Cornell Edition Serving Coraopolis and Neville Island communities of Cornell School District Volume 1, Number 4 Fall 2019 One of four editions serving 17 airport area communities. www.awmagazine.com FREE Direct Mail Community Publication Allegheny West M agazine INSIDE! Official Newsletter Page 20 Why Coraopolis is the next great town Making sure everyone can go to the movies Local bike shop celebrates 50 years Local Scouts earn horsemanship badge Heading West with Pat Jennette Coraopolis’ young photographers2 • Allegheny West Magazine • Fall 2019 Hay Rides, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Arts & Crafts, Inflatables, Special Performances and More! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 12:00 NOON-4:00 PM AT SOUTH PARK FAIRGROUNDS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 12:00 NOON-4:00 PM AT HARTWOOD ACRES PARK AMPHITHEATER Details available at alleghenycounty.us/specialeventsFall 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 3 SAVE THE DATE 40 th Annual West Allegheny SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 West Allegheny High School Joe P. DiMichela Stadium 205 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126 Gates Open: 5PM Performances Start: 6PM Visit www.westamarchingpride.comP. O. Box 220, McDonald, PA 15057 Phone: 724.673.3161 E-Mail: info@awmagazine.com www.awmagazine.com WE PROUDLY SPONSOR AND SUPPORT: A variety of community, school, and nonprofit organizations in our coverage areas of Cornell, Moon, Montour, and West Allegheny. We are committed to recycling our used and leftover products. We encourage our readers to be responsible and dispose of this magazine when finished enjoying it. Consider passing it along to someone else, or placing it in your neighborhood recycling bins. Thank you in advance for doing your part for our earth. Hughey Publications, LLC also publishes the West Allegheny Edition of Allegheny West Magazine, the Montour Edition of Allegheny West Magazine, and the Moon Edition of Alleghney West Magazine. MEMBER “GOOD NEWS ALWAYS, MAILED & DELIVERED FREE, EVERY TIME” Allegheny West Magazine - Cornell Edition, is an all positive, good news publication mailed free into the homes and businesses of the Cornell School District communities of Coraopolis and Neville Island to connect communities, promote people, heighten awareness about the richness of the airport region, and build pride in the western suburbs of Allegheny County. Allegheny West Magazine Now in Our 21 st Year Proudly Serving the Airport Area PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Doug Hughey WRITERS Jill Bordo Pat Jennette Jocelyn Grecko GRAPHIC DESIGN Sarah Kizina WEBMASTER www.ddswebdesign.com CONTRIBUTORS Barb Kleyman Jesse Forquer FOUNDING PUBLISHER Pat Jennette • Allegheny West Magazine • Fall 2019 4 Allegheny West Magazine-Cornell Edition is published in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer, four issues a year, Hughey Publications, LLC, P. O. Box 220, McDonald, PA 15057. Mailed and distributed free to residents and businesses in Coraopolis, Neville Island and Cornell School District. Extra copies available at municipal offices, schools, libraries, stores, advertisers, hotels, and businesses. Available by mail subscription for $15 annually. Story ideas welcomed. Community events and announcements from non-profit groups must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publishing date. Announcements are limited to 30 words and must include a contact phone number. Reproduction of any artwork, photographs, or copy prepared by Allegheny West Magazine is strictly prohibited without written consent of Hughey Publications LLC. Copyright 1999-2019 Allegheny West Magazine. All rights reserved. Views and opinions expressed by contributors and/or advertisers are the responsibility of the contributors and not those of the publisher of Allegheny West Magazine. Dear Readers, Thank you for picking up our special back-to-school September Cornell edition of Allegheny West Magazine! I hope you’re having a great summer and are looking forward to all the fun and exciting things in store in the coming fall season. In this special edition we’re once again bringing you our tear-out academic calendars and varsity fall athletic schedules for Cornell School District on our centerfold. Be sure to tear this calendar out and stick it to your refrigerator or bulletin board as we head into fall. On page 20, you can catch up on all the great things Cornell School District has been up to these past few months in preparation to welcome back students. While some educators traveled to a seminar at Google’s headquarters in Chicago, others worked with students through the extended school year program. One educator even finished his doctorate, while two students participated in exclusive educational programs. Be sure to also check out our fall sports preview on page 29. Then on page 8, read our newest column from Coraopolis Borough Mayor Shawn Reed. In this month’s column, Reed writes about Coraopolis’ current positive trajectory and the stakeholders who are making it happen. Then on the adjacent page, state Rep. Anita Kulik writes about legislation she’s sponsoring and how that will impact local residents. On page 30, we’re bringing you another new column, this one from our publisher emeritus, Pat Jennette. After retiring five years ago, Pat and her husband, John, hit the road