The new facility, which is set to open June 1st, 2013, will be

replacing a dilapidated and grossly undersized facility. The current facility is a meager 5,000 square feet, has only one mechanical bay andlacks the square footage to store all the equipment inside. Also, the currentsalt storage can only hold 1,000 tons. In contrast, the new facility will be24,000 square feet, boast four mechanical bays, have enough room tostore all equipment and vehicles inside and can store 6,000 tons of salt.

According to Greg Blachy, Assistant Borough Manager, this new facilitywas much needed. “The new facility will help us better serve the residentsof Plum Borough,” he said. “With the larger storage areas, we will be able to have ample supplies of salt available all winter long. Also, being able to store all the equipment inside will allow us to keep the equipmentin better shape so it will last longer.”

Blachy explains that Plum Borough was able to fund the $11.7 milliondollar facility without raising any taxes. “11.2 million of the project wasfunded by a municipal bond issue, and the remaining $500,000 wasfunded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and EconomicDevelopment. Senator Brewster and former Senator Logan played a keyrole in securing the funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development,” said Blachy. “While we desperately needed a new facility, it was also very important for us that the residents not be burdened in any way financially.”

The municipal center project was a long time coming. In 1999, the borough had their initial contact with an architect about a new facility.Due to multiple issues, the new project became stagnant until 2003 whenthe property for the facility was purchased. The project became stagnantonce again until 2009 when the borough was able to show council funding options without raising taxes.

The new facility is Phase 1 of the project. In the future the borough ishoping to move the borough building and the police department to thenew facility grounds…no timetable has been set for that phase of the

project. They also hope to sell the land where thecurrent parks and recreation facility stands

to a developer to create either a free standinggrocery store or a grocery store that will be

part of a small strip mall.With a new facility in the works,

Plum Borough looks forward to better serving its residents for many

years to come.

Plum holds Official

Groundbreaking for the New

Municipal Center

By Matthew J. Fascetti

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 1

Page 6: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

The gardeners of Plum gathered on the patio of the

Plum Community Library to share plants at the

semi-annual Plant Swap. For every plant they bring,

they take one home. Perennials, annuals, herbs, and

seedlings are usually available. The next swap will

take place in the fall.

2 Plum

Page 7: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

PLUM BOROUGHS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

...Leading The Way news

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 3

Parents and Residents,

Commencement is one of the most gratifying times of the school year. The pageantry of the ceremony and our proud parents are only part of the story. Commencement serves as a special time where students are recognized for 13 years of scholarshipand educators reflect on their life’s work. We are extremely proud of all of our graduates and wish each of them success, health, and happiness. Commencement and the beginning of summer

also mark the conclusion of one fiscal year and thebeginning of another. The Board of School Directors

must approve a final budget no later than June 30th. Our January budget projection indicated a $3 million deficit. Our May Preliminary Budget, approved on May 22nd, indicates a $1,215,434 shortfall. Reductions have occurred in our Athletic, Technology,Transportation, Facilities, Special Education, and building budgets. Additional revenuefrom anticipated bond refinancing, increased local tax collections, and indirect Fund 10costs generated additional revenue. We have included a brief budget overview in this issue. Please visit www.pbsd.k12.pa.us/SchoolBoard.aspx to view our approvedpreliminary 2012-2013 budget. The Board of School Directors will approve a final budgetat the June 26, 2012 meeting.We have agreed to continue publishing the IN Plum Community Magazine through

vendor sponsored advertisements. Interested businesses and organizations shouldcontact Pamela Palongue at 412.445.6683 for more information.This issue of IN Plum contains articles showcasing commencement, student

awards, our 6th grade DC field trips, the Pivik Construction project, and 2012-2013budget information. I encourage you to visit our website for more information on these and other programs.

Wishing each of you a safe and relaxing summer,Dr. Timothy S. GlasspoolSuperintendent of Schools

A Message fromDr. Glasspool

Page 8: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

I felt that the World War

II Memorial was an extre

mely

emotional place. I though

t about all the young men

who

gave their lives for our fre

edom. I’m sure they were

terrified

to be thrown into war, bu

t they wanted to do it for

their

country. Lots of men lost

their lives in World War

II. Luckily,

when we visited, there w

ere World War II veteran

s visiting

the memorial that was cr

eated for them. We even

got to

take a picture with the ve

terans. This was a once

a lifetime

opportunity, because W

orld War II veterans are

passing

away at a high rate. I als

o learned that American

troops

would write “Kilroy Was

Here” almost everywhe

re around

the world. Hitler thought

there was an actual guy

writing

this, but Kilroy was a ficti

onal character. This ang

ered Hitler

so much that he wanted

to find “Kilroy” and kill hi

m. I will

never forget my time at t

he World War II Memoria

l, and I

hope to go back when I’m

older.

~ Will Rumcik, Center Ele

mentary,

6th Grade Student

4 Plum

PLUM BOROUGHS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

Center Elementary Sixth GradersHonor World War II VeteranOne of the main purposes of the sixth grade trip to

Washington, DC is to give students the opportunity to

visit the memorials and experience firsthand, the

hallowed ground found in the photos from their history

books. On the trip, the entire sixth grade class at Center

Elementary, visited the World War II Memorial and

hung a banner honoring Sergeant Kenny Faulkner,

a 93-year old veteran of World War II and uncle of teacher

chaperone, Mrs. Terri Fisher.

Not only is Sergeant Kenny Faulkner a World War II

veteran, but he also writes a newsletter for the 35th

Division and talks to community groups about his

experiences in World War II. He has two Purple Hearts, a

Bronze Star, and the French Legion Medal of Honor for his

heroic efforts that saved his platoon in France. At 93 years

old, he still travels to Kansas to attend his Army reunions.

Students learned of Sgt. Faulkner’s service and wanted

to do something special for someone who long before

they were born fought for their country. So they hung the

banner and posed for a picture to send to Sgt. Faulkner

along with the banner. On the eve of the Memorial

Day Weekend, the students have reminded us of the

importance of honoring the

men and women who have so

selflessly defended our country,

protecting those freedoms

Americans hold so dearly.

Once he received the picture and

banner from the sixth grade

students, Sgt. Faulkner responded

with the following letter, which was

copied and given to each student.

Center Elementary Sixth GradersVisit Washington D.C.

This year, the students in 6th grade at Center Elementary had the opportunity to participate in an educational field trip to Washington D.C.Before embarking on their journey, the students learned a great dealabout our nation’s capital through research and classroom lessons. However, nothing can replace what they gained going beyond the classroom walls and visiting this magnificent and historical place. These are the stories of a few students who gain not only new knowledge, but an experience that will live with them for a lifetime.

Page 9: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

One experience that I learned from while in Washington D.C. was visiting the National Cathedral. From the intricately carved wood to the beautiful stained glass windows portraying various scenes, theNational Cathedral’s gothic architecture was very unique. Everywhereyou looked there was a new breath-taking view. While being talked toabout the history of the building, I found that George Washingtonwanted a church where everyone in the nation could gather despitetheir religion. I thought that this was a great idea, and representedwhat we still stand for today in the United States. The cathedral was so huge (sixth largest in the world) that there were separate chapelsused for different purposes within it. The National Cathedral was my favorite place to visit while on my sixth grade trip, and I hope that I will have the opportunity to visit it again in the future. ~ Marissa Bieghley, Center Elementary, 6th Grade Student

The Arlington Nationa

l Cemetery was a very

emotional

place for me. There wa

s 624 acres of land fille

d with

graves. We were there

for about two hours, a

nd we didn’t

even see a quarter of

the cemetery! It was a

mazing but

also really emotional k

nowing that all those p

eople died.

I don’t know what I wou

ld’ve done if my pap a

nd uncle

never came back from

war. It just makes you

think how

lucky you are to have f

riends and family that

love and care

about you. People sac

rifice a lot for you in lif

e; especially

those who fight in war

s for our freedom. Sadl

y, for most of

them, they sacrificed t

heir lives for us; for us

to live; for us

to be free. If I could, I w

ould go to The Arlingto

n National

Cemetery again. The c

emetery was very inter

esting, and

I would love to learn m

ore about it.

~Taylor Oravitz,

Center Elementary, 6th

Grade Student

Mrs. Fisher and the Sixth Grade Class,

I recently received the biggest award I ever received for my

services. The four by eight wall plaque that you sent me is something

I will cherish as long as I live. I have been showing it to my neighbors

for the last three days. I am sending one of the photos to the 35th

Division Headquarters and I am sure that they will put the photo in

our new museum. They might ask me for the banner so as they can

put it in the museum. If they do I think I will give it to them so as

it can be viewed by thousands of people. I just cannot thank you

enough for this award. I am sending you a disc that was made right

here in my den. I was interviewed by this firm’s interviewer and

the entire disc is about my Army career. Hope you enjoy it and if

you have any questions just drop me a line.

I wish I could visit this class and thank them in person. I know

Mrs. Fisher will do this for me. God bless you all!

2nd Platoon Sgt.

Company C137th Infantry

Kenny Faulkner

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 5

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers was amazing! I learned so many things there. I especially

learned how seriously the guards take their jobs. When we got there, the guard pointed his

bayonet at someone and demanded that they stay behind the guardrail. We learned that one time

there was an evacuation warning and the guards refused to leave the tomb. They feel so thankful

about the sacrifices that these men have made that guarding the tomb, even in severe weather,

is a symbol of their complete respect and gratefulness. It was also so sad to think; what if my dad

went to war and no one knew what happened to him or where he was? It was undoubtedly an

important place to stop. ~Kevin Magnus, Center Elementary, 6th Grade Student

Page 10: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

PLUM BOROUGHS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

eventTV Productions Award ......................................................... Kristina Hall, Holly Kennedy, Brendan Ley,

Miranda SenchurPauline Eleanor DeMichiei Memorial Scholarship ...... Melissa OpinaNational School Choral Award........................................... Karli Blotzer, David GreenWoody Herman Jazz Award .............................................. James HeldPatrick S. Gilmore Band Award ......................................... Bryan RomellLouis Armstrong Jazz Award.............................................. Robert StewartJohn Phillip Sousa Band Award ........................................ Ryan PietrygaNational School Orchestra Award .................................... Gregory VargaJohn A. Gula Music Scholarship ....................................... Alexa AndersonPlum Music Boosters’ Scholarship................................... Jonathan Andrew, Meghan Balot,

Ryan PietrygaPittsburgh Technical Institute Scholarship ..................... Steven HahnPlum Borough Education Association Scholarship....... Kelsie Gestrich, Angela Liberato,

Kaitlin McCarthy, Bryan Romell, Miranda Senchur

Future Educators Association Scholarship..................... Kristina HallLucy A. Valero Scholarship ................................................. Kristina HallAthletes of the Year Awards ............................................... Nolan Cressler, Ronit YurovskyCJ Boyd Hockey Scholarship ............................................. Jacob KuhnPenn State University ........................................................... Adam Albright, Blue & White

Matthew Collins, Blue & WhiteMikeala Dunegan, Chancellor’s Award & First Year CommonwealthChrista Hampshire, Blue & WhiteAdam Hand, Blue & White, First Year CommonwealthJoseph Maltese, Blue & WhiteBradley Mayo, Penn State Honors Scholarship, First Year CommonwealthChristine Patroski, Chancellor’s Award, First Year CommonwealthMichael Pintea, Blue & WhiteAlexander Rudolf, Blue & White, First Year CommonwealthMarissa Russo, Blue & White, First Year Commonwealth

Senior AwardsMay 21, 2012

From left to right:Jordan Pogue (Co V-Pof GLA), CourtneyYuska (GLA Pres.), andAshley Wunschel(Co V-P of GLA).

