< Previousy > Learning Curves Learning Curves BY STATE REP. VALERIE GAYDOS State Rep. Valerie Gaydos Latest news from the State Capitol and the 44th District My legislation to protect taxpayers, ensure municipal projects are finalized Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed into law House Bill 885, my legislation that would amend the Public Works Contractors’ Bond Law of 1967 requiring certain financial securities for public contracts in excess of $10,000. The bill overwhelmingly passed the state House and Senate. House Bill 885 eliminates alternative security instruments, which do not adequately protect local governments when public projects go bad. Because the legislation requires security equal to the contract amount in the form of a performance bond, payment bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or escrow account, my legislation will prevent local government units from losing money because of inadequate security on public projects. The Public Works Contractors’ Bond Law of 1967 establishes a uniform and mandatory system governing the requirement of bonds to be furnished by contractors in the prosecution of any public building or other public work or public improvement, including roadwork. Under current law, the posting of “any financial security, acceptable to and approved by the contracting body” has enabled projects to go forward at the local level with inadequate security. My legislation is part of a series of bills on municipal government reform in conjunction with the Senate to ensure an effective and broad approach to municipal government for the 21st century. Positive economic news in our area I would like to share some great news about economic development in our area that will benefit the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Despite the impact to passenger counts and revenue that Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Allegheny County Airport Authority is making real progress for the 44th District. Recently, PIT announced that Wabtec Corporation, a Fortune 500 company based in Pittsburgh, will become the first manufacturing tenant at the Neighborhood 91 Advanced Manufacturing (AM) Campus. In addition, the Richard King Mellon Foundation has provided a $1 million grant to be used to support tenant attraction and the AM ecosystem on a global stage. This is all about business development for the region as well as PIT to grow jobs and revenue. House Republicans call for Legislative-led election audit Recently, I joined many of my Republican House colleagues for investigatory hearings and a legislative-led audit of the 2020 General Election to demand that election results not be certified until a comprehensive audit is completed. As legislators, we have an obligation to ensure that all voices are heard and that any allegation of impropriety in this election cycle is taken seriously and fully investigated. This is not about challenging any election results. This is about making sure that every voice is heard, and that voter confidence is ensured now and into the future. My office is being inundated with phone calls and emails from constituents with questions and concerns about the mail-in ballot system and have presented a number of anomalies which they feel cause concern. The establishment of a bipartisan investigatory committee with subpoena power will enable members to gather the facts and work toward making sure our election process is sound and secure. Public sentiment and the volume of lawsuits filed both before and since the election tell us that investigatory action is in order. Free and fair elections are a staple of this country and our Commonwealth. I will do everything in my power to continue to fight for a fair vote count in Pennsylvania, where every legal ballot is counted in a transparent manner. I will keep you up to date on this important issue. Pay freeze for state government officials The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent mitigation efforts have affected all Pennsylvanians in so many negative ways. Over the last several months, my office in Moon Township has received many phone calls from constituents who are struggling to make ends meet after losing their jobs or being laid off. Knowing so many Pennsylvanians have been negatively financially affected, I strongly advocated that those of us in government should be willing to bear some of the burden. That is why I voted to freeze my salary as well as the salaries of all state government officials from Dec. 1, 2020 through Nov. 30, 2021. The legislation overwhelmingly passed the General Assembly and the governor signed it into law. Act 79 of 2020 will freeze wages for members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, attorney general, auditor general, the heads of departments, members of boards and commissions, and the judiciary. I admit that we have a long road ahead of us to address the state’s economic recovery and this is one step that we have taken to ensure that everyone is included in tightening our belts. 