with the goal of visiting all of the nation’s national parks. Now, they want you to join them. In August of 2020, Pat will be taking another trip out west to some of the most well-known national parks in the country and she’s inviting readers of Allegheny West Magazine to join her. Read about the From the Publisher A student tries his luck at the ring toss during Coraopolis Youth Creation’s Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 10. Besides various carnival games, local families could enjoy inflatables, face painting, prizes and more. Various organizations and businesses, including Cornell School District, also coordinated donations of school supplies to hand out during the event. For more, see page 20. PHOTO BY DOUG HUGHEYCornell Edition Fall 2019 ~ Volume 1, Number 4 Columns ABOUT THE COVER { } Contents From the Mayor - Legislative Update - Around Your Town - On the Horizon - Chamber Link - 8 9 12 18 19 Fall 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 5 - - - - - - - - - 8 12 14 15 15 16 18 20 30 first few stops on the trip in this month’s column, which is the first of a three-part series. She’ll be highlighting the rest of the stops in our next two editions. I hope you will also consider joining us for an upcoming information session Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Robinson Township Library. On page 12, Garrett Roberts writes about the efforts of some area movie theaters to accommodate children on the autism spectrum. While going to movies is something a lot of people take for granted, it’s not always possible for these children. Some theaters are trying to change that. On page 15, read about one very large business and another very small business that are both celebrating significant milestones this year. Then on page 18, local photographer and writer Chris Rolinson writes about a local scout troop earning their horsemanship badge on one of the area’s last remaining farms. Look for our next edition in December, when we’ll also be bringing you our annual holiday guide. Until then, I hope you have a great end of summer and enjoy the fall the season. Doug Hughey, Publisher/Editor Middle school students participating in a summer photography workshop in Coraopolis created these photos, a number of which were posted to the lovecoraopolis Instagram account and displayed at Anchor and Anvil Coffee Bar. Read more on page 14. Why Coraopolis is the next great town Making sure everyone can go to the movies Coraopolis’ young photographers Local bike shop celebrates 50 years IKEA celebrates 30 years Back-to-School Tear-Out Calendars Local Scouts earn horsemanship badge Cornell Today Heading West with Pat Jennette6 • Allegheny West Magazine • Fall 2019 Heritage Valley HealthHeritage Valley Health CONTENT SUBMITTED BY HERITAGE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM Heritage Valley Multispecialty Group’s West Allegheny Healthcare practice announced the addition of Dr. Cheng Lee to the staff. Dr. Lee will join Dr. Todd McCaslin, Dr. Bradley Heiple and Sarah Turner, PA-C at the practice, which is located at 300 Penn Lincoln Drive in the Penn Lincoln Shopping Center in Imperial. Before joining Heritage Valley Multispecialty Group, Dr. Lee practiced Family Medicine in the Uniontown area for more than a decade. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Lee is accepting new patients. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (724) 773-3001. Heritage Valley welcomes Cheng Lee, MD Dr. Cheng Lee It was one of the most well-attended local races in recent memory, not to mention one of the best weather-wise, to boot. The 38th annual Ohio Valley Hospital and Kennedy Township 5K had 260 runners and walkers pounding pavement on the hilly course, along with quite a few dogs, too! This year’s race theme was “Just Keep Running” and run they did, by following Kennedy Township police chief Anthony Bruni’s pace car. A NorthWest EMS ambulance trailed behind for safety and to cheer on participants. Dozens of supporters and volunteers lined the streets and finish line, celebrating every passing participant decked out in their official race shirts. The shirts were made possible through generous sponsorships from Clearview Federal Credit Union, Rohrich Automotive Group and Heritage Valley Health System, which Ohio Valley Hospital recently joined. The top three overall male finishers were Austin Schaltenbrand, who finished in first with a time of 19:50; Dr. Gary Sauer, who finished in second place by clocking in at 19:57; and Chase Schaltenbrand, who rounded out third place with a time of 21:12. The top three overall female finishers were Shannon McKenzie, who finished in first with a time of 21:16; Alysha Bartosh, who crossed the finish line in second place with a time of 21:55; and Melissa Erkel, who came in third with a time of 22:15. Participants can visit the hospital’s website to find all the official finish times. Race results were timed by Miles of Smiles. The race was capped off with an after party full of revitalizing snacks, community conversation, an awards ceremony and music by DJ Stormin’ Norman. Visit www.ohiovalleyhospital.org for a blog on how to make the homemade energy bars you can ONLY get on race morning. Stay tuned for next year’s race date for the 39th annual 5K! Ohio Valley Hospital 5K Race wrap-up Participants in the 38th annual Ohio Valley Hospital and Kennedy Township 5K get ready to