6 Plum

Page 11: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Plum High School Cheerleading Boosters’ Scholarship Miranda SenchurJohn H. Linblad Memorial Award...................................... Alison KuhnKimberly R. Kenna Memorial Award................................. Emily GriffithWheeling Jesuit Merit Scholarship .................................. Vanessa GipsonRobert J. Wingenroth Memorial Scholarship................. Janie MessinaLester and Gloria Mulholland Scholarship...................... Nathanael MasiWilliam B. Rometo Memorial Scholarship....................... Tarique EllisTracy McGuire Memorial Scholarship ............................. Miranda SenchurDonald E. Furko Memorial Scholarship............................ Emily PearlmanMary Lou D’Ambrosio Scholarship ................................... Amber GiontaGLA Outstanding Senior....................................................... Courtney YuskaCharlotte Eckels Winning Spirit Award............................ Jordan PogueMichelle Ashley Humanitarian Award ............................. Ashley WunschelKristin Pupilli Memorial Outstanding Service Award.... Courtney YuskaSADD Award .......................................................................... Lauren Ferragonio, Megan MarianiNutrition and Wellness Award ........................................... Jamie SchmittThe Plum Rotary Scholarship ............................................. Marina Caprara, Kayla MayoPTSA Scholarship ................................................................. Kaitlin McCarthy, Meredith TaylorPaul R. Woolslayer Award................................................... James Regan, Emergency ResponseJack Hunter Engineering Scholarship.............................. Ian CookExxon Mobil Scholarship..................................................... Stephanie TomaroSteel Dynamics Inc. Scholarship....................................... Nathalie TurkoPennsylvania Schools Public Relations Scholarship.... Kelsie GestrichComcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship ............... Jordan GastonAmerican Legion Outstanding Achievement Award..... Angela LiberatoKurt R. Weiss Scholarship................................................... Ryan PietrygaBrierly Heights Women’s Club Scholarship..................... Ryan PietrygaPennsylvania Restaurant Association Education Foundation........................................................... Angela LiberatoPerfect Attendance Award ................................................. Regan Donatelli, Christoffer KriegJoseph J. Nania Memorial Scholarship........................... Kaitlin McCarthyThe PBSD Administrative Assistants Sean Gralewski Memorial Scholarship............................ Meredith TaylorU.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award.......... Christopher BoggessU.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award........... Nolan Cressler, Ronit YurovskyU.S. Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence............................................................... Maria BoscoAir Force Math and Science Award ................................. Stephanie TomaroAir Force Technology Education Award .......................... Donald DoerflerPlum Council of PTA Student Memorial Scholarship.... Maria Bosco, Kristina Hall, Alison Kuhn,

Meredith Taylor, Eric TheissPlum Baseball Boosters’ Scholarship .............................. Evan SchroederPlum Cross Country & Track Alumni Scholarship.......... Jessica Chapla, Brendan Demich,

Steven Joyce, Stephanie Tomaro2012 Plum Math/Science Improvement Scholarship.... Elizabeth Addison, Victoria Bombalski,

Marina Caprara, Kirsten WinstonNational Merit Scholarship Finalists................................. Meghan Balot, Mark YountOutstanding Senior Awards................................................ Holly Kennedy, Daniel Kuhn

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPSBucknell University Dean’s Scholarship .......................... Meghan BalotSlippery Rock University Merit Scholarship.................... Kaitlyn BrownSouthern Methodist University Full Tuition Scholarship............................................................................. Alex DruzbanskiAllegheny College Trustee’s Scholarship......................... Jordan GastonClarion University Dana S. Still Scholarship.................... Kelsie GestrichDuquesne University Academic Scholarship ................. Alison KuhnPenn State University Schreyer’s Honor College Scholarship.............................................................. Emily PearlmanSaint Vincent College Academic Scholarship ................ Miranda Senchur

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7

Page 12: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

PLUM BOROUGHS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

event

Friday, May 18, 2012Omni William Penn

Timeless Treasures

8 Plum

Page 13: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9

Page 14: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

PLUM BOROUGHS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

When Pivik students arrive at schoolon the first day of the 2012-2013school year, their school will lookvery different to them. Approximately500 Kindergarten through 6th gradestudents will be entering their new“home”—a 75,000 square foot newelementary school building. Fromtheir new building, students can look across the street at “old PivikElementary School” and reminisce. As they do this, they might remember that it is 70+ years old—some students have parents, and even grandparents, who attendedschool there over the years. In 1939, the doors to the building opened as the first high school

in Plum—Plum Township High School. The first graduating classgraduated 75 students wearing purple and gold for the first time with a main educational focus on vocational agriculture. In the early‘50s, that focus changed to an academic focus, preparing studentsfor advanced education. In the early ‘60s and ‘70s, several newschools were built in Plum and “Plum Township High School” became Plum Borough Junior High School—one of two junior highschools in Plum at that time. Plum Junior High School was renamed George Pivik Junior High

School in 1975 honoring former school board president and member,George Pivik. And, finally, in the early ‘80s, the junior high schoolwas made into an elementary school where it remained GeorgePivik Elementary School until now. In the building now warmly referred to as the “old Pivik,” students appreciated some of theamenities of students who went before them—small, cozy classrooms, an auditorium with a stage, and “big kid” lockers.

Implementing the technology andprogress of the 21st century in “oldPivik” has been a challenge, but notimpossible. Some areas of the buildingare wireless; there are a few laptops ineach classroom and a computer lab.Over the years, the students and staffhave embraced the idiosyncrasies and uniqueness of “old Pivik” in exchange for its warmth, character,

and charm. “Old Pivik” was home to many generations of learners—it will be hard for the students and staff to say goodbye.As current students look across the street from the “old Pivik” to the new, they are excited to find out what’s in store for them!“New Pivik” has four classrooms of every grade, Kindergarten

through 6th. The building has a full-size gym and cafeteria.Instrumental music, choral music and art have their own dedicatedspaces. Students will have access to a library and a computer laboutfitted with laptops and docking stations. The entire building is wireless. There are SmartBoards and whiteboards in everyclassroom—“new Pivik” will be chalkless! Every student will have access to 21st century technology at his or her fingertips. However, there are some things that will not change! Teachers

will have the same high expectations for learning, and students willhave access to the same rigorous curricula. Pivik students havelearned over the years that their best effort is required at all times,and it makes a difference in their success. Pivik students will still be expected to “respect themselves, respect others and respectproperty.” And most important, Pivik students will remain graciousand grateful for the wonderful new learning spaces provided tothem by the Plum Borough community. “New Pivik,” here we come!

Pivik Students Get a

New Home

10 Plum

Page 15: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Plum’s Got

Talent

1) Gift baskets were raffled off after

intermission

2) Mr. John DeLuce, Choral Director

(who also helped with the lights

and music for the show) directs

the final number as the judges

tallied scores

3) GLA officers announce the winners

4) The MCs did skits between each act

and were fantastic

5) Ms. Amy Griska, GLA Assistant

Sponsor and Mrs. Rose Shrout,

GLA Sponsor after the show

1

2

3

4

5

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11

Page 16: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Addison, Elizabeth ............... Duquesne UniversityAiken, Nicholas.................... EmploymentAlbright, Adam...................... Penn State UniversityAmoroso, Jiane.................... CCAC Boyce CampusAnderson, Alexa .................. Point Park UniversityAndreoli, Dominick.............. Edinboro UniversityAndrew, Jonathan............... Harding UniversityArabia, Samuel..................... Carpenter ApprenticeArrow, Adrienne................... Allegheny CollegeArthur, Alayna....................... Indian River State .................................................. CollegeBaird, Zachary...................... Slippery Rock .................................................. UniversityBalcik, Bryce......................... West Penn School .................................................. of NursingBallew, Justin ....................... EmploymentBalot, Meghan...................... Bucknell UniversityBeatty, Rebecca................... EmploymentBender, Danielle................... Penn State, AltoonaBenyo, Nicole ....................... Robert Morris UniversityBertram, Stephen ................ CCAC Boyce CampusBetti, Michael ....................... DeVry UniversityBindas, Michael................... Indiana University of PABlotzer, Karli .......................... UndecidedBoggess, Christopher ........ Messiah CollegeBombalski, Victoria ............. Robert Morris UniversityBoney, Rachael .................... Butler Community .................................................. CollegeBoney, TJ............................... Robert Morris UniversityBorish, Andrew .................... US Military ServiceBosco, Maria ........................ Duquesne UniversityBotham, Brendon ................ CCAC Boyce CampusBotta, Christian..................... CCAC Boyce CampusBowser, Haley ...................... CCAC Boyce CampusBrett, Hunter ......................... Ohio UniversityBrinker, Olivia........................ Penn State UniversityBrown, Kaitlyn ...................... Slippery Rock UniversityBrown, Kala........................... CCAC Boyce CampusBuell, Chelsea....................... Clarion UniversityBurger, Rebecca.................. EmploymentCain, Zachary........................ EmploymentCalabrese, Anna .................. IUP Academy of .................................................. Culinary ArtsCampbell, Brad..................... Indiana University of PACaprara, Marina................... Temple UniversityCarragino, Kelly.................... Seton Hill UniversityCarroll, Brandon................... United States ArmyCasteel, Taylor ...................... Westminster CollegeCaulfield, Alexander............ CCAC Boyce CampusChapla, Jessica.................... University of PittsburghChurchel, Steve.................... Manufacturing/.................................................. Machining ApprenticeClark, Max ............................. Indiana University of PA

Cliber, Kaitlin ......................... CCAC Boyce CampusCohen, Steve......................... Heavy Equipment .................................................. OperatorColchagie, Angelina............ CCAC Boyce CampusCollins, Jessica .................... Edinboro UniversityCollins, Matthew.................. Penn State UniversityCommunale, Courtney........ CCAC Boyce CampusCook, Ian................................ Penn State UniversityCooper, Colton ...................... Indiana University of PACooper, Samuel.................... Clarion UniversityCordova, Shaina .................. UndecidedCraft, Garrett ......................... EmploymentCressler, Nolan..................... Cornell UniversityCuiffi, Alana........................... West Virginia UniversityDamp, Sarah ......................... Indiana University of PADancu, Nicole....................... CCAC Boyce CampusDavenport, Kyle.................... Bradford SchoolDavis, Rachel........................ Indiana University of PADeluca, Olivia........................ CCAC Boyce CampusDemich, Brendan................. University of PittsburghDemko, Morgan ................... UndecidedDenne, Chase ....................... CCAC Boyce CampusDent, Tanner.......................... Triangle TechDeRiso, Angela..................... CCAC Boyce CampusDeshong, Hunter.................. Indiana University of PADiaz, Victor ............................ EmploymentDick, Christopher ................. Penn State UniversityDiClaudio, Vanessa ............. Indiana University of PADiGuilio, Michael ................. Indiana University of PADimaria, Angelo ................... EmploymentDoerfler, Donald ................... University of PittsburghDominick, Leighann............. California University .................................................. of PADonatelli, Nicholas .............. University of Pittsburgh, .................................................. GreensburgDonatelli, Regan................... CCAC Boyce CampusDonatucci, Dominick........... Kent State UniversityDruzbanski, Alexander ....... South Methodist .................................................. UniversityDunegan, Mikaela ............... Penn State University, .................................................. New KensingtonEckman, Kelsey.................... UndecidedEhrentraut, Elena ................. University of Pittsburgh, .................................................. BradfordElkner, Lucy ........................... CCAC Boyce CampusEllis, Tarique.......................... Alderson Broaddus .................................................. CollegeErtman, Trevor ...................... EmploymentFalgione, Avante .................. Pittsburgh Technical .................................................. InstituteFarooq, Mohammed............ CCAC Boyce CampusFazio, Cara............................. University of Pittsburgh, .................................................. Johnstown

