< Previous%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced UPMC Health Plan announced in December that it had designated St. Clair Hospital as a UPMC Health Plan Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgery Center of Excellence. This UPMC Health Plan program recognizes surgical facilities and orthopedic surgeons who have demonstrated high quality outcomes, low complication rates and the best patient experience for UPMC Health Plan members in need of joint replacement surgery. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Brett C. Perricelli, M.D., who performs hip and knee joint replacement surgery exclusively at St. Clair Hospital, was cited for demonstrating rigorous quality measures with excellent outcomes and exceptional patient experiences. Perricelli practices with South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates. Orthopedic surgeons and hospitals who are awarded the Center of Excellence designation have passed a rigorous credentialing process based upon established patient-centric and evidence-based best practices that result in best patient outcomes. In this process, they must demonstrate the finest patient experience throughout the entire care process, from pre-surgical consultation, to postsurgical recovery, to a return to a functional lifestyle, along with a commitment to continuous quality improvement. St. Clair Hospital recognized as UPMC Health Plan Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgery Center of Excellence The 911th Airlift Wing in Moon Township has a new commander. Col. John F. Robinson took the reins of the 911th during an assumption of command ceremony Nov. 2. Robinson previously served as the commander of the 445th Operations Group at Wright- Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Now, he will lead the 911th into a new era as it converts its mission capabilities from the C-130 Hercules aircraft to the C-17 Globemaster III. During remarks, Robinson spoke of the positive experience he had at Wright-Patterson, saying he is humbled by the opportunity to lead the 911th. “Thank you to the 911th Airlift Wing and Pittsburgh for the warm welcome to the area,” said Robinson. “I look forward to serving with you in the coming years.” Maj. Gen. Randall A. Ogden, 4th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony in front of an audience of nearly 900 invited guests, including members of the 911th Steel Airmen family and community leaders. “John comes with an incredible background, close to 7,000 hours in the C-17,” said Ogden. “I don’t think you’ll find too many people who know this airplane better.” Ogden boasted about many of Robinson’s accomplishments, both as a pilot and a leader, and said that he will be a great asset to the 911th Airlift Wing. The conversion from the base’s old C-130 aircraft to new C-17s has progressed quickly, but there is still much work needed to complete its mission expansion from tactical to strategic airlift capabilities. “In order to grow, you’ve got to be uncomfortable,” said Robinson, speaking of the challenges ahead. Mistakes will be made, he said, and failure is an inevitable part of life. He said that no matter what comes, the 911th and its airmen who belong to that team will continue their journey. “Failure is not fatal and success is not final,” Robinson said, referencing a famous quote as he recounted not only the achievements, but also the disappointments of his career. He encouraged others to persevere and not give up the fight, whatever their mission may be. Col. Robinson assumes command of 911th CONTENT SUBMITTED ABOVE: Col. John F. Robinson, 911th Airlift Wing commander, addresses airmen and guests during his assumption of command ceremony at Moon Area Middle School in November. BELOW: Robinson shakes hands with an airman from the 445th Operations Group from Wright- Patterson Air Force Base following the ceremony. Beginningin1820withJoseph Wampler’ssawmillinMcKeesport, PA,ourfamilyofrealestate entrepreneurshasbeenacatalystfor economicdevelopmentgrowthinour region. 412-632-8000 www.synergyre.com 1 PPG Place 31stFloor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 10 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020Doing what they do best so you can too. Gerson B. Florez, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery, Hand & Upper Extremity Richard J. Mitchell, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine William T. DeCarbo, DPM Foot & Ankle Surgery Shaka M. Walker, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Leading experts in their field, St. Clair Orthopedics Associates physicians provide a full range of orthopedic services, including fracture care, sports medicine, total joint replacement, hand and upper extremity surgery, spine surgery, and foot and ankle surgery. They help patients ease pain, restore range of motion and return to normal activities. St. Clair Orthopedic Associates has offices conveniently located to serve you in Mt. Lebanon and Peters Township. TWO CONVENIENT OFFICES MT. LEBANON St. Clair Hospital Professional Office Building 1050 Bower Hill Road Suite 105 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 PETERS TOWNSHIP St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center 3928 Washington Road Suite 270 McMurray, PA 15317 412.942.SCOA (7262) | STCLAIR.ORG/SCOA12 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020ALLEGHENYPARKS.COM OPEN FOR THE SEASON FAMILY SKATE: 4:30-7:00 PM EVERY FRIDAY Enjoy unlimited skiingand snowboarding all season for one low price! Passesare$75-$225for individuals and only $575 for afamily offour* Pricesincrease onDecember1 SEASON PASSES *Does not include equipmentrentals. Extra members may be addedto familypass for additional fee. 