< PreviousYour SchoolsYour Schools N After the initial outbreak of COVID-19, schools and universities across the country had to close their doors to protect students. Robert Morris University was no different, though its halls in the engineering department remained busy, with small groups of professors and researchers working to battle the spread of COVID-19 in the greater Pittsburgh area. A number of classrooms and labs in the mostly empty department were repurposed into personal protective equipment workshops and have since aided area medical professionals. “The RMU Engineering Department recognized the shortage of PPE from the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis and was looking for a way to help the community and the healthcare industry,” said Won Joo, head of the engineering department at the university and an associate professor of biomedical engineering. The School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science at RMU saw an opportunity to help by utilizing their various 3D printers. By printing the necessary pieces, they were able to produce face shields vital for doctors treating COVID-19 patients. “RMU has produced the components for approximately 1,130 face shields in our 3D printing lab,” said Joo. “Also, RMU worked with UPMC to manufacture 3D-printed Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs by supporting design development and design validation through mechanical testing. As a result, UPMC is able to manufacture NP swabs in-house and distribute them to the field.” The process of producing protective equipment for the pandemic wasn’t as easy as switching settings on the machines, as new challenges presented themselves in the lab workspaces. While the university is used to producing medical-grade equipment with their printers, the unique circumstances changed their production process. “The most notable challenge was operating the 3D printers and doing the mechanical testing while still complying with physical distancing requirements, including minimizing the number of people who could be present in the lab,” said Joo. The SEMS department is also offering their support to the COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition, which is organized in part by The MITRE Corporation. By sharing their research with other members of the private sector, RMU hopes to lend their expertise to others in need of assistance. “RMU participated because we believe that it is our mission to support the community and people,” said Joo. With the university’s engineers working on face shields in the labs, other departments at RMU have found their own ways to help the community battle the spread of COVID-19. The university made a large donation to the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, which was home to the majority of COVID-19 cases in Beaver County. RMU’s nursing professors saw the facilities were struggling early on and collected a variety of protective equipment to help battle the virus. “These were given directly to Dave Thimons, the medical director at the facility,” said Jonathan Potts, vice president of public relations and marketing at RMU. “We donated 100 N95 masks, 250 pairs of gloves and 25 gowns.” RMU is also offering their business professors’ expertise to local businesses in Moon Township in hopes of offering guidance in the post-pandemic economy. “We have also been working with the local business community through the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce to offer free seminars to advise members on how to navigate the difficult economic circumstances that lie ahead,” said Potts. While the university is using their resources to fight COVID-19, they haven’t forgotten their focus on student safety and supporting those who need it. Throughout the summer, the university still had some students on campus who had been unable to return home, either due to travel restrictions or financial reasons. To accommodate these students, RMU has been utilizing its Student Emergency Fund. “Approximately 20 students are remaining on campus during the summer, and we plan to support these students much as we did during the spring semester,” said Potts. “They will be living in apartments, and each student will have a private bathroom. We will provide meals and other food, as well as necessities such as toilet paper.” For those looking to help fund the research efforts of the university or students on campus, they can do so directly through the university’s website. “Anyone can support our efforts by making a contribution to the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science Dean’s Fund by going to rmu.edu/give,” said Joo. “You can also support RMU engineering by supporting our students through the RMU Student Emergency Fund.” RMU’s efforts help a community impacted by COVID-19 STORY