Fedele, Zachary ................... UndecidedFerracano, Krista ................. Carlow UniversityFerragonio, Lauren.............. CCAC Boyce CampusFigurelli, Lauren.................... St. Vincent CollegeFink, Taylor............................. Triangle Tech, .................................................. GreensburgFinnegan, Nicole.................. University of PittsburghFinnegan, Steven................. University of Pittsburgh, .................................................. JohnstownFlisek, Christopher............... EmploymentFogarty, Nicolas ................... CCAC Boyce CampusFrance, Kyle .......................... Duquesne UniversityGaliano, Joseph ................... CCAC Boyce CampusGarofalo, Anthony................ UndecidedGaston, Jordan..................... Allegheny CollegeGentile, Matthew................. United States Air ForceGestrich, Kelsie .................... Clarion UniversityGillis, Shane .......................... UndecidedGionta, Amber....................... CCAC Boyce CampusGipson, Vanessa .................. Wheeling Jesuit .................................................. UniversityGlaser, Andrew..................... UndecidedGraham, Hannah.................. UndecidedGreco, Anthony .................... Penn State UniversityGreen, David ......................... CCAC Boyce CampusGriffith, Emily......................... Penn State UniversityGunsallus, Cassidy .............. Louisiana Tech .................................................. UniversityHampshire, Christa.............. Penn State UniversityHollinger, Megan ................. UndecidedHomer, Nicholas .................. UndecidedIrvin, Christy .......................... Duquesne UniversityJefferson, Isaiah.................. Youngstown State .................................................. UniversityJohnston, George................ Penn State University, .................................................. New KensingtonJohnston, Stephanie........... UndecidedJohnston, Zeb....................... EmploymentJones, Gina ........................... Douglas Education Ctr.Joyce, Steven....................... CCAC Boyce CampusKalbaugh, David................... Robert Morris UniversityKelly, Cassandra .................. University of PittsburghKelly, Molly ............................ University of FindlayKennedy, Connor ................. EmploymentKennedy, Holly...................... Slippery Rock UniversityKirk, Sarah............................. Waynesburg UniversityKisic, Katelynn...................... Edinboro UniversityKnotts, Bobbie ...................... Penn State University.................................................. New KensingtonKortze, Alyssa....................... Robert Morris UniversityKoshinsky, Luke.................... CCAC Boyce CampusKourniotis, Alexa.................. CCAC Boyce CampusKrieg, Christoffer.................. Penn State UniversityKuhn, Alison.......................... Duquesne UniversityKuhn, Daniel.......................... Penn State UniversityKuhn, Jacob.......................... University of PittsburghKuhn, Tyler............................. UndecidedKun, Allie................................ United States NavyLawhorne, Courtney............ CCAC Boyce CampusLeister, Alexandre................ Robert Morris UniversityLeonzio, Kailey...................... Penn State UniversityLeonzio, Tyler ........................ CCAC Boyce CampusLey, Brendan......................... Clarion UniversityLiberato, Angela................... Indiana University of PA, .................................................. Punxsutawney

Post-SecondarySenior Plans

PLUM BOROUGHS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

12 Plum

Page 17: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Lippert, Danielle ................... UndecidedLittlejohn, Joshua ................ United States Air ForceLitzinger, Taylor..................... University of Pittsburgh, .................................................. JohnstownLiu, Stacy ............................... University of ChicagoLockridge, Joshua............... Youngstown State .................................................. UniversityLooke, Samantha................. CCAC Boyce CampusLott, Kristopher..................... United States .................................................. Marine CorpsLoughner, Hailey .................. California University .................................................. of PALubovinsky, Adam................ EmploymentLucas, Daniel ........................ Penn State UniversityLukac, Kristin ........................ CCAC Boyce CampusLutz, Charles.......................... Shippensburg .................................................. UniversityMaddy, Michael ................... PA Operators Engineers .................................................. ApprenticeMajiros, Marissa.................. CCAC Boyce CampusMaltese, Joseph.................. Penn State University, .................................................. New KensingtonMancuso, Maria .................. CCAC Boyce CampusMandak, Michelle ............... Indiana University of PAMaraldo, Angelo .................. CCAC Boyce CampusMariani, Megan ................... Clarion UniversityMarkham, Dominic.............. Embry-Riddle .................................................. Aeronautical University,.................................................. DaytonaMarotto, John....................... Gannon UniversityMarshall, Brandon .............. CCAC Boyce CampusMasi, Nathanael .................. Pennsylvania College of .................................................. TechnologyMayo, Bradley...................... Penn State UniversityMayo, Kayla .......................... Penn State UniversityMcAleavey, John................. United States Navy McCabe, Marisa.................. Penn State UniversityMcCarthy, Kaitlin ................. Virginia Tech UniversityMcClure, Matthew.............. University of PittsburghMcDade, Jessica ................ University of PittsburghMcGrath, Steve.................... Slippery Rock .................................................. UniversityMelchiore, Emily .................. CCAC Boyce CampusMerenick, Katie.................... CCAC Boyce CampusMeritt, Jessica ..................... Point Park UniversityMessina, Teresa................... Duquesne UniversityMeyers, Robert..................... University of Pittsburgh, .................................................. JohnstownMiller, Zachary ..................... Ohio UniversityMisko, Kalene....................... CCAC Boyce CampusMoore, Hannah.................... UndecidedMorris, Malik......................... Penn State, .................................................. Greater AlleghenyMower, Katie ........................ Slippery Rock .................................................. UniversityMuiter, Stephanie ................ CCAC Boyce CampusMurphy, Jennifer ................. United States Air ForceMyler, Aaron ......................... CCAC Boyce CampusNania, Angela....................... Duquesne UniversityNeace, Jessica .................... EmploymentNeal, Lauren.......................... CCAC Boyce CampusNeff, Eric ................................ CCAC Boyce CampusNelson, Marissa................... CCAC Boyce CampusNicholas, Victoria ................ EmploymentNieser, Joshua ..................... Undecided

Nieser, Kaitlyn....................... EmploymentNycz, Kimberly...................... West Chester .................................................. University of PAO'Donnell, Ian ....................... United States Air ForceOpina, Melissa...................... University of Pittsburgh, .................................................. JohnstownOsborn, Sean ........................ CCAC Boyce CampusParkins, Kevin....................... Slippery Rock .................................................. UniversityPascal, Alexandru ............... University of PittsburghPatroski, Christine................ Kent State UniversityPatton, Justin........................ CCAC Boyce CampusPearlman, Emily ................... University of PittsburghPennington, David ............... Clarion UniversityPeterman, Michelle............. Robert Morris .................................................. UniversityPfeffer, Gabriella .................. United States NavyPhillips, Hali........................... Indiana University of PAPiccolino, Samantha........... CCAC Boyce CampusPierce, Joseph ..................... CCAC Boyce CampusPietryga, Ryan ...................... Grove City CollegePintea, Michael .................... Penn State UniversityPivik, Alexander ................... Slippery Rock .................................................. UniversityPogue, Jordan...................... St. Vincent CollegePuskar, Quinten .................... EmploymentRees, Amanda ...................... Penn State UniversityRegan, James....................... EmploymentReitz, Shane .......................... CCAC Boyce CampusResnik, Kailey........................ University of Pittsburgh, .................................................. JohnstownRings, Bryce.......................... CCAC Boyce CampusRitchie, Justin ....................... CCAC Boyce CampusRobertson, Kelsey................ Indiana University of PARomanko, Scott.................... Penn State BehrendRomano, Danielle................. Clarion UniversityRomell, Bryan ....................... University of PittsburghRomell, Kristyn...................... Grove City CollegeRotto, Aaron.......................... Indiana University of PARubas, Brett .......................... Slippery Rock .................................................. UniversityRudolf, Alexander ................ Penn State University, .................................................. New KensingtonRusso, Marissa..................... Penn State University, .................................................. New KensingtonSalisbury, Jeremy................ University of Pittsburgh,.................................................. GreensburgSappington, Johanthan...... EmploymentSatovich, Andrew................ Slippery Rock .................................................. UniversitySaville, Anthony ................... United States ArmyScheib, Derek ....................... UndecidedSchmalstieg, James............ UndecidedSchmalstieg, William.......... CCAC Boyce CampusSchmidt, Cody....................... United States Air ForceSchmitt, Jamie...................... Indiana University of PA Schroeder, Evan................... Duquesne UniversitySchultz, Joseph.................... United States Air ForceSciotti, Brooke...................... EmploymentSeigh, Haley.......................... UndecidedSekerka, Nicolas.................. La Roche CollegeSenchur, Miranda................ St. Vincent CollegeSeward, Zach ....................... Penn State UniversityShaffer, Christopher ............ Potomac State CollegeShernisky, Thomas.............. Bradford School

Smecker, Lindsey................. Ohio UniversitySmeltzer, Patrick .................. CCAC Boyce CampusSmith, Samantha.................. Westmoreland County .................................................. Community CollegeSmith, Sean........................... CCAC Boyce CampusSmither, Lindsay................... CCAC Boyce CampusSprouse, Aaron .................... CCAC Boyce CampusSpynda, Greg ........................ CCAC Boyce CampusSt. Leger, Aileen ................... Duquesne UniversityStewart, Robert .................... Penn State UniversityStezoski, Gabrielle............... University of Pittsburgh, .................................................. JohnstownStiffler, Matthew .................. Grove City CollegeSwetof, Ciera ........................ EmploymentTasik, Rachael....................... Carlow UniversityTaylor, Meredith ................... Duquesne UniversityTedder, Brandon................... Indiana University of PATheis, Eric .............................. Penn State University, .................................................. BehrendTishko, Sabrina..................... Duquesne UniversityTomaro, Stephanie .............. University of PittsburghTraficanti, Cameron............. UndecidedTrathowen, Timothy............. Hiram CollegeTuite, Michael ....................... Indiana University of PATuite, Steve............................ Penn State UniversityTurko, Nathalie ..................... CCAC Boyce CampusValetta, Aaron....................... UndecidedVarga, Gregory ..................... University of PittsburghVargesko, Payne.................. CCAC Boyce CampusVentrice, Amanda................ IUP Academy of .................................................. Culinary ArtsVerbos, Michelle.................. CCAC Boyce CampusVoithofer, Toni ....................... CCAC Boyce CampusWalla, Ian............................... CCAC Boyce CampusWalton, Benjamin ................ CCAC Boyce CampusWalton, Jessica ................... CCAC Boyce CampusWeber, Megan...................... Bella Capelli Beauty .................................................. AcademyWeichler, Karleigh............... Lake Erie CollegeWeihrauch, Katie................. EmploymentWhiteman, Vanessa............ Carlow UniversityWilkins, Troyan..................... EmploymentWilliams, Robert................... University of Pittsburgh, .................................................. JohnstownWilliams, Zachary................ LaRoche CollegeWilliamson, Ryan................. CCAC Boyce CampusWilson, Caitlin....................... Penn State University, .................................................. BehrendWincko, Lauren.................... Indiana University of PAWinston, Kirsten .................. CCAC Boyce CampusWoods, Aaron....................... Point Park UniversityWunschel, Ashley................ Duquesne UniversityYocca, Eric............................. Pittsburgh Institute of .................................................. AeronauticsYount, Mark ........................... Carnegie Mellon .................................................. UniversityYurovsky, Ronit ..................... University of MichiganYuska, Courtney ................... La Roche CollegeZalepa, Taylor ....................... CCAC Boyce CampusZdinak, Christopher............. Washington & .................................................. Jefferson University