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Below is a list of considerations to get your finances started off on the right foot in the New Year: • Update your budget – Creating and utilizing a budget can help establish spending patterns, reveal inefficiencies, track progress toward goals, uncover excess cash flow and uncover opportunities for savings. Usually, budgets should not exceed more than a year and should be calculated on a monthly basis. When putting together your budget, make sure to keep it simple. If there is too much detail, you may risk making it too difficult to implement and monitor. • Reduce outstanding debt – After you have created your budget for the year, you may notice that there is excess cash flow that can either be saved and/or put toward outstanding debt. If you have multiple liabilities, it usually makes sense to pay down high interest rate debt first. • Increase your savings – As mentioned above, excess cash flow can also afford you the opportunity to increase your savings. If you have a retirement plan that has a company match, try to save the maximum amount necessary (if possible) to fully leverage your employer’s contributions. • Fund an emergency reserve – We typically recommend that you keep at least three to six months of expenses in liquid assets to handle unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical emergency, disability or job loss. Not only can this account protect your ability to pay your bills, it can also help you avoid selling investable assets from your portfolio. • Adjust your tax withholding – If you overpay your taxes, you are essentially giving the government an interest-free loan. If you underpay your taxes, you may owe a potential penalty. For these reasons, it is wise to estimate your taxes due ahead of time so that you can withhold the proper amount and potentially keep more of your paycheck each year. • Review your current insurance coverage – Many different kinds of life changes can necessitate adjustments to insurance coverage. This includes, but is not limited to: health, life, disability, liability and long-term care. That is why the beginning of each year is a good time to ensure that your current policies are adequate to meet your needs. • Revisit your estate plan (and beneficiary designations) – It is wise to review your estate documents every few years to ensure they are as up-to-date as possible, both from a legislative and tax perspective, and also from a family perspective. If you do not already have documents, we recommend that you speak with an attorney about executing wills, durable powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives. In addition, you should review your beneficiary designations on insurance policies and retirement plans to make certain they align with your estate planning objectives. • Check your credit score – Establishing good credit is important for debt management purposes, since it is integral to obtaining loans and securing favorable interest rates. For these reasons, it is imperative to constantly monitor your score and alert the proper bureau if there is any incorrect or fraudulent information New Year’s financial resolutions: Get your finances in shape for 2020 in your report. You can obtain your free annual credit report at www. annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. • Save your tax refund – Should you receive money back from the IRS during tax season, consider using it to fund an IRA, build your emergency reserve and/or pay down a portion of outstanding debt. • Get your financial life organized – Being disorganized can cost you money and time. Consider consolidating investment accounts in one place to (1) help ensure your portfolio is properly diversified (2) increase your potential for lower fees and expenses and (3) easily track your portfolio balances and performance. Unsure if you are on track for a 2020 retirement? Looking for help to get organized? Amy and Brad can be contacted for a no-obligation review. Call them at (412) 633-1741 or email Amy.Riley@hefren. com. Learn more about their seminars in Moon at www.hefren.com/seminars. SUBMITTED BY BRAD COLVIN AND AMY RILEY, FINANCIAL ADVISORS, HE- FREN-TILLOTSON Brad Colvin Amy Riley 14 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020y > Learning Curves Learning Curves Michele P. Conti is an estate planning and elder law attorney. Conti attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Oxford University and Duquesne University School of Law. She received her LL.M. in taxation from Villanova University. She can be reached at (724) 784- 0239 or michele@contilawpgh.com. BY MICHELE P. CONTI Do you have a power of attorney in place? What happens if you don’t and the day arrives when you are unable to make a decision for yourself? Typically, your medical and financial durable powers of attorney specify who is authorized to act in your stead and to make decisions for you. If you do not have a current power of attorney, or if your documents cannot be located, then your loved ones may have to seek guardianship from the local orphans’ court. Appointment of guardianship for an adult age 18 or older requires a court hearing in which the court must determine whether you can receive and evaluate information effectively. The court will also determine whether your ability to communicate decisions is impaired to such a significant extent that you are either partially or totally unable to manage your financial affairs or meet essential requirements for physical health and safety. Guardianship should not be taken lightly. To be deemed incapacitated equates to being unable to manage your own affairs. What if your loved ones do not agree as to who should be appointed? Oftentimes, a party will contest the guardianship appointment and that leads to additional time and costs. A common misconception is that if someone is cognitively or physically disabled that their next of kin (parent, spouse