BY GARRET ROBERTS PHOTO SUBMITTED Robert Morris University’s School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science has been utilizing its 3D printers to produce personal protective equipment for area medical professionals. It’s just one of several ways the university has been assisting those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the area. 40 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020Marketplace Ads Our Advertisers Your community businesses are the reason for the publication of Allegheny West Magazine. Please support these businesses. Their support allows us to mail this magazine, free, into the households of Findlay, North Fayette, Oakdale, Sturgeon, and portions of McDonald as a community service. Advanced Dentistry, p. Ins. Bk. Cvr., 412.788.6300, advanceddentistry412.com Allegheny County, p. 25, www.alleghenycounty.us American Renal Associates, Ins. Bk. Cvr., 412.331.2423, www.americanrenal.com Allegheny West Eyecare, Ins. Bk. Cvr., 724.695.3371, www.alleghenywesteyecare.com. Bill Few Associates, p. 17, 412.630.6041 Black Dog Wine Company, p. 24, 724.485.WINE, blackdogwinecompany.com Business Legal, p. 21, 724.693.0588, www.businesslegal.net Clearview FCU, p. 3, 800.926.0003, clearviewfcu.org Conti Law, p. 16, 724.784.0239, contilawpgh.com Csonka Heating and Cooling, p. 3, 724.926.3125 Davey Tree, p. 13, 724.746.8852, www.davey.com DDS Web Design, p. 24, 412.965.0688, www.ddswebdesign.com DiSanti, Dr. Judy, DMD., p. 40, 412.264.6229, www.coraopolisdentist.com Express Employment Professionals, p. 14-15, 412.494.2000, expresspros.com First Steps Pediatrics, p. 45, 412.788.1999, www.fspkids.com Findlay Township Republicans, p. 24, 412.860.4331 Findlay Township Parks and Rec., p. 25, 724.695.0500, www.findlaytwp.org. Genesis Church, p. 21, 724.512.5562, www.genesischurchlife.com Hefren-Tillotson, p. 23, 412.633.1741, Amy.Riley@hefren.com Heritage Valley Medical Group, p. 6-7, bk. cover, 412.749.6934, www.heritagevalley.org Herrick Compassionate Funeral Service, p. 17, 724.695.7332 Hometown Spine and Sport, p. 28, 412.490.1700, www.hometownspineandsport.com. Imperial Tax, p. 32, 724.695.7354, www.imperialtaxandaccounting.com Ed Kandrack – Berkshire Hathaway, p. 41, 833.PGH.SOLD Fred E. Liechti, Attorney, p. 41, 412.787.5280 McCracken Driving School p. 44, mccrackendrivingschool.com Tom Meyers Plumbing, p. 19, 724.693.2880, www.tommeyersplumbing.com Moody Funeral Home, p. 31, 724.695.0411 My Laundromat, p. 8, 724.227.0513 Oakdale Foot and Ankle, p. 29, 412.787.8380, www.oakdalepodiatrist.com Open Minds Studios, p. 29, 412.600.1125, www.OpenMindsStudios.com. Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, p. 22, 412.264.6270, www.paacc.com Play Academy, p. 32, 412.299.0616, www.play-academy.org Pustover Financial Services, p. 32, 724.695.8885, www.pustoverfinancial.com Robinson’s Run Cemetery, p. 11, 724.926.8511, www.RobinsonsRunCemetery.org John G. Rohm, DMD, p. 44, 724.695.2100 SNPJ Lodge 106 Club, p. 13, 724.695.1411, www.snpjimperialpa.com Self Storage North Fayette, p. 13, 724.695.8875, SelfStorageNF.com St. Clair Hospital, p. Inside Front Cover, 412.942.4000, stclair.org Thomas-Little Funeral Svc., p. 32, 724.926.2800, www.thomas-littlefuneralservice.com Today’s Hair, p. 19, 724.695.0478 West Allegheny School District, p. 33-37, 724.695.3422, www.westasd.org Whip Wash, p. 46, 724.312.1292, Facebook: Whip Wash Inc. Coupon Ads Just $135! August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 4142 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 43On the Horizon On the Horizon ; The June edition of Allegheny West Magazine contained many day trip ideas that were safe to take during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s another local one: go fossil hunting and hiking at Fossil Cliffs in Collier Township. This unique fossil hunting area is located just a few miles from Oakdale and can be accessed from the Panhandle Trail. It’s a bit back in the woods but clear paths lead the way to it. Depending on which route you take, though, you may encounter some steep climbs and there’s some uneven terrain throughout. The paths that link the Panhandle Trail with Fossils Cliff are part of a larger trail network that’s worthy of its own day trip. Once you reach the cliffs, you can search through a scree field for fossils of plants that grew millions of years ago when Pennsylvania was covered in a tropical forest. Below are two sets of directions, one for quickly accessing the cliffs and another that makes for a more scenic route. For both of these, park at the Rennerdale Panhandle Trail parking area. For GPS coordinates along with an interactive map and a mobile version of this article, download our app, AWMag Events, at awmagazine.com. Day trip idea: Go fossil hunting in Collier Township STORY AND PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY The scenic route Head straight out of the parking area and cross the footbridge. You’ll see signs straight ahead. Take a right onto the trail and head straight up the hill. It’s steep, so be prepared. At the T intersection, head right on the level path. It’s a bit muddy in places, so, again, be prepared. In about a half mile, the path will split. Head to the right down the hill. At the bottom, the trail will intersect with another trail and you’ll see a sign that seems to point down the hill for Fossil Cliffs. Ignore it and head right. The scree field will be on your right. To get back to the Panhandle Trail, backtrack on the trail you came in on and go straight past the sign pointing down the hill. The trail will take you across a small stream. Once you come around the next bend you’ll see the Panhandle Trail. Take a right to head back to the parking area. The quick route Head right out of the parking area on the Panhandle Trail for about a half mile. The start of the trail will be clearly marked on your left with a sign. Head onto the trail and veer left. You’ll have to traverse a small creek so be careful, as the ground leading down to the creek is a bit steep. You’ll then come up onto a level path. Ignore the sign that seems to point down the hill toward Fossil Cliffs and continue straight onto the level path. In about another quarter mile you’ll come to the scree field on your right. Backtrack to reach the Panhandle Trail. ABOVE: These fossils were found in the scree field below Fossil Cliffs (pictured below) in Collier Township. LEFT: Fossils Cliff is comprised of flaky shale layers. RIGHT: A foot bridge crosses over a stream and points the way to one of the trails. 44 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020; On the Horizon On the Horizon All events listed are subject to change or cancellation. Please consider all risks involved in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and take necessary precautions while planning to attend. Check the websites listed for contact information and the most up-to-date information. Moon Township Parks and Rec. Visit moonparks.org for more. Family Fun Nights at Moon Park, Fridays through August, Moon Park, movies start at dusk, bring lawn chairs and blankets. Robin Hill Lunchtime Concerts, third Wednesdays through September, Robin Hill Park. Coraopolis Community Dev. Events Visit coraopolisfoundation.org. Events take place in downtown Coraopolis. Coraopolis Second Saturdays, Sept. 12, 12-4 p.m., Mill Street, food trucks, farm stand, more. Fall Festival & Art Walk, Oct. 17, 12-4 p.m., walking art display, live music, food trucks, starts at Gilberti Studios, 1030 5th Avenue. Robinson Township Parks and Rec. Visit townshipofrobinson.com for more. 18th Annual Autumn Festival, Sept. 19, Burkett Sports and Recreation Complex, 12 p.m. start, fireworks at 10 p.m. Robinson’s 7th Annual Car Cruise, Oct. 3, Robinson Town Centre, 12-4 p.m., first 150 cars receive a dash plaque, first 200 cars guaranteed a space, register day of event. LifeSpan Senior Resource Center Events For more information call (724) 218-1669. Senior Farmers’ Market Vouchers, for residents age 60 by December of 2020, applications available at the resource center at 540 Penn Lincoln Dr., Imperial. The Ark and Creation Museum Trip, Oct. 4-6, visits to Ark Encounter in Kentucky, Creation Museum in Kentucky, U.S. Air Force Museum in Ohio, $365 double occupancy. Farmers’ Markets Robinson Farmers’ Market, Mondays, 3-7 p.m., Holy Trinity Catholic Church, follow on Facebook for weekly vendor list, @robinsonfarmersmarket. McDonald Farmers’ Market, Saturdays through September, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., www.mcdonaldtrailstation.com. Moon Farmers’ Market, Moon Park, Wednesdays through September, 3-6 p.m., Moon Park www.moonparks.org. The Original Farmers’ Market, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout summer, 5:30 p.m. open, 151 Parks Road, McDonald, www.theoriginalfarmersmarket.net. Findlay Parks and Rec. Activities do not require registration and take place at the Findlay Township Activity Center unless otherwise indicated. Call (724) 695-0500 with questions or to register. Yoga for Beginners and Beyond, Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Senior Yoga and Qi Gong, Mondays, 2 p.m., and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. Crochet for a Cause, Aug. 27, Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 22, 6:30-8 p.m., create chemo caps and preemie caps for area hospitals. Outdoor Flea Market, Aug. 29, Clinton Park, $5/space. Rhythm, Ribs and BBQ, Sept. 12, 4-8 p.m., Clinton Park Amphitheater, see page 25. Friday Morning Bingo, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, doors open 9 a.m., bingo begins 10 a.m. Sugar