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2020/January 2021412.205.8998 | 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 | Maintenance Imagine your website working as hard for your business as you do. My successful hearing on COVID-19 effects on health care delivery in the region Recently, I hosted the House Majority Policy Committee for a virtual hearing with health care and elected officials on COVID-19 effects on frontline workers, health systems and health care delivery. Testifiers discussed the challenges of long-term care, testing, staffing, prescription affordability and allocating necessary funding to frontline workers to ensure the public safety. This crisis continues to wreak havoc on everybody. We recognize that the virus is not likely to go away anytime soon so we must be problem solvers. We must learn what challenges our frontline workers have faced and are still facing, and specifically find out how government leaders and health care workers together can be more proactive in finding ways for us to move forward to safely live our lives. It starts with making sure that our frontline workers receive the necessary equipment and funding they need to receive. As the co-chair of the House Life Sciences Caucus, chair of the House Cancer Caucus, and a member of the House Pharmacy Caucus, I have pledged to continue my work in the legislature advocating for lower prescription drug prices and more affordable health care. Norm Mitry, president and chief executive officer of Heritage Valley Health System, addressed not only the personal impact of COVID-19 but also the financial impact as well. He feels that this pandemic and the associated economic impact is far from over. As a community, whether it be regional, statewide or nationally, everyone needs to come together efficiently and financially to effectively address the short-term and future healthcare needs of our respective communities. December 2020/January 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 21Remember When? Remember When? N Over the years, many small southwestern Pennsylvania towns have laid claim to native sons and daughters who became widely recognized and famous in different fields of endeavor. A little research will show that, whether it be sports, politics, business, television, entertainment, movies, or by other means, the Pittsburgh area has its fair share of nationally - and even internationally - recognized son and daughter celebrities. What about brother celebrities, though? It is not often that you will find, coming from one household, two brothers who eventually gained national prominence for being among the very best in their profession. As it happens, the small town of McDonald lays claim to just such a set of brothers. They were Jacob (Jay) and Alan Levison. Both brothers became highly successful players in the entertainment industry - Jay as a musician and songwriter and Alan as a music and entertainment business executive. In their professional careers, they were known by the name Livingston. Born and raised in McDonald, the brothers grew up on Station Street, not far from the center of town where their father, Maurice, and mother, Rose, operated a shoe and clothing store. The two were immigrants from Russia and Germany. Maurice and Rose stressed the importance of education and their mother especially insisted upon their extensive musical training. At their parents’ encouragement, Jay studied piano and Alan studied violin, saxophone and clarinet. Both Jay and Alan graduated from the old McDonald High School. Jay graduated in 1933 and Alan in 1935. Both brothers did well academically in high school. They also both played in the school band and in other Pittsburgh area dance bands. Their life was always centered on music. Jay’s love of music and his school was demonstrated in 1932 when he composed his school’s alma mater, “Dear McDonald, Hail to Thee.” That inspirational song remained a cornerstone of McDonald High School until it closed in 1959. The song is still proudly sung at most school reunions. Following high school, both men enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Jay, a member of the class of 1937, majored in journalism and took classes in music composition and orchestration. Alan, a member of the class of 1940, majored in business and attended the university’s highly regarded Wharton School of Business. Despite the demands of their academic studies, the brothers found time to demonstrate and broaden their musical talents by playing in school orchestras and Philadelphia area dance bands. Both, at various times, also formed their own dance bands and, during the summers, they played with bands aboard cruise ships. It was during this university period that the brothers met and played in the same bands with fellow Penn student Ray Evans. It was from that interaction that Evans and Jay formed a lasting relationship as best friends and musical composition partners. In the years that followed, the team of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans would eventually become key participants in the music worlds of both Hollywood and Broadway. Alan, meanwhile, would become one of the major power brokers in the national musical entertainment industry. However, soon after college in the early 1940s, just as they were getting started, the Livingston brothers’ careers were put on hold. Like thousands of other young men of that era, they enlisted in the U.S. Army. As children of proud immigrants, both were honored to serve their country during World War II. Following the war, things moved quickly for them. From the late 1940s through the 1970s, and even into the 1980s, Jay and Alan rose to the very top of