or child) will automatically become their guardian. Guardianship is not automatic and, without a power of attorney in place, the only way a person can make financial or medical decision for you is through a formal guardianship proceeding. Rose, a widower with one child, did not have a power of attorney appointing her son as her agent. When the time came and her son needed to act for her, she was suffering from dementia and was unable to sign a power of attorney because she did not have the legal capacity to do so. Both her doctor and financial advisor were unable to provide her son with any information since she had questionable legal capacity and was unable to provide informed consent. Even though there weren’t any additional interested Guardianship vs. POA: Which is better? parties contesting her son acting as her guardian the court appointed her an attorney. This was done in order to ensure that she, and her interests, were being protected. Rather than be proactive and sign a power of attorney before becoming incapacitated, Rose was forced to face the time and costs associated with guardianship. The process took roughly four months and cost over $5,000, all because she did not have a power of attorney. No one knows what the future holds for any of us. Do your family and loved ones a favor. Don’t force them to rely on guardianship when it is so simple and cost-effective to appoint someone to act for you if the day arrives when you are incapacitated. January/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 15lLegislative Update Legislative Update BY PA REPRESENTATIVE VALERIE GAYDOS As I look back at my first year in office as your state representative, I wish to express my gratitude to the good people in both the community and in the Legislature. It has been my privilege to work alongside them to achieve the goals we identified as being top priorities in the district. One such priority I had during my first year in office was meeting face-to-face with as many constituents as possible so I could hear firsthand the concerns and hopes that we have for our community. I am pleased to report that I have kept good on my promise to fight for greater accountability and transparency in our state government - making sure that your hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely for the betterment of our communities. As we begin the New Year, I want to share with you some of the achievements we have accomplished to help the people of the 44th District and the entire Commonwealth since I took office last January: Investing in Our Community As promised, I have advocated for state funding to benefit local projects at every turn. In Allegheny County, we send our fair share of taxes to Harrisburg every year. So, I am pleased to report that during my first year in office, I secured $5,710,592 in state grants that will go directly toward improvements in our community. These grants include: • $141,267 to municipal projects in Moon Township. • $135,000 to municipal projects in North Fayette Township. • $100,000 to a municipal project in Findlay Township. • $100,000 to a municipal project in Sewickley Borough. • $76,000 to the Crescent Township Volunteer Fire Department. • $75,000 to Valley Ambulance Authority in Moon Township. • $24,366 to Quaker Valley School District for security improvements. • $24,000 to the Ohio Township Parks and Recreation Department. • $19,959 to West Allegheny School District for security improvements. • $15,000 awarded jointly to Sewickley Hills, Bell Acres and Franklin Park Borough for improvements to the Allegheny Land Trust. • $4 million to the Allegheny County Airport Authority. • $1 million to the Pittsburgh Airport Innovation Campus. Making Government Work for You I am proud to have sponsored and co-sponsored several bills this past year. In fact, I personally authored and introduced eight bills and two resolutions. I also co-sponsored 118 other bills and resolutions last year, many of which help to keep our government in check. Here is a breakdown of some these bills: • Introduced the Consumer Prescription Drug Pricing and Freedom Disclosure Act to remove the “gag order” that currently bars pharmacists from disclosing information that could save their customers money on their out-of-pocket costs for medications. This bill passed unanimously through the House; it now awaits action in the Senate. • Supported legislation that would require legislative approval before Pennsylvania could enter into any multi-state program, such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), that would impose tax on citizens. This is not about whether our state should or should not enter into RGGI; that is a discussion for another day. This bill simply answers a question of constitutionality. My bill reinforces Article 3, Section 10 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, requiring that all revenue bills originate and are approved by the House of Representatives, not by executive order. • Prime sponsored legislation that would require school districts to assign a student convicted of a sexually based offense to a school building other than the one attended by their victim or the victim’s sibling. This bill would further protect victims of juvenile sexual abuse. • Introduced a bill amending the Public Works Contractors’ Bond Law to tighten the requirements for acceptable financial securities required for projects, and to raise the project threshold amount. Reducing Gun Violence Last year, in response to growing concerns about the threat of gun violence, I joined my colleagues in the House to send a letter to Auditor General Eugene DePasquale requesting a formal audit of the Pennsylvania Instant Criminal Background Check System (PICS). Though the system has been in place for more than three decades, we have never seen its functions