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13

Page 18: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Fifth grade students throughout the district participated inthe 4th annual Career Day, the week of March 26th throughMarch 30th, in their respective buildings. This event is sponsored by the elementary school counselors:

Jena Nese, Christine Bossung, and Martha Laux.Parents and community members are invited tocome and speak on varying topics, such as: whythey choose their careers, what education/trainingit takes to do their profession, what a typical daymight be like, what type of personality/abilitiesthey need for the job, and what they like best/leastabout their career. The goal is to expose the students to several different career possibilities and help them make the connection between

what they are learning in school and why it is important to their future success.The students listened to presenters from fields and careerssuch as: Architectural Engineer, Army Officer, BakeryOwner, Ballerina, Bank Teller, Business Manager, Business Owner/Salesman, Carpenter, CEO of a SoftwareCompany, Chef, Chemical Product Manager, Chiropractor,

Civil Engineer, Construction Manager, Dentist, Developmental Engineer, Driving Instructor, Elderly Caregiver, Employment Recruiter, Financial Analyst, Fire Marshal/K9 Unit, Golf Superintendent, IT Consultant, Medical Technologist, Occupational Therapist, Paramedic,Pet Shop Owner, Periodontist, Pharmacist, Physician, Police Officer, PR Director, Quality Engineer, Reading Teacher, Registered Nurse, Sales/Customer Support, Social Worker, Special Agent (IRS), Tailor, Truck Driver, TV Associate Producer/Director, US Marshall, and VP of Banking. Sixty-One speakers outlinedtheir jobs for the students. Career Day proved to be very informative for everyone involved.

Career day is a great opportunity for students to learn it’s never too early to begin planning for their futures. Thank you to all the parents who volunteered, especially those parents who have nowdonated their time multiple years in a row, to speak

to the students. It was interesting to listen to questions the students had for the presenters. Fifth graders should be applaudedfor their good manners during the presentations.

career Day

Fourth Annual Career Day

PLUM BOROUGHS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

14 Plum

Page 19: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

UPMC TODAYHealth and Wellness News You Can Use | Summer 2012

Here Comes the SunIt’s definitely summer, and you’re ready to enjoy every minute of it. Before you grab your sunglasses and head outdoors, check out our skin protection tips on page 4.

What’s Inside2 You’re Invited! UPMC East Community Open House is June 16

3 Exhausted and Sleepy?

4 Pamper the Skin You’re In

Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins

5 Your Health Care Goes Mobile

6 Talent + Imagination + Learning = Events You Won’t Want to Miss

7 Summer Travels for Seniors

Page 20: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

2 UPMC.com/Today

Join friends and neighbors for a sneak peek inside your new community hospital. UPMC East President Mark Sevco, members of the medical and professional sta�, and many of our associates will be on hand to welcome you.

HOSPITAL SELF-GUIDED TOUR Register online and choose your preferred tour time.

Offered throughout the day, these self-guided tours include: Emergency Department Surgical Suites (closed to the Private patient rooms public after today) The Café And more!

To make your tour as enjoyable and informative as possible, be sure to preregister online at UPMCEast.com/OpenHouse and choose the tour time that best fits your plans for the day. And bring your registration confirmation to the event.

REFRESHMENTS & MOREA bright and airy space near the Café is the perfect place to enjoy light refreshments, chat with hospital representatives and other visitors, and end your tour. Each guest also will receive a gift as our thanks for being part of this special day.

FREE PARKINGFree onsite parking is available in the hospital parking garage located on Fox Plan Road. To access the garage, please enter the facility through gate entrance C (near the front of Lowe’s), and follow signs to the garage.

UPMC East 2775 Mosside Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146 (near the intersection of Route 48 and Route 22/William Penn Highway)

You’re Invited! UPMC East Community Open HouseSaturday, June 16 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Strosch

ein Roa

d

Cente

r Roa

d

Monroeville Boulevard

Miracle MileShopping Center

Monro

eville

Bou

levard

Oxford Drive

Penn Lincoln Parkway

Penn Lincoln Parkway

Mall Plaza Boulevard

Pitcairn Road

William Penn Highway

PA Turnpike

Northern Pike

Mosside Boulevard

To Pittsburgh

Monroeville Mall

Fox P

lan R

oad

UPMC EAST

GETCONNECTED

to UPMC East

8:59 PM

Page 21: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Overweight and diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, and an irregular heartbeat, Robert Guthrie underwent a sleep study at UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center to evaluate his pulmonary function and suitability for gastric bypass surgery. He was shocked to discover he had sleep apnea so severe he actually stopped breathing 147 times per hour.

Affecting 12 million Americans, sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt sleep. Untreated, it can cause serious health problems and lead to deadly accidents due to exhaustion.

“I was totally clueless. It was serendipity that took me to a sleep expert, and it probably saved my life,” says Robert, 65, who immediately began using a nighttime breathing apparatus known as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Within a week, he was sleeping soundly for the first time in six years. “It was life changing,” says the Hopwood, Pa., resident. “I feel 20 years younger.”

Most people don’t know they have obstructive sleep apnea, usually caused when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. People with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly. With each interruption, the drop in oxygen levels prompts the brain to send a surge of adrenaline to kick-start breathing, which also leads to a spike in blood pressure.

“This can happen 600 times a night. It’s a burden on the cardiovascular system and affects the quality of sleep,” says Patrick J. Strollo Jr., MD, medical director of the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center.

According to Dr. Strollo, if you snore loudly, wake up exhausted despite a “good night’s sleep,” or feel tired or sleepy during the day, you should talk to your primary care physician. Since sleep apnea cannot be detected while you’re awake, your doctor may ask you to participate in an overnight sleep study.

At UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center, patients stay in a private bedroom where a sleep technician applies sensors that measure breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and other body functions during sleep. A team of specialists diagnose sleep apnea by looking at the test results and reviewing medical history. Treatment options may include a CPAP machine like Robert uses, which blows air through a special mask worn over the nose.

“I wasn’t wild about wearing the mask. But staying on it was a no-brainer — it’s worth it for a good night’s sleep,” says Robert.

For information about the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center, visit UPMC.com and click Our Services for an alphabetical listing of departments and services.

1-800-533-UPMC 3

Other health consequences of sleep apneaSleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, weight gain, memory problems, and daytime sleepiness. “Loud snoring is a very common feature of sleep apnea and often the most bothersome symptom for patients and other family members,” says Dr. Strollo. “Successful treatment of snoring and sleep apnea can improve quality of life as well as reduce health risks. A variety of medical and surgical treatment options are available, and the treatment plan can be customized to each individual patient.”

The UPMC Sleep Medicine Center at Monroeville is located at 400 Oxford Drive. For information about its services or to schedule a sleep study, call 412-692-2880.

Exhausted and Sleepy?At UPMC’s Sleep Medicine Center, doctors can diagnose and treat sleep apnea, often with surprisingly fast results.

8:59 PM

Page 22: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Goodbye Spider and Varicose Veins They’re more common — and easier to treat — than you think.

They can be tiny or bulging, painless or throbbing. But nearly half of us can expect to get spider or varicose veins, especially after age 50.

“The good news is that many techniques now make vein treatments more safe, comfortable, and effective,” says Ellen D. Dillavou, MD, a vascular surgeon at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

What new treatments are available?

Among the newest is the injection of polidocanol for the treatment of spider veins. “It’s a cosmetic procedure that works much better than saline to collapse surface veins,” says Dr. Dillavou. “Spider veins do reoccur, though, so expect to do ‘touch ups’ periodically.” Injections also are used for larger veins and may replace older procedures like a “vein stripping.”

For treating varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation (a minimally invasive procedure in which radiofrequency energy seals the vein closed) is a popular treatment among her patients, says Dr. Dillavou, “because it’s comfortable and effective.”

Are varicose veins dangerous?“Varicose and spider veins typically don’t pose a health risk, but they can point to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI),” says Eric Hager, MD, a vascular surgeon at UPMC East. “It’s a visual cue that blood may not be optimally flowing to and from the feet and legs to the heart, which can lead to more serious problems.”

Other CVI symptoms include painful, tired, restless, achy, itchy, or swollen legs or ankles. In more advanced cases, skin changes and ulcers can develop. “The problem becomes more difficult to treat as it advances, so it’s important to always share your symptoms with your doctor,” says Dr. Hager.

To learn more about all the vascular services at UPMC East, visit UPMCEast.com.

Pamper the Skin You’re In Your skin is a multitasking marvel. Soft, pliable, and strong, it protects your organs, regulates body temperature, detects and fights off infection, and even repairs itself.

But most of us take our hard-working skin for granted. A little TLC will help keep it healthy and looking good from the inside out.

Keep it clean Daily cleansing can take a toll on your skin, so be gentle. Take shorter baths or showers using warm water, choose a mild cleanser, pat or blot skin dry, and apply a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type.

Eat, drink, and be healthy Feed your skin from the inside for a healthy glow on the outside. Experts recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Drinking plenty of water keeps skin hydrated.

Get moving Regular exercise promotes circulation that energizes skin cells and carries away waste products. It also promotes the restful sleep that’s needed to rejuvenate skin.

Be sun smart Small amounts of daily sun exposure add up, so protect skin from the sun’s rays whenever you’re outdoors — even in wintertime. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and apply it liberally and often. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants provide even more protection.

Check it out Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on parts of the body exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, and hands.

Mohs micrographic surgery has proven to be an effective treat-ment for most skin cancers. This type of surgery removes as little normal tissue as possible and is often used to remove skin cancer on the face.

Regularly checking your own skin can help find cancers early, when they are easier to treat. You’ll find the American Cancer Society’s skin self-examination guide and other sun safety tips at cancer.org.