their particular sectors in the music and entertainment industry. Jay, with his partner Evans, became a Hollywood Academy Award winning and Broadway musical composer and songwriter. Alan went on to become a top New York and Hollywood entertainment and music industry business executive. Jay and Evans wrote music for over 100 Hollywood movies and received seven Academy Award nominations, winning three. Their well-known Oscar award-winning songs were “Buttons and Bows,” “Mona Lisa” and “Que Sera, Sera.” They also wrote many other well known popular music standards, including “Tammy,” “Dear Heart,” “To Each His Own” and the Christmas classic “Silver Bells.” That holiday favorite alone sold over 140 million copies while “To Each His Own” was voted the most popular song of 1946. Jay also wrote the music scores and theme songs for several top-rated television programs, including “Bonanza,” “Mr. Ed” and the “Doris Day Variety Show.” In 1995, Jay was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and, in 1996, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers recognized him with a special award for composing the most often performed film and TV music. Alan, meanwhile, for many years early on in his career was with Capitol Records, where he was a creator and producer of McDonald’s Livingston (or Levison) brothers STORY BY TIM THOMASSY, MCDONALD TRAIL STATION AND HISTORY CENTER PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY ABOVE: A display at the McDonald Trail Station and History Center pays tribute to Jay Livingston. BELOW: Part of the display includes posters from films and musicals Livingston wrote music for, including “Buttons and Bows,” “Hellzapoppin’,” “To Each His Own” and “The Streets of Laredo.” 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2020/January 2021Remember When? Remember When? N “Bozo’s Circus,” a nationally acclaimed children’s education program. By the early 1950s, he was a vice president with Capitol and acknowledged for being responsible for guiding Frank Sinatra to his much-publicized singing career comeback. In the mid-1950s, he moved his talents to NBC television and, as vice president for programming, developed several popular live TV programs, including the Milton Berle, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore and Jimmy Durante comedy and variety shows. In the late 1950s, he was responsible for launching “Bonanza” and Jay composed the show’s theme. It became one of the all-time most successful TV westerns, running for 15 seasons. Moving back to Capitol Records as president and chairman of the board, Alan was responsible in 1963 for releasing the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and effectively introducing the band to American audiences. He also signed the Beatles to their first major contract. During that same approximate time, he was responsible for signing the Beach Boys to a long-term contract. Eventually, Alan moved on to Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, where he served as senior vice president and president. The reason the Levison brothers changed their names to Livingston had to do with their Jewish faith and the concern that they would otherwise be discriminated against in the workplace, even after the lessons of World War II. That sense of discrimination may have even been on Jay’s mind when, back in 1932, he wrote, as tribute to his hometown and to his school, a classic stanza of the school’s alma mater: “Let Rich or Poor Demand, No Race or Creed is Banned, High on the Hill She Stands, Dear McDonald, Hail To Thee.” The Livingston brothers were two boys from a small town who were successful beyond imagination. Jay died in 2001 at the age of 86 and Alan died in 2009 at the age of 91. However, neither has been forgotten by their hometown. A Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission historical marker dedicated to Jay is located just outside the McDonald Trail Station while a history exhibit dedicated to both brothers is located inside. The facility is located near the center of town, next to the Panhandle Trail. For more, visit McDonaldTrailStation.com. These plaques at the McDonald Trail Station tell visitors a little more about the Livingston brothers. Alan’s notable achievements as an entertainment executive include signing the Beach Boys and the Beatles (who he is pictured with at right) to contracts. An official Pennsylvania historical marker outside the McDonald Trail Station pays tribute to Jay Livingston. December 2020/January 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 2324 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2020/January 2021December 2020/January 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 25 We asked area elementary students to create our cover this month. We chose one submission for our cover and a handful of others from each grade to feature here. The artists who created these are (from top left to right): kindergarteners Charlotte Kruman, Samanyu Rathod, Raegan Kouba, and Samanvita Rathod; first-graders Gracelyn Gola, Hope Hazuda, Luke Cartledge, and Brooklyn Boyce; second-graders Quinn Novak, Madeline McGee, Gage Sturm, Christopher Campbell, and Mave McGee; third- graders Maddox Chappel, Milanya Hines, and Suzannah Penix; fourth- graders Gianna Naple, Cambria Ziehler, and Noelle Shaffer; and fifth- graders Lilly Brumbaugh, Arabella