evaluated by a formal audit. The Auditor General’s office announced their audit of the PICS system this past June. I look forward to seeing the results so that all Pennsylvanians may be secure in the knowledge that this system is operating as intended. Giving the Public a Voice When problems arise in our community, my office has worked around the clock to ensure the public is given a voice. Last August, upon receiving word that Duquesne Light Company planned to exercise eminent domain to obtain a portion of private land in Moon Township, I worked with the Pennsylvania Utility Commission to arrange a public input hearing where residents could voice their opinions and concerns on the project. The PUC Line Sighting Approval process is still ongoing at this time. Fiscal Responsibility I believe that fiscal responsibility begins at the individual level. Following through on my commitment to save taxpayer dollars wherever possible, I have taken a number of personal measures in my own office to do just that and have saved taxpayers $15,752.55 this year alone. In doing, I: • Refused to accept a taxpayer-funded automobile: + $7,800. • Used lodging instead of per diem expenses: + $6,752.55. • Declined a taxpayer-funded cell phone: + $1,200. State Rep. Valerie Gaydos represents Pennsylvania’s 44th District. Her office is located at 1009 Beaver Grade Road in Moon Township. Subscribe to her emails at www.repgaydos.com and follow her on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RepGaydos. End of year update 16 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020N Your Schools Your Schools STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ST. PHILIP CATHOLIC SCHOOL St. Philip Catholic School Big Winners at Heinz Field St. Philip Middle School students Everett Sargent, Sean Kelsch, Charlie Colantonio and Maslen Anselm are the 2019 champions of the middle school division in the Powering Pittsburgh competition, sponsored by the Steelers and Shell Polymers. Challenged to find a new energy source to supply Heinz Field and the Pittsburgh region, the team designed a plan to place kinetic tiles in the parking lots, walkways and under the turf at Heinz Field. Kinetic tiles produce electricity when compressed by footfall or vehicular traffic. The boys created a physical model and PowerPoint to present their proposal at Heinz Field before a panel of judges from the Shell Polymers and the Steelers. At the home Steelers game against the Browns, the St. Philip team received a check for $1,500 for the St. Philip STEAM Program. They also received autographed footballs, Steelers hats, a Steelers game bag, and got to attend the Dec. 1 game and a VIP tailgate. After enjoying brunch at the tailgate party, the boys were taken onto the field before the game and presented with the check. The presentation took place and was videoed for showing during the second quarter on the scoreboard. The team was also permitted to stay on the field and watch the Steelers warm up before taking their seats to watch the game. St. Philip Powering Pittsburgh winners Maslen Anselm, Sean Kelsch, Charlie Colantonio and Everett Sargent hold a check on the field at Heinz Field. Colin Ziolkowski, Cooper Anselm, and Sarah Mikush pack toiletries for the homeless. Helpers in a Special Ministry St. Philip students have had a long tradition of helping the St. Vincent de Paul Society in St. Philip Parish by collecting food items, clothing and Christmas gifts for their ministry. This year, however, students took their partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society to a new level by helping with the preparation and distribution of their donations. Society members began the school outreach with a special program in church on the life and work of St. Vincent dePaul and the continuation of his legacy through the society. Next came an invitation to join more closely in the society’s work. The first project was a Love Walk for The Poor to collect food and funds to help the hungry. St. Philip Middle School students then joined in the monthly loading of trucks with food, clothing and household items for the Parish Mission in Tunnelton,West Virginia. Student volunteers also assisted in loading special trucks with winter coats and garments for the mission. In November and December, St. Philip School collected toiletries, with each grade bringing in a particular item such as toothpaste, brushes, combs and soap for the homeless. Student volunteers then loaded the donations into backpacks to be distributed them through Duquesne University to those in need. The children will continue to bring food donations to each first Friday school Mass with plans underway to have student volunteers help in the Societies’ Parish Food Pantry by sorting and categorizing foodstuffs. It is hoped that by spring they can form a Jr. St. Vincent de Paul Society within the school community. The overarching goal is to acquaint the children with the needs of those close to home, demonstrate the way in which the St. Vincent de Paul Society addresses those needs, and provide a way in which students can personally help with this mission. January/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 17Your SchoolsYour Schools N STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ARCHANGEL GABRIEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Soccer teams The soccer teams kicked off their inaugural season this past fall and players were excited to begin their season with new uniforms bearing the school’s new Knights logo. Four developmental AGS teams competed against teams ranging from first through fourth grade and were competitive throughout the year. Players worked to develop their foot skills and improve as the season progressed. They completed their season at the annual Fall Diocesan Tournament in October. The varsity teams, comprised