Sources: American Cancer Society, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

4 UPMC.com/Today

8:59 PM

b “ c

a

o 1

o

e

e

e

e

e

e

v

o

a

-

e giving people what thee

e

e

h

e

o

s immuniza

y

I

e

e

Page 23: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Going mobile is fast and easy

More patient-centered solutions

Your Health Care Goes MobileIt’s now easy to manage your medical records or get automatic access to select test results — because HealthTrak has an app for that.

Sign up today!Easy, direct signup for HealthTrak is available online by going to UPMCHealthTrak.com and clicking “Sign up now” under New User. Follow the steps to complete an online application and answer personal questions designed to ensure that you, and not another person, are creating the account.

If you have difficulties, email [email protected] or call the UPMC HealthTrak Support Line at 1-866-884-8579.

YououY

our Health Car

e Goes Mobiler Health Car

e Goes Mobile

e Goes Mobile

eep tro kNeed tesultsest rand t

ation rimmunizand need a r

YououYw eass no’It

esults — because HealthTr

ents’ appointmentsour elderly parack of yeep trour childro ys tescant instant ac? Wesults

? Run out of medicine while trdsorecation r-up question fwolloe a fvefill? Haand need a r

our Health Carour medical ro manage yy tw easak has an app fresults — because HealthT

ents’ appointmentssen’our childrelingva? Run out of medicine while tr

orour doctor y-up question f

HealthTtain terc

with linkes it easier fmak

e Goes Mobiler Health Cards or get autorecour medical r

t.or thaak has an app f

vides patients with autoak also prrHealthTs, labya-results, including xest rtain t

et inferpro help inty can use ts thewith linkack of their cholesteep tro kor patients tes it easier f

e Goes Mobileo select ts tesctic acomads or get aut

os tescomatic acvides patients with autests,, and pathology t

hisormation. Tet infol,erack of their cholest

e Goes Mobileteso select t

and need a re hourer offictaf

ailable with a click of yve aAll arour iPhone®, iPa tap on y

ak, an IntrHealthTTramily membered fvoappr

about their health. Rak application that prrHealthTTrytime and ans anescac

e giving people what thee’r“W

-up question fwolloe a fvefill? Haand need a r?se hour

our mouse — and most withailable with a click of yoid™ — via UPad®, or Androur iPhone®, iP

e that allo-based servicernetak, an Inte and manageiveco rs, tamily member

ades include a neent upgrecabout their health. Rvides patients with securoak application that pr

e.ywherytime and an

en when thevant — ey we giving people what the

orour doctor y-up question f

our mouse — and most withMCoid™ — via UP

s patients, andwe that alloormatione infe and manag

w mobileades include a neevides patients with secur

e ony’ren when the

es it easier fmakblood prnumbernear futuridentify some skin c

ack of their cholesteep tro kor patients tes it easier fels, and other imporvar lee, sugsuresblood pr

diology to add carMC hopes ts. UPnumbere plans ton are. Also on the horiznear futur

onditions or diseases.identify some skin c

ol,erack of their cholesttant healthels, and other impor

esults in theest rdiology toos to use phote plans t

onditions or diseases.

e giving people what thee’r“Ws a c. It’othe g

wn health,oormation officinf

Going mobile is f

s HealthTesco acTTo ace a HealthTsecur

ou should YYou should then doe, iTorApp St

he mobile app pret). TMark

en when thevant — ey we giving people what they taee we, and frenient, safvons a c

, UPtich, MDaniel Mars G. Dy” sawn health,.erormation offic

yt and easasGoing mobile is f

ak data using a mobile ders HealthTMCHealthTough UPount thrcak acre a HealthT

MyCharee “wnload the frou should then doormerly Andry (fe, or Google Plaorunes St iT Tunes St

o es tescvides acohe mobile app pr

e ony’ren when thee theiro managy t

MC chief medical, UP

stou must fire, yvicak data using a mobile deom.cak.rMCHealthT

om the” frt appMyCharoidormerly Andr

eptcxerything evo e

et). Tisits, or online docteV

000 patients ha,than 100000 arnearly 6,

Online medical carhe number of HealthTTamatically oncdr

est fwand neamily memberf

e patientMor

he mobile app pro Drding torccor visits. Aisits, or online doct

or HealthTe signed up fv000 patients has.e mobile app user000 ar

e of the futurvae is seen as the wOnline medical cared txpects is eak userr r of HealthT Tr

veads about its od sprore wamatically oncor authorizs fesces — including aceaturest f

s.amily member

ed solutionserent-ce patient

epterything eetich, mor. Maro Dr

ak — andror HealthT

e.e of the futureaseo incred t

eeniencvonall cervedor authoriz

e patient

ak givrHealthTTrsonal medical infof pere activa mor

dults juggling the health carAents can use the “prpar

ecof health rommunicatc

ents will especially apprarPs immuniza child’

o a wide rs tesce acs immediates userak givwormation, which allosonal medical inf

ole in managing their health.e re activ

e of their childrdults juggling the health care teaturs” fescxy acoents can use the “pr

efill prds and appointments, rorecs, and ask billing questions.ore with doctommunicat

ving instant ace haeciatents will especially appry need it. Apprd when theorecation rs immuniz

eango a wide reo taks them tw

en and aginge of their childrackeep tro ke t

escriptions,efill prs, and ask billing questions.

os tescving instant acedvoy need it. Appr

Si Eas

y gb“Sign up no

ompletcquestions designed tanother per

y!odaign up tak is aror HealthT Trect signup f, diryEas

o oing ty g omcak.rMCHealthTTrUPollo. Fw Userw” under Ne“Sign up no

e an online application and ansomplete that yo ensurquestions designed t

eating the ace crson, aranother per

ailable onlinevak is aom and clicking

oeps tw the stollosonaler perwe an online application and ans

ou, and note that yount.ceating the ac

s immuniza child’s find eVeregivcar

or the diagnosis of cuseful ftheir elderly r

y need it. Apprd when theorecation rs immunizor visit servicisit, the online docts find eV

gommon, non-uror the diagnosis of ces.elativtheir elderly r

If yedvoy need it. Apprerye, vor visit servic

ent ailments ingor call the UP1-866-884-85

e difficulties, email vou haIf y healthtrak SupporrMC HealthT Tror call the UP

791-866-884-85 .

edu

533-UPMC1-800-5

[email protected] Line atak Suppor

Page 24: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

6 UPMC.com/Today

What do Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, a Meryl Streep movie, and acupuncture have in common? All are among UPMC Senior Communities’ upcoming 2012 Legacy Lineup.

“We’re committed to providing residents at all our senior communities with activities that will capture their interests, generate conversation, and stimulate their minds,” says Nanci Case, vice president for sales, marketing, and activities for UPMC Senior Communities. “Through The Legacy Lineup and other programs, we’re bringing seniors — and people of all ages — together to relax, laugh, and learn together.”

Open to the public, The Legacy Lineup programs are offered at UPMC Passavant Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Woods Village, UPMC Senior Communities’ independent living facility located on the UPMC Passavant campus.

“You can attend a Legacy Lineup event every week of the month, with many events offered at no charge,” says Greta Ceranic, marketing director for Cumberland Woods Village.

The Legacy Theatre is part of a state-of-the-art conference center and 247-seat amphitheatre funded through a generous $16.5 million grant by the Passavant Hospital Foundation. One of the Foundation’s primary goals is public education and outreach. UPMC physicians, nurses, and other medical staff members also use the facility for professional development training.

“And funds raised through The Legacy Lineup support UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund,” adds Ms. Case, “providing financial assistance and other support services to residents in need at all 17 UPMC retirement communities.”

Productions showcase local and national talent

“Each month, The Legacy Lineup features at least one major production featuring a band, soloist, or performance troupe,” says Ms. Ceranic. “Earlier this year, the Tamburitzans appeared to a sell-out crowd. Later this year, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand impersonators will perform with a full orchestra.” The 2012 lineup also includes the Jaggerz and the Fabulous Hubcaps, as well as a major holiday production in December.

Because seating is limited, advance tickets are recommended. Group discounts and ticket packages are available.

Spend Mondays at the movies

From cinematic classics like Citizen Kane to recent block- busters like Iron Lady with Meryl Streep, seniors can enjoy free matinee movies every Monday at 2 p.m. at the Legacy Theatre.

Explore your interests at learning seminars

On alternating Tuesdays at 11 a.m., The Legacy Lineup offers educational programming that covers a wide range of subjects, from tips on aging, caregiver support, health and nutrition, history, and local topics of interest. The seminars are free and open to the public, but advance reservations are requested.

For the full 2012 calendar of activities, or to make reservations, call 412-635-8080 or visit TheLegacyLineup.com.

Talent + Imagination + Learning = Events You Won’t Want to MissUPMC Senior Communities’ year-long calendar of entertainment, movies, and educational seminars aims to enrich the lives of seniors — and delight the public, too.

To learn about the independent living, personal care, assisted living, and skilled nursing options offered by UPMC Senior Communities, call 1-800-324-5523 to schedule a tour.

Locations include Allison Park, Cranberry, Fox Chapel, Greensburg, Lawrenceville, McCandless, Monroeville, Penn Hills, Scott Township, and Washington, Pa.

8:59 PM

g t s

half of all tetanus cases occur in adults 65 and older, consider updating your tetanus shot, too.

department on vaccinations required for seasonal diseases in the country you’re visiting, such as yellow fever, malaria, or typhoid. Be aware that many health care plans, including Medicare, don’t cover care provided outside the United States. Supplemental travel medical insurance can be helpful.

“ p e s

Wearing support stockings can help reduce any numbness or leg pain.

such as wheelchair accommodations. “And if you use oxygen, alert the airline,” says Dr. Carter. “You cannot carry your own oxygen tank on a plane. One will be provided by the airline. However, you will be responsible for making arrangements to have an oxygen tank waiting when you land.”

prescriptions in their original containers with the pharmacy label and prescribing doctor. If you have an implanted medical device or metal prosthesis, such as a knee or hip replacement, notify the security officer.

a m

a

medications and potential sun-related problems before heading to the beach or for a day of sightseeing. Medications for depression, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease are just a few of the drugs with sun-related side effects.

since our bodies typically retain less water as we grow older. Avoid alcoholic beverages, which increase fluid loss.

“ s a high body temperature of 103 degrees or greater; skin that i h

7 5 8:59 PM

Page 25: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

1-800-533-UPMC 7

Experienced travelers know that the key to a great vacation is good planning. “If you’re a senior hitting the road this summer, take a few minutes to plan for your good health away from home,” says Daniel M. Carter, MD, Family Practice Chair, UPMC East.

Be prepared

Whether you’re embarking on an international adventure or heading to your favorite getaway, follow these basics:

Ensure that your vaccinations are current. Since more than half of all tetanus cases occur in adults 65 and older, consider updating your tetanus shot, too.

Going to another country? Check with your county health department on vaccinations required for seasonal diseases in the country you’re visiting, such as yellow fever, malaria, or typhoid. Be aware that many health care plans, including Medicare, don’t cover care provided outside the United States. Supplemental travel medical insurance can be helpful.

“Older adults also should carry a comprehensive list of prescriptions and the appropriate dosage when traveling, especially if they have any complicated medical conditions,” says Dr. Carter.

Getting there is half the fun

Before you jump into the car or catch a plane, remember to:

Avoid sitting in one position for extended periods. Wearing support stockings can help reduce any numbness or leg pain.