Cookie Decorating with Judiciously Sweet, Oct. 1, 6-8 p.m., learn cookie decorating techniques while making fall-themed cookies, $10/participant, ages 10 and up, registration required. Fall and Halloween Canvas Painting, Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., registration required, see page 25. August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 45STORIES BY ERMA DODD PHOTO SUBMITTED Sunshine in music Roy August Snatchko was a country western kind of guy. He was born in 1928 and raised in ‘western’ Sturgeon, near Oakdale. He had seven brothers and seven sisters. Roy was the middle child and a lifelong West Allegheny guy. He could not go unnoticed, with his cowboy hat, boots, vest and bolo tie. Roy was known for singing country songs a cappella. In particular he liked Gene Autry’s, “You Are My Sunshine.” This prince of a guy was really loved. Roy, a contractor, and Shirley Lillian (Hooker) enjoyed 62 years of marriage and raised five children. They enjoyed nine grandchildren. Twelve great grand children followed. The family loved their holiday get-togethers. Family singing was Roy’s tradition. Twelve years ago, Shirl’s address changed to Heaven. It was a special day, the anniversary of their wedding, on Feb. 10, 2020. Roy, 91, was surrounded by family. Due to pneumonia and complications, Roy was placed in hospice care. His family was by his side and telling stories. There was both smiling and crying. Someone said, “Let’s sing.” The family circled around his bed, holding hands. Roy, his eyes closed, was too weak to sing, but he could hear his family singing his favorite songs. He squeezed the hands holding his. There were many songs and many tears until his very favorite, a Roy Roger’s song. It was the last song he sang every time they were together. “Happy Trails to you, Until we meet again, Happy Trails to you, Keep smiling until then.” The song ended and Roy breathed his last earthly breath. Roy’s nurses told family they have never seen anyone pass away so peacefully. Then the nurses opened the windows “so his soul could leave the room to go to Heaven.” The day of his funeral, Roy’s granddaughter Gina was having a hard time. “How can I get through this?” she wondered. Her “pap” was more like a father to her. Then she saw something outside her bedroom window. It was two deer standing peacefully in her yard. “They looked up at my window. The female began licking the male deer’s neck. They just stayed in the yard,” she recalled. She says she never saw deer in her yard before or since that day. “It was his way of letting me know he was back ‘home’ and reunited with his ‘forever’ love and he was okay,’” she said. Shirley Lillian (Hooker) and Roy August Snatchko Whip Wash First, a bit of history. The Aqua Jet Car Wash at 7714 Steubenville Pike was designed by architect Chuck Dodd and built in 1992 by Chuck and his family. This past December, Charlie and Rochelle Burgunder became the new owners and renamed the car wash Whip Wash. Why”Whip Wash?” Well, it came as a surprise to many of us outside the city that a “whip” is a car! Back when steering wheels were first introduced to the automobile, they were called whips. Of course, whips were used to control the horses pulling buggies. Since the steering wheel controls a car, it, too, was referred to as a whip. The term is still used to refer to cars. A newly installed Automatic Whip Wash with dryer awaits at the car wash. Two end truck bays feature higher pressure for big rigs. Charley hopes to see “yunz” soon. Gifts of Tissue It became real: the COVID-19 pandemic. About March 17, toilet paper and paper towels were in everyone’s grocery cart, if the shelves weren’t already bare. On Sunday, March 22, our grandson, Brian Dodd Jr., arrived at our door with bags of essentials like peanut butter, jelly, bacon, paper towels and six rolls of toilet tissue. He also brought 10 cans of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup. Six days later, his dad, Brian Sr., arrived with bags, paper towels and other groceries. He, like his son, brought toilet tissue: eight rolls. He also brought a four-pack of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup. So, with 14 rolls of toilet tissue and 14 cans of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup, Pap and Gram were set. When Brian Jr., who is 35 and a college graduate, was asked, “Do you know that when noodle soup is on sale for ‘10 for $10,’ you can get one can for $1?” He replied, “I did not know that.” “Everyone smiles in the same language.” ~ Unknown 46 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 47PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID PITTSBURGH PA PERMIT NO. 5605 Hughey Publications, LLC P.O. Box 220 McDonald, PA 15057 Now in Our 22 nd Year Proudly Serving the Airport Area Allegheny West MagazineNext >