of seventh- and eighth-graders, both performed well. While the boys team finished with a 2-1-1 record in their final four games, the girls finished as runners-up in the varsity girls tournament and earned medals. The junior varsity team, comprised of fifth- and sixth- graders, finished as section champions, going 6-1-1 in the nine-team, top-tier Olympic Division and bringing home the team’s first section championship trophy. Passport to Auction Nearly 200 guests showed up to support the Archangel Gabriel Auction Nov. 8. The fundraiser has been very successful over the years and is continuing a tradition started by the Holy Trinity Archangel Gabriel Catholic School ALCOSAN visits AGS The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority has been visiting fourth-grade science classes this year. During the authority’s latest visit, representatives led a class through a “build it like an engineer” exercise. Each group was given a set of criteria and time constraints and students were tasked with collaborating to build the tallest, freestanding structure possible out of simple materials. Challenges were implemented throughout the task to simulate real life challenges that may arise during construction. Students had to explain why the design process requires creativity and consideration of all ideas and how the design process is a purposeful method of planning practical solutions to problems. The winning team reached a height of over 20 inches and was extremely proud of their accomplishment. Squires meet the Knights Students in grades two through five who attend Archangel Gabriel’s school in Robinson are pairing up with preschoolers who attend school at Archangel Gabriel’s building in Kennedy. With the school’s mascot being the Knight, it is only fitting that the school’s youngest students be “in training” to become Knights and therefore be called squires! In order to introduce squires to Knights and make them feel excited about becoming a Knight, classes will connect via Skype calls, cards and notes throughout the year. There will be a culminating end-of-year celebration for the squires and Knights to meet face to face. AGS students work on a construction challenge coordinated through ALCOSAN. AGS soccer players pose for a picture with their new uniforms. 18 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020N Your Schools Your Schools Auction, which over the past 19 years raised over $700,000. Highlights of this most recent event included an auction for four tickets to Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour with a limo ride from B&M Services and a $500 gift card to Hyde Park. There were also lively games like heads or tails and four corners, delicious macarons for sale, and over 200 additional auction items. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport hotel and the theme was “Passport to Auction.” The event was organized by a group of volunteer parents who were led by parents Leslie Williams and Sarah Smith. Alma Mater This past summer while preparing for the opening of the newly merged Holy Trinity and St. Malachy schools, the music committee set forth on a mission to create a new alma mater. The new alma mater, which was written by Rob Roehn and Henry S. Thompson, is now being performed at weekly mass: “In the Halls of AGS, we pledge our love for thee. Learning lessons from our teachers, values are the key. Gabriel! Gabriel! Guard us through the day. May our faith stay strong and steady, lead us as we pray...” Generations Together Second-grade students invited their great aunts, uncles and grandparents to AGS to tell stories and share their memories about “the good old days.” During the sessions, the Class of 2030 got to hear about what it was like to be in the Class of 1970. Anything from lessons and lunches to television and recreation were fair game. The school’s 7-year-old second-graders are learning to appreciate the past and present while preparing for their future. One grandfather recollected walking to school, not having a backpack, covering books with store bags, and even doing reports on a typewriter. He happens to be a big Steelers fan and surprised the class with their own pink terrible towels! By luck, or some other fortune brought on by the towel, the team won the following weekend. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School OLSH announces significant increase in financial aid resources Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School recently disclosed a significant expansion of its financial aid program in order to assure that an OLSH education is accessible to all who desire it. According to Cheryl Karashin, OLSH vice president for advancement, “Our new Assuring Access to an OLSH Education Program will demonstrate our commitment to meeting families where they are in terms of their finances and eliminating barriers to the enrollment of their children at our school.” The school continues to maintain one of the lowest Catholic high school tuition rates in the region and has established many new scholarships in recent years. With a growing number of current and prospective families earning under $50,000 per year, administrators realized that OLSH’s existing financial aid program was not enough. Under the terms of the new program, families with the greatest levels of demonstrated financial need may receive financial aid packages from the school for up to 75 percent of the total tuition cost. Families with students entering grades 9-12 that are interested in learning more can visit www.olsh.org or schedule a visit by calling (412) 262-3300. To be considered for financial aid during the 2020-2021 school year, an application must be completed in full by March 16. The financial aid application opens Jan. 31. SUBMITTED BY OLSH January/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 19Next >