Advise the airport of any special needs you may have, such as wheelchair accommodations. “And if you use oxygen, alert the airline,” says Dr. Carter. “You cannot carry your own oxygen tank on a plane. One will be provided by the airline. However, you will be responsible for making arrangements to have an oxygen tank waiting when you land.”

To minimize problems clearing airport security, carry prescriptions in their original containers with the pharmacy label and prescribing doctor. If you have an implanted medical device or metal prosthesis, such as a knee or hip replacement, notify the security officer.

Fun in the sun is different for seniors

“Our ability to tolerate the sun and heat changes dramatically as we age,” notes Dr. Carter. “Many older adults also take medications that put them at an increased risk of photo- toxicity (sensitivity to the sun), dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even life-threatening heat stroke.”

To minimize your risk, Dr. Carter recommends that you:

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and potential sun-related problems before heading to the beach or for a day of sightseeing. Medications for depression, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease are just a few of the drugs with sun-related side effects.

Drink more water to stay hydrated. This is important since our bodies typically retain less water as we grow older. Avoid alcoholic beverages, which increase fluid loss.

“Most of all, seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of heat stroke,” says Dr. Carter. Symptoms can include a high body temperature of 103 degrees or greater; skin that is red, hot, and dry without sweating; a rapid pulse, nausea, headache, or dizziness.

Summer Travels for SeniorsMake your vacation a fun and healthy one with these helpful tips.

8:59 PM

Page 26: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Ready to seewhat’s inside?

Saturday, June 1610 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Care. Convenience. Community. Connected.

All you need to dois register to attend.

Learn how we’rebringing world-class careto the eastern suburbs.

UPMCEast.com/OpenHouseRegister online at

UPMC East2775 Mosside Blvd.Monroeville, PA 15146

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

This publication is for information 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 East on Facebook.

8:59 PM

Page 27: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

PLUM BOROUGHS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 23

Ten-Year History of General Fund Revenues/Subsidies and Expenditures

2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Budgeted Projected

Revenues & $42,633,000 $44,659,000 $46,400,000 $49,291,000 $50,119,000 $51,835,717 $53,214,744 $53,724,963 $52,916,091 $54,446,124 Subsidies

Expenditures $41,378,000 $45,142,000 $46,510,000 $47,818,000 $50,535,000 $51,394,101 $53,356,185 $55,766,164 $53,194,223 $55,661,558

Difference $1,255,000 $(483,000) $(110,000) $1,473,000 $(416,000) $441,616 $(141,441) $(2,041,201) $(278,132) $(1,215,434)

$60,000

$55,000

$50,000

$45,000

$40,000

$35,000

$30,000

Revenues and Subsidies

Expenditures

History ofGeneral Fund Revenues/ Subsidies and Expenditures

$120,000

$100,000

$80,000

$60,000

$40,000

$20,000

$02003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Budgeted Projected

$41,378,000

$42,633,000

$45,142,000

$43,699,000

$46,510,000

$46,400,000

$47,818,000

$49,291,000

$50,535,000

$50,119,000

$51,394,101

$51,835,717

$53,356,185

$53,214,744

$55,766,164

$53,724,963

$53,194,223

$52,916,091

$55,661,558

$54,446,124

Page 28: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

PLUM BOROUGHS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

24 Plum

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Local $28,806,448 $30,626,876 $30,738,968 $28,902,255 $29,403,892 $29,539,192 $30,715,295 $31,044,648State $16,914,805 $17,940,367 $18,656,535 $20,048,343 $22,253,255 $22,523,255 $21,395,138 $21,953,460Federal $469,869 $526,287 $526,287 $603,030 $1,831,377 $1,657,516 $750,845 $1,343,016Other $208,484 $197,305 $197,305 $0 $141,441 $5,000 $5,000 $105,000Total $46,399,606 $49,290,835 $50,119,095 $49,553,628 $53,629,965 $53,724,963 $52,866,278 $54,446,124

Local, State, Federal and Other Revenue Sources $35,000

$30,000

$25,000

$20,000

$15,000

$10,000

$5,000

$0

Name Description Amount Accountability Block Grant Fulltime Kindergarten Staff $ 221,738.00Alleg. Cty Health Insurance Consortium Life Style Returns - CASH Inc. $ 500.00 Safe Schools Grant Positive Behavior Support $ 11,050.00 Oblock Jr. HighMid-Atlantic Dairy Association Healthy Eating Plan $ 1,500.00 Stern Advertising - McDonald’s Grant iPad2 - English $ 500.00 Stern Advertising - McDonald’s Grant iPad2 - Math/Algebra $ 500.00 Stern Advertising - McDonald’s Grant Service Projects $ 500.00 Plum Sr. HighExxonMobil Educational Alliance Prog. Scholarship $ 500.00 Natl Consortium - Teaching about Asia Social Studies materials $ 200.00 Natl Consortium - Teaching about Asia Social Studies materials $ 200.00 Pennsylvania Beef Council I Love Beef Program $ 108.24

Pivik ElementaryHighmark Healthy High 5 Challenge Physical Education Equipment $ 9,534.00

Regency Park ElementaryHighmark Healthy High 5 Challenge Physical Education Equipment $ 9,534.00

Each year various foundationsand corporations awardgrants to school districts tohelp fund particular projects.Below is a chart showing the grants awarded to PlumBorough School District during the 2011-12 school year and the projects fundedby those monies.

Grants Awarded for the 2011-12School Year

Local Revenue Sources State Revenue Sources Federal Revenue Sources Other Revenue Sources

Page 29: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Amount % of Total

Salaries for Instructional Staff, Administrators, Bus Drivers, Mechanics, $27,951,733 50% Custodians, Paraprofessionals, Substitutes, Activity Sponsors, Coaches and Security Staffs

Payroll Taxes, Employee Benefits, Pension Contributions, Retiree's Benefits, $11,764,809 21% Tuition Reimbursement, Unemployment & Workers' Compensation Insurances

Property & Income Tax Collections, Contracted Special $2,154,902 4%Education Support Programs

Electricity, Water/Sewage, Repairs, Copier Service, BCMC Rental Fees $1,092,804 2%

Tuition to Cyber Charter, Private, Vo-Tech, Approved Private $2,398,362 4% Schools, Travel, Property & Liability Insurances, Advertisements

General & Instructional Supplies - Classrooms, Custodial & Mnt., Diesel Fuel, $1,720,925 3% Natural Gas, Communications, Books & Periodicals, Building Operations

New & Replacement Equipment: for Classroom Instructional, $915,447 2%Technology and Facilities Departments

Professional & Board Dues & Fees, Debt Payments on Bonds/Principal $7,171,296 13% & Interest Contingencies for General Expenditures, Relocation of Softball Field to HS, Diesel Fuel; Donations to Plum Public Library and Refunds for Tax Assessment Appeals

Assessment Appeals Settlement Refund $491,280 1%

Report Totals $55,661,558 105%

2012-13 Projected Preliminary General Fund Expenditures by Object Codes

Total of all 2012-13 Preliminary Budget RevenueSources as of May 22, 2012: $54,446,124

Amount % of Total

Revenues from Local Sources $31,044,648 57%

Subsidies from State Sources $21,953,460 40%

Subsidies from Federal Sources $1,343,016 3%

Other Funding Sources $105,000 0%

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 25

Page 30: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

PLUM BOROUGHS C H O O L D I S T R I C T

26 Plum

It’s a record-breaking year for reading at Oblock Junior High. Reading isalways a primary focus at Oblock, and this year students are achievingtremendously. As of May 17th, 306 students (almost half the studentbody) are in the Oblock Reading Hall of Fame, which means that theyhave read and passed enough Accelerated Reader (AR) tests to haveearned over 126 points. Depending upon the point level of the book, it takes approximately 20-25 books to reach Hall of Fame status.

While Oblock is proud of all of its amazing readers, there are two students who have reached a truly remarkable achievement: they eachhave earned over 2,000 Accelerated Reader points in just this school year alone! Noah Coulson, an eighth grade student at Oblock, is nostranger to reading achievement. Last year, he earned 1,748.6 points,which is the highest number of AR points any student has ever earned inone school year. Noah began this year with a goal to beat his all-schoolrecord, which he accomplished before the end of March when he brokethe 2,000 point mark. In total, he has amassed 2,734.3 points by readingand passing tests on 143 books, all while averaging 98.8% correct. Whenasked what his favorite type of literature is, Noah replied that he enjoysfantasy stories like the Redwall series by Brian Jacques while also appreciating the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz.

All year long another standout reader challenged Noah for the topspot in the Hall of Fame. Seventh-grader Gabrielle Miller burst onto theOblock reading scene by being the first student to earn 1,000 points thisyear. On December 22, 2011, Gabby made history by earning 1,000 pointsso early in the school year; in the past, students who have surpassed1,000 points have done so in the spring. To date, Gabby has accumulated2,239.7 points, which she earned by reading and passing tests on 248books. Gabby credits 5th grade teacher Amy Coddington for inspiring her to read so much. Furthermore, in Ms. Coddington’s class, Gabby participated in a reading contest where she read so much and passed somany AR tests, that she outshone even the sixth graders in her school!Since that time, she has been reading as much as possible, especiallyfantasy books like Erin Hunter’s Warriors series as well as the 39 Cluesseries, all three of Rick Riordan’s series, and the Edge Chronicles series.

Gabby encourages other kids to find something they like to read and work really hard.

Both Noah and Gabrielle have spurred a wave of reading that is cresting high at Oblock this year. More students than ever are readingand performing well on their AR tests. Not only are there over 300 students in the Hall of Fame, but also there are 338 students who are inthe Junior Varsity, Varsity, and All-Stars combined, which are the otherlevels of the Team Read Incentive Program. An astonishing 97% of thestudent body has earned a minimum of ten AR points. The readingachievement of all students at Oblock is admirable, and the faculty, staff, and administration hope that everyone continues their success by completing summer reading and coming back to school in the fallready to rock AR again!

What are AR and ATOS?AR stands for Accelerated Reader, which is a program offered by the Renaissance Learning Corporation. The District provides this program for students in grades K-8. Renaissance Learning developed its own module for determining the readability of a book, which they call ATOS.The ATOS level of a book determines the points a student may earn byreading and passing the test with at least a 60%. AR Quizzes are either10 or 20 questions depending on the length of the book.

Oblock Accelerated Readers stats at a glance (as of May 23, 2012)Total number of students: 661Number of students with at least 10 points: 645 (97.5%)Number of students in Reading Hall of Fame: 315Number of students in the 300 point club: 42Number of words read by Gabby Miller: 15,546,764Number of words read by Noah Coulson: 16,760,837Number of words read by the entire Oblock Student body: 659,651,029

Number of books read by the Oblock student body: 13,292

Incentive Reader Program at Oblock

Students with 500 points or more

Page 31: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 27

BarkingSlopes Clean UpAllegheny Land Trust joined with Allegheny Cleanways and OakmontCountry Club on March 26th, to remove an old dump along the banks ofBlacks Run, which flows from Barking Slopes Conservation Area to theOakmont East course. A group of volunteers including Oakmont staffand General Manager Paul Mroz spent over three hours removing morethan 100 tires and a variety of debris from the stream.

Thank You to all the volunteers for their hard work!