take on the hilly course. The 38th annual Ohio Valley Hospital and Kennedy Township 5K boasted 260 runners and walkers this past May. The top male and female finishers were Austin Schaltenbrand (left) with a time of 19:50 and Shannon McKenzie (right) with a time of 21:16. Fall 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 7 Questions: call 724-773-2045 or email rcatley@hvhs.org 10am - 2pm WELLNESS EXPO FREE Community Event! Saturday, October 19,2019 Join us to learn more about healthy eating and living! Pittsburgh Airport Marriott 777 Aten Road - Moon Twp., PA 15108 (Montour Run Road Exit from I-376) For more information and a list of exhibitors, visit heritagevalley.org/pages/harvest-of-health FREE Food & Product Samples FREE Health Screenings Fitness/Cooking Demonstrations Local Vendors & Farmers Ask A Doctor/Ask A Chef/Ask A Dietitian Door Prizes Interested in exhibiting? Go to heritagevalley.org Heritage Valley HealthHeritage Valley Health One of the lessons I’ve learned over the past 18 months is that, as mayor, you can get blamed for a lot of challenges that you didn’t create. That’s okay, though, because it comes with the job. By that same token, however, I also get credit for a lot of good that I didn’t create, either. That’s not okay, because so many others deserve the credit for the renaissance that Coraopolis is now experiencing. I can certainly help - by building bridges between interested parties, creating vision, encouraging change and action, and speaking positively about our community and people - but the reason we’re seeing change is because so many others are doing the same thing. Here are some of the high points that bear mentioning: First, we have economic investment that hasn’t happened in more than a generation. Both longtime residents and newcomers have made building purchases and renovations, started new businesses, spruced up old ones, and applied fresh coats of paint. We have one of the fastest growing central business districts in the region, thanks to those who have brought their ideas to Coraopolis. Others, like the Coraopolis Bike Shop, which is celebrating 50 years here this year, never left. We are creating an environment whereby more and more people will want to come into our town, to shop, invest and live. Second, we are in the center of other regional development. From the technology-driven changes happening in Pittsburgh, to the airport redevelopment, to the expansion of the recreation fields at our doorstep, we are literally surrounded by growth and expansion. We are the only historic, walkable town in the middle of this growth. One executive close to the Allegheny Health Network/Riverhounds expansion project recently told me that when the fields are all completed next year, over 5,000 people (both players, families and fans) will be present at the sports complex. Coraopolis is the closest place to grab a meal, buy an umbrella, take a walk, find a cup of coffee or have a cold beer. Third, as good stewards, we are also turning our attention inward. Because of the tradition of strong fiscal management, Coraopolis is in better financial shape than most other communities our size. This gives us the ability to make improvements to parks and greenspace, fix potholes and streets, blaze trails, and consider other infrastructure improvements. Not every enhancement can happen overnight, but our residents can know that they are happening! Finally, we have more visionaries than ever before. I have always believed in the future of Coraopolis, and so have many others. However, it’s also true that we have sometimes suffered from our own inferiority complex over the years. Many residents (and even some leaders) have told me that Coraopolis can never be as good as it was “back in the day” and I think that their nostalgia has done them (and us) a disservice. Every city and town will experience its own ups and downs. Many people in our region recall our days of industrial growth. Today’s economy is, and should be, more diverse and future-focused. So must the management of the communities that will benefit from welcoming the changes that propel us all. Truly, we are fortunate to have a well-run borough with many thoughtful leaders leaning in to look ahead. In his new book “The Pioneers” author and Pittsburgh native David McCullough masterfully describes how great people came to settle the Northwest Territory. I thought about how they floated down the Ohio River, along the banks of what would 100 years later become Coraopolis. When McCullough describes those chosen for the difficult task ahead, he writes, “Great care had to be taken to choose those who could be valuable in the community once it was established.” These words seem fitting now, as new generations are taking the batons from the old and forming our best days, which are still ahead. Please join us! Coraopolis is the next great town, starting now! BY SHAWN REED, MAYOR, CORAOPOLIS BOROUGH These photos show some iconic sights around Coraopolis Borough, including (clockwise from left) Mill Street, the Coraopolis Community Garden and the war memorial outside of VFW Post 402. PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY From the Mayor From the Mayor CFall 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 9 lLegislative Update Legislative Update As I am preparing to head back to Harrisburg for the start of the fall session, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on