The Barking Slopes Biological DiversityArea (BDA) encompasses a steepwalled, forested valley and streamknown as Blacks Run. The overall topography is enhanced by a widerange of exposed bedrock, soil, andmoisture conditions that result in aunique forest community supporting a wide range of birds and animals, including neo-tropical migratoryspecies such as Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, Red-eyed Vireos,Wood Thrushes, American Restarts,and Hooded Warblers.

This 230-acre property in Plum Borough is owned by the AlleghenyLand Trust, and has been classified as a biological High Diversity Area.Though recovering from past manmade disturbances such as clear-cutlogging, coal mining, and railroad construction, there still remains a large diversity of tree species found onthis site, including American Beech,Northern Red and White Oak, SugarMaple, Eastern Hemlock, Hop Hornbeam, American Basswood, Shagbark Hickory, and White Ash. The varied and steep elevation of the site also includes numerousherbaceous plant species such as large-flowered trillium, red trillium, blueand black cohosh, Jack-in-the-Pulpit,and Wild Columbine.

Page 32: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

We build better care.

2011-2012

BES

T DOCTORS

*

Allergy & ImmunologyBehavioral Health CardiologyFamily PracticeGastroenterology General Surgery Hospital Medicine

Internal MedicineNeurologyPediatricsPodiatry Radiology Sleep Medicine

T

R

TOOR

TTOCT

CTODTSST

SRSEES

BBE

2112

0012-11001

220

e build better care.W

staff deliver a standard of care that prioritizes theAt Premier Medical Associates, Dr

e build better care.

staff deliver a standard of care that prioritizes theuge and her. FAt Premier Medical Associates, Dr

e build better care.

staff deliver a standard of care that prioritizes theuge and her

Behavioral Health Allerg

e build better care.

NeurologInternal Medicine

Behavioral Health yy & ImmunologAllerg

NeurologInternal Medicine

he care is efficient. TT

value in that.leading healthy lives. Our patients find real hospital stays. Tminimizes testing, emergency room visits andpatient in a proactive and preventative way that

amily PracticePremier F

patient’s care needs.staff deliver a standard of care that prioritizes the

he care is high qualityhe care is efficient. T

value in that.leading healthy lives. Our patients find real

he results are healthier patientshospital stays. Tminimizes testing, emergency room visits andpatient in a proactive and preventative way that

focuses on caring for theamily Practice

patient’s care needs.staff deliver a standard of care that prioritizes the

he care is high quality

leading healthy lives. Our patients find real he results are healthier patients

minimizes testing, emergency room visits andpatient in a proactive and preventative way that

focuses on caring for the

staff deliver a standard of care that prioritizes the

Hospital MedicineGeneral Surgery Gastroenterologamily PracticeF

CardiologBehavioral Health

Sleep MedicineRadiologodiatry PediatricsP

Neurolog

Hospital MedicineGeneral Surgery

y Gastroenterologamily Practice

yCardiologBehavioral Health

Sleep Mediciney Radiolog

odiatry ediatrics

yNeurolog

*Elected by her peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America

, w At Premier r, we are

he care is efficient. TT

*Elected by her peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America

er Care.Building Bett, we are

he care is high qualityhe care is efficient. T

0008 and 27 to 200 from 2®*Elected by her peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America

er Care.

.he care is high quality

2.101 to 210

Page 33: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

 

Your Total Picture of Health: Why Mental Health Matters

www.PremierMedicalAssociates.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mental health screenings on treatment options available through a

 

and advise youon treatment options available through a

 

on treatment options available through abehavioral health physician.

Successful management of any chronicdisease often calls for both mental andphysical care. Good mental health playsa large role in coping with challengingsymptoms and conditions. At Premier,behavioral health is just one more part ofBuilding Better Care for our patients.

, MD is a per Hauber r, MD is a pset P PetDrr. Ps, the lareemier Medical Associatrremier Medical AssociatPPr

 

on treatment options available through abehavioral health physician.

Successful management of any chronicdisease often calls for both mental andphysical care. Good mental health playsa large role in coping with challengingsymptoms and conditions. At Premier,behavioral health is just one more part ofBuilding Better Care for our patients.

chiatrist withy ps syst multi-geest multi-, the lar rge

 

actice in the Grsician pr ractice in the Gryysician prphhy

www.PremierMedicalAssociates.com

 

ea.gh ar rea.er Pittsbur rgh areat r reat

www.PremierMedicalAssociates.com

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 29

����������������

��

�����

������ �

SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section

SUMMER 2012 COMMUNITY M

AGAZINE

PLUS! Venango

Trails: An Exception

al Lifestyle

This issu

e is also av

ailable on

line

www.incommunitymagazines.com

Page 34: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

There are few smells in the world better than a bakery. Sugarybuttery goodness fills the air with its heavenly aroma. Everythingabout this place tingles my senses.A man comes over to greet me, grinning ear to ear despite

the fact that the sun hasn’t risen yet. He’s wearing a polo shirtneatly tucked into white pants. An outstretched hand and anoffer for a morning donut and coffee confirm my belief that this is Marc Serrao: husband, father, and owner of the OakmontBakery. He sits down with me for the next half-hour to tell meabout his life as a business resident of the Oakmont community. Marc hails from Penn Hills, and currently lives in Plum

Borough. He and his wife, Susan, bought the Oakmont Bakery in 1988, then just 1,000 square feet on Allegheny River Boulevard. Today, their business has developed into 8,500square feet and one of Pittsburgh’s largest retail bakeries with a recipe for success. Marc, like any entrepreneur with a dream, started small as a

cleaning boy turned baker turned manager at the Penn HillsDonut Shack. The desire to work in this field and run a businesswas something that ran through Marc’s blood at a young age,and that now flows through the veins of his children. It’s clearthat family is important to Marc just by glancing around at thephotos in his bakery. Portraits of his children alongside deliciousdesserts hang on the walls. Marc and Susan have five children:Stephanie (27), Tony (24), Kristen (18), Angela (11), and Emily(9). Marc’s eyes lit up when I asked about his family. He tells me the things that are important to him are “faith, family, andfriends.” Then this father, with a true sense of pride, told me thestories of his oldest offspring: Stephanie and Tony.Tony, Marc’s only son, would wake up at 5 a.m. and ask to

go to work with his dad at the early age of five. Nineteen yearslater, Tony holds a degree from the AIB School of Baking andworks as the production manager of his family’s bakery.Marc’s oldest, Stephanie, did not have a love-at-first-sight

relationship with her parents’ business. She began working at the bakery when she was 14 and aspired to be a teacher,but a change in major to marketing led to a change of heart for Stephanie who found a place running the retail end of the bakery. Marc and Susan have established a successful business for

future generations of their family. But the family of bakers is not all work and no play. They are heavily involved in theirchurch community, Pittsburgh East Community Church in PlumBorough. Marc is the vice president of the board of directors at Pittsburgh East, but wears many hats as a member of the voluntary staff, including operations manager and assistant tothe senior pastor. He spoke proudly about his parish’s sisterchurch in Uganda. The two churches established a relationship

two years ago that includes a monthly letter exchange and various forms of aid. Marc plans to visit Uganda with his daughter in January.After talking about faraway places, I was intrigued to find out

Marc’s opinion of somewhere a little closer to home: the Oakmont community. He told me, “Oakmont is a fantastic community… In my opinion, it’s very quaint and has that oldcommunity charm, but it’s also an innovative, up-to-date town.”

Marc Serrao puts down his spatula for an interview with IN Community Magazine By Chelsie Kozera

30 Plum

Resident Profile

Marc Serrao

Page 35: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

He mentioned Edgewater, the boulevard walking trail, and theunique stores that Oakmont has to offer, which are anythingbut mom-and-pop shops. Marc also shared his favorite thing about Oakmont, which is how “the borough works with business owners and property owners to help get thingsmoving along.” There are a lot of positive things about thischarming Steel City suburb and Marc brought some of theseattributes to light.Looking around at one of Pittsburgh’s largest retail bakeries,

where portraits of a happy family fill the walls, I asked Marc:“Do you think that if you achieve your dreams, you’re at a loss because you don’t know what to dream after that?” He answered quickly and confidently that he was still dreaming. He dreams of continuing to develop his businessand solidifying the relationship between Pittsburgh East and its Ugandan sister church. Marc is truly a visionary withdreams for continual improvement for himself, his church, his bakery, and his community. As a business resident of Oakmont, Marc has been bringing

joy into people’s lives with his delectable desserts for over 20 years. But someday soon he hopes to make his exquisitelylarge bakery a “Pittsburgh Destination,” spreading news ofOakmont’s favorite place for a sugar fix to the city and beyond.

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 31

Page 36: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

The Plum Police Department proudly participated in a Charity Torch Run tobenefit Special Olympics. The event tookplace June 5-7 in a segmented run fromPittsburgh to State College. Forty law enforcement teams carried the Flame of Hope torch to the Special Olympics2012 Summer Games by each owning a3- to 4-mile stretch of the 150-mile trek.

The three-day run was entitled the “Be a Fan Torch Run” and helped kick off the organization’s largest competition with the lighting of the Flame of Hope duringOpening Ceremonies.The Plum officers committed to owning

one of those stretches of highway because of the positive impact that SpecialOlympics has on the lives of thousands ofcitizens with intellectual disabilities.

The Plum Police Department Participates in Charity Torch Run for Special Olympics

By Matthew J. Fascetti

32 Plum

Page 37: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Team Leader Officer Jeremy Cumberledge was happy to run for thecause. “When the Special Olympicsreached out to us, I jumped at thechance. This is such a great cause, and giving back is what being a policeofficer is about,” he said. “Plus, I am already an active runner so this eventwas a perfect fit for me.” Cumberledge,a five-year patrol officer, noted that thePlum Police Department’s stretch ofhighway began on Rt. 22 at the cornerof Hornock Road and ended at theSheetz in New Alexandria.The mission of Special Olympics

is to provide year-round sports trainingand athletic competition in a variety ofOlympic-type sports for children andadults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continual opportunities todevelop physical fitness, demonstratecourage, experience joy and participatein a sharing of gifts, skills and friendshipwith their families, other SpecialOlympics athletes and the community.In addition to running, the Plum

Police Department had a fundraising

“When the SpecialOlympics reached out to us, I jumped at thechance. This is such a great cause, and giving back is what being a

police officer is about.”Team Leader

Officer Jeremy Cumberledge

goal for the event. It is never too late to donate; any amount is appreciatedas it all goes to a wonderful, worthycause. If you wish to donate, you canvisit the Be a Fan Torch Run homepageat www.kintera.org. If you wish to donate offline, please make yourcheck payable to “Special OlympicsPennsylvania” and mail directly toSpecial Olympics Pennsylvania, CedarRidge Business Park, 200 Cedar RidgeDrive, Suite 214, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.Please be sure to include “Plum PDTeam” and “2012 Be a Fan Torch Run”in the memo area so the staff willknow where to credit the contribution. If you choose to give cash or checks

in person, go to the Plum Police Station and ask for the team leader,Officer Jeremy Cumberledge. So farthe total amount raised for the event is $29,700.The Plum Police Department would

like to thank everyone for their supportin this event, especially all those who have given, or will give, to thistremendous cause.

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 33

Page 38: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

� � � � �� � � �

� � � � �� � � �

� � � � �� � � �

��������������������������������������������� �������������������

hen it comes to autism spectrumdisorder and classroom analysis,

Rebecca Moyes wrote the book. Actually,she’s written several of them on the topic andhas shaped how the new autism school atPressley Ridge can succeed where traditionalpublic school classrooms fall short.

Moyes, a former teacher in both publicand private schools, is the author of fivebooks in the field of autism education. Shehas been a consultant/trainer for schooldistricts throughout the country. Rebecca is

a nationally and internationally recognizedspeaker on the subject of autism education.Currently she serves as the Director of thenew Pressley Ridge School for Autismlocated in the Emsworth neighborhood of Pittsburgh.The key to a student with autism’ssuccess is careful planning on the students’ behalf by parents and schooladministrators.

“In our field, we talk about the ‘leastrestrictive environment.’ Ideally, wewould want every child’s least restrictiveenvironment to be their home school.However, reality tells us that this is notalways feasible because some childrenhave very intensive needs. There’salways going to be a subsetof children that are going toneed specialized classroomenvironments.” Moyes said.“Sometimes, when studentswith autism aren’t providedwith appropriate supports,they can become anxious,depressed, aggressive, andeven violent. These areoften the students that arereferred to Pressley RidgeSchool for Autism. Parentsneed to be very vigilant

about what services their child is getting inpublic school so the cycle of problembehaviors can be short-circuited before anoutside referral has to be made.”

The reason behind why students withautism tend to struggle in public schoolenvironments is because of the nature of the disorder itself. All children with autismspectrum diagnoses have some form oflanguage and social impairment. Many havesensory processing disturbances as well.

Autism spectrum disorder isn’t a self-contained diagnosis. It’s more of acontinuum of extremes that students fallinto. As an example, some children areverbal, others aren’t. Some children arehypersensitive to sensory stimuli, others arehyposensitive. Those who are hypersensitivelive in a world of heightened alertness.Sounds, smells, and touches are often overlypronounced. They may be overaroused bylights being too bright in the classroom,sounds echoing down the halls from otherclassrooms, or even by the way their clothingfeels. Those on the other end of thespectrum might seek out sensory stimulibecause they are underaroused. They maynot feel pain when they are hurt, or they maycrave certain textures or smells. Thesedisturbances can result in unexpected andodd-like behaviors.

Moyes’ book, Building Sensory FriendlyClassrooms to Support Challenging Behavior,addresses the needs of these children andhow school teachers and administrators canevaluate their classrooms and createenvironments which are “sensory friendly.”But the strategies therein don’t just benefitkids with autism spectrum disorder! Allchildren can benefit in classrooms wherethey can be more attentive and comfortable.Rebecca believes that sensory friendlyclassrooms create better learningenvironments for all students.

“The book talks about the importance ofdata collection when sensory strategies areimplemented. The wrong strategy canworsen behavior and that’s often whenteachers give up. But, all this means is that a

new strategy needs to be tried and theprevious one discarded,” she said.“Educators need to adopt a flexible attitudewhen it comes to working with kids withautism spectrum disorder.”

In addition to sensory challenges,children with autism may also react poorly to change.

“In a normal classroom, change happensall the time. Students go from one classroomor activity to another. Sometimes there areweather delays. Sometimes eventshappening in the school cause schedulechanges. Those really affect our children,”Moyes said. “Our executive functions allowus to adapt quickly and easily to the changesof everyday life. But our children oftencannot shift between one thing or another,and they perseverate on routines or rituals.Keeping things as structured as possible forthem is very important. A visual schedule ofthe days’ events is helpful not only because oftransition difficulties; it is necessary becausethe students also experience languagedeficiencies. For this reason, “show teaching”is always better than “talking teaching.”

Moyes joined the organization in 2010 tomanage its new autism education program.In addition, she leads Pressley Ridge’s autisminitiative to provide professionaldevelopment and consultative services fordistrict staff, community agencies andparents. She has been instrumental indesigning Pressley Ridge’s new School forAutism, which opened in 2011.

For more information on Pressley Ridge’sSchool for Autism, call 412.322.0140, or goto www.pressleyridge.org/school-for-autism.

34 Plum

Page 39: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 35

� � � � �� � � �

����������������

��

�����

������ �

SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section

SUMMER 2012 COMMUNITY M

AGAZINE

PLUS! Venango

Trails: An Exception

al Lifestyle

www.incommunitymagazines.com

Page 40: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

By Heather Holtschlag

Real Estate in Plum

The front porch may rank near the bottom on the list of favorite rooms that people mention whentalking about their homes, but it ranks nearthe top in terms of importance.

Considered a home’s “welcome mat,” the front porch offers a home’s first – and oftentimes only – impression to family,friends, and passersby. The friendlier it looks, the more appealing the home.

So how can you dress up your front porchso that it contributes to the charm of yourneighborhood, or, if a front porch is still justa dream, how can you add to your house butstay within budget?

If your goal is to add a front porch ontoyour home, you may first want to take a good

lookat thefront of yourhome and plan aporch that matchesyour home’s style. Thinkabout whether you want theporch area to be a simple transitioninto your home, or whether you want tocreate an entirely new living space. Also, determine how much space you will have to dedicate to a front porch area.

If it’s a small, transitional area, you maynot be able to give the area a complete overhaul, but rather enhance the space that is already there with charming accents.

When it comes time to decorate the frontporch, consider what room the porch leadsto within the house. If it leads to a traditionalliving or dining room, for example, you likely will not want to decorate the porch in a tropical theme.

Also, choose a type of paint for the frontdoor that contains a high gloss and a colorthat will be noticeable. Consider changingthe hardware as well. Go for house numbersthat appear strong and bold, which couldgive your entire exterior a new look, and add a door knocker for a touch of elegance.

Before adding furniture to a roomierporch, make sure to attend to the paint onthe sides and floor. Repair any paint that ispeeling and add a fresh coat to the sides andfloor first. And when adding the furniture,look for a piece such as a loveseat that can

holdtwo people,and an ottomanthat can double asstorage space. The largestpiece of furniture should faceoutward, with smaller pieces surrounding it.

Artwork that is made to handle the elements of the outdoors can add attentionand attractiveness if hung above the sittingarea, and look for rugs and pillows that canfinish off the space. Blinds or curtains canhelp prevent sun damage to the furniture and artwork, and can be of aid when people are sitting there.

One final note to keep in mind when designing and decorating your porch is todecorate for the seasons. Add pumpkindécor during Halloween or floral accentsduring the spring and summer. A harvestwreath in the fall and an evergreen wreath in the winter also can add to the beauty of the season.

PA 037930

36 Plum

Page 41: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

EXPLORING THE

4100 William Penn Highway, Murrysville, PA. 724.519.2577

www.dreamkitchensbaths.com

� � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � �� ������������

�������������

������������� �� �����������������

��� ������ ����

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 37

Some women are notorious for tak-ing up space – closet space, kitchenspace and bedroom space can over-flow with shoes, clothes, jewelry andgeneral knick knacks. And, espe-cially if the woman’s space is spreadthroughout the entire house, her man might just need one room to call his own: a “Man Cave.”The idea of a Man Cave is definitely not a

new one, and may have been referred to by different names, such as “The Boys Club,” a“Mantuary,” or a retreat. The concept hasbeen around for years and has been markedby random surges in popularity, the most re-cent being just a few years ago when TVshows such as “Man Caves” began appearing.Although the purpose of a Man Cave haschanged from its initial appearance hundredsof years ago, the basic concept remains thesame: a place for men to go to escape theroutine domesticities of everyday life.A Man Cave can be any room in the house

– the garage, an attic or even an extra bed-room – designed and decorated to a man’stastes, and can incorporate a specific themesuch as sports, cars or guitars and other mu-sical instruments. In some homes, the purpose of a Man Cave

may be to provide some space to the manwhere he can relax and unwind and feel moreat home in a house that often consists of fe-male-driven décor and accessories.

In other houses, a Man Cave might be aplace where a sign is hung that states “NoGirls Allowed,” or a place where he can hangout with his buddies and not feel like he needsto impress anyone.

Studies have shown that when a man has a place to call his own within the home,there is increased marital harmony and decreased marital stress.

Because these rooms are designed tomeet each man’s own personal taste,every Man Cave is different. He maychoose to stock his room with nice furni-ture, a big screen television, a bar or evengame accessories such as a pool table,pinball machine, or dart board. Otherpopular must-haves are billiard lightsover the pool table and a free-standingbeer tap in place of a fully stocked bar.If price is no object, the man may want

to get the best of everything – from qual-ity made bar stools and bar to the finestglassware. He may even choose to adornthe walls with various video games orhang guitars. He can display his teamspirit by hanging wall decals of his fa-vorite team’s logo throughout the room,or even on the pool table, a set of cues, orglassware. In addition, he can buy pillows,rugs, lamps and other furniture to match,making his Man Cave the perfect place towatch the game.

Any room, no matter the size orshape, can be transformed into the ManCave of his dreams. All it takes is a bit ofthought and creativity… and maybe a fa-vorite football game.

A Man Cave can be any

room in the house – the

garage, an attic or even

an extra bedroom

Page 42: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

38 Plum

Page 43: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

Plum | Summer 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 39

Page 44: SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section - Plum Borough District 20123.pdf · SPECIAL: Plum Real Estate Section ... Pamela Palongue ... p.palongue@incommunitymagazines.com or call us at

603 East McMurray RoadMcMurray I PA I 15317724.942.0940www.incommunitymagazines.com

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE

PAIDPITTSBURGH, PA

PERMIT NO.887

IN Community Magazines:

With ads starting at less than per household, local businesses agree thatdirect mail remains the single most cost-effective method of advertising.

Find out how our 36 direct-mailed, community-sponsored, quarterly magazines can grow your business.

CCoonnttaacctt uuss aatt

772244..994422..00994400

| IN BEDFORD COUNTY |

| IN BETHEL PARK |

| IN BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN- WHITEHALL |

| IN CANON-MAC |

| IN CARLYNTON-MONTOUR |

| IN CHARTIERS VALLEY |

| IN FOX CHAPEL |

| IN GREENSBURG-SALEM |

| IN HAMPTON |

| IN HARBORCREEK [Erie] |

| IN KEYSTONE OAKS |

| INMARS AREA |

| INMcKEESPORT AREA |

| INMERCER COUNTY |

| INMILLCREEK [Erie] |

| INMONROEVILLE |

| INMOON TOWNSHIP |

| INMT. LEBANON |

| INMURRYSVILLE |

| IN NORTH ALLEGHENY |

| IN NORWIN |

| IN PENN HILLS |

| IN PETERS TOWNSHIP |

| IN PINE-RICHLAND |

| PLUM |

| IN ROSS TOWNSHIP |

| IN SENECA VALLEY |

| IN SEWICKLEY AREA |

| IN SHALER |

| IN SOUTH FAYETTE |

| IN UPPER ST. CLAIR |

| INWEST ALLEGHENY |

| INWEST COUNTY [Erie] |

| INWEST JEFFERSON HILLS |

| INWEST MIFFLIN |

| INWOODLAND HILLS |