the first half of the year in Harrisburg. We spent a significant amount of time in the Capitol this year. A lot of legislation coming from both sides of the aisle was proposed, considered in committee and passed through the House. I was glad that we were able to pass the budget on time and that it included increases in many areas that are of particular importance to me. We increased funding for education, libraries, technical education and other areas. I wish we could have done more, however. I was particularly concerned that we ended the general assistance program and did not address issues relating to the minimum wage. Overall, I am proud of much of the work that was done but we have so much more to do. I would like to discuss some of the legislation that I have proposed, particularly a few bills where I am the author and/or prime sponsor. Last year, a local family came to me asking for help with a bill that would help victims of domestic violence. This family lost their daughter to a horrible act of violence. As a lawyer, I handled many cases involving domestic violence and am well aware of the Protection from Abuse process, as well as the existing problems with this process. As such, I introduced “Alina’s Law” to the House. This bill would give the court the ability to require electronic monitoring if it is believed that a defendant will violate a final PFA order. In my experience as a domestic relations attorney, I am aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the PFA system and hope that this bill will help give needed muscle to the order. I have also reintroduced HB 1433, which establishes the Landslide Insurance and Assistance Program. This is a companion bill to one introduced last session by state Sen. Jay Costa. So many of our residents in the 45th District and throughout southwestern Pennsylvania are losing their homes or businesses. Along with local municipalities, they are suffering millions of dollars in property and infrastructure damage. Unlike flood insurance, landslide insurance is not available to our residents. With this bill, a Landslide Insurance and Assistance Program would be established within the Emergency Management Agency to provide reasonable insurance coverage to homeowners. It would also assist local governments needing to mitigate the risks of landslides in their communities. Likewise, I have re-introduced a bill dealing with pets and divorce. Again, I drew on my experience handling divorce cases and I know that there are issues that many people just do not consider. Pets today are very important to families. Divorces already wreak havoc on families and, when parties use pets as bargaining tools in cases, the effects on the family can be harmful. In my years as a divorce attorney, I have seen too many times how parties use children or property improperly. There is currently nothing in the statutes that give guidance to the courts as to how to handle family pets. My attention was drawn to one particular case where one of the owners of a pet did not know that the other owner had acted to euthanize the animal. I believe that my proposed legislation will give the court the authority it needs to consider the relevant issues in cases such as these. I have also co-sponsored and supported numerous pieces of legislation that I believe will help not only residents of the 45th District but all Pennsylvanians. Many of these bills are related to work being done through the committees that I serve, as well as other matters relevant to issues I support. One example is my proposed blight grant program, a bill that I had introduced in the last session, as well. I believe that this program will allow communities to revitalize by removing abandoned properties that are not only an eyesore but also serve as magnets for crime and vermin. I am extremely proud to be a member of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. This committee works in the most bi-partisan manner possible. We have recently addressed several bills that relate to the educational needs of active military members, veterans and their families, including the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Family Education Program. Other bills that I have supported include Fire Company Grant Programs, School Safety Grants, Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Schools, various programs for persons with disabilities, National Human Trafficking Hotline Postings, and others. I have supported several bills that will make voting and working at the polls more accessible, and many other bills that I sincerely believe will have a positive impact on our District. We have had a very busy and productive first half of the year in Harrisburg and I look forward to moving forward in the coming months. You should never hesitate to contact me (or the representative from your district if you live outside the 45th District) if there is a matter of particular concern to you. Your opinion counts and is always considered! Upcoming legislation to address domestic violence, landslides, blighted properties and more BY STATE REP. ANITA KULIK Imagine your website working as hard for your business as you do. 412.205.8998 | DDSWebDesign.com Websites that get results. Designed in Pittsburgh Contact us for a free website analysis. Affordable Custom Designs Responsive Sites | Content Management SEO | E-commerce | Hosting | MaintenanceNext >