Chappel, and Alaina Higgins. Thank you to all who participated! Your SchoolsYour Schools N STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ST. PHILIP CATHOLIC SCHOOL St. Philip Catholic School On Sept. 8, for the first time in six months, St. Philip School opened its doors and continued face-to-face instruction with the option for students to attend virtually from home. On-site students found a number of changes upon returning, including a new entry procedure in which each student has his or her temperature recorded before entering the building. Mask rules, covered water fountains, directional arrows, up and down stairway designations, and new cafeteria procedures also greeted the students. In the classroom, on-site students joined their virtual peers attending class via the Internet. While there have been changes in how St. Philip learns and teaches, it is still one school, one faculty and one SPS. As a result of the need to provide a virtual experience for students, St. Philip has taken a giant step toward becoming a “one-to-one” school. This means that each student has his or her own Chromebook or iPad to access web-based applications that accompany the math and language arts curriculum. Several other web-based programs are also used in classes. This also allows St. Philip to hold class via the Internet, both for students who choose to learn from home or for all students when weather or other issues close the building. This will mean no more snow make-up days! Such an Internet setup required the purchase of additional wireless connections for classrooms. St. Philip’s goal was to Meeting the COVID challenge by turning lemons into lemonade St. Philip seventh grade art students utilize an opportunity to hold class outside. eliminate delays in loading information and “kick-offs” when the system became overworked. Now, each classroom can accommodate up to 60 devices on the Internet at the same time with no interruption. Class size was reduced by hiring three new teachers, thus allowing for social distancing in classrooms. Other safety measures include the installation of hand sanitizers outside of each classroom, daily cleaning and sanitation of the entire facility, no sharing of school supplies, in-class temperature checks, outdoor classes, and a full-time nurse on duty daily. St. Philip School is proud to be meeting the challenge of COVID-19 and continuing its 106-year tradition of serving Crafton, Ingram, Thornburg, the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. ABOVE: St. Philip kindergarten student Noah Umalin adjusts to new safety rules. BELOW: Second-graders social distance in class and welcome stay at home classmates. 26 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2020/January 2021N Your Schools Your Schools Rome Monument moved, cleaned and refurbished this statue, which now sits in front of AGS. The Holy Family Archangel Gabriel Catholic School recently received a beautiful new statue. The Holy Family statue was donated by Mother of Sorrows Church in Stowe Township. The 3,000-pound solid Carrara marble statue was also moved, cleaned and refurbished by Rome Monument at no cost to the school. AGS is extremely grateful to J. Poli of Rome Monument for the service. Mother of Sorrows Church was designed by the great Italian architect Beli and Beli to resemble Noah’s Ark. The marble statue was originally erected in 1966 when Father Joseph Farina, one of the five Farina brothers who were all priests of the Diocese, was its pastor. AGS is pleased to have the Holy Family’s likeness in such a profound location, where it gazes at Holy Trinity Church and inspires the school’s families to become true holy families as they enter the building. A special thank you also to Father Joe Codori, Father David Poecking, Holy Trinity priests and everyone else who has helped to give this statue a new home. It has quickly become a significant part of the AGS campus. Archangel Gabriel Catholic School STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ARCHANGEL GABRIEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL A heart full of love Every month, Archangel Gabriel Catholic School focuses on “A Heart Full of Love for God and...” with a specific theme at the end of the quote. Each classroom in the school has a knight outside of their door holding a heart that shows the monthly theme. October was “A Heart Full of Love for God and Religious Leaders.” The school took time to dedicate their prayers to the priests, deacons and sisters. This month, AGS preschool students sent a special surprise and treat to Father Russell, who resided at the parish house until he went into a personal care facility last month. While keeping October’s theme close to heart, AGS wanted Father Russell to know how much he is loved and thought about at AGS. He always enjoyed seeing and talking to the parish children. Loving volleyball The junior varsity and varsity teams have played their hearts out this year! Just like every other sports team from the professional level to little league, Archangel Gabriel Catholic School had no idea what this season would hold. AGS, though, made it through the regular season safely and successfully. On the JV team, all but one player was new to the team while the varsity team showed up in a big way, both in numbers and spirit. The team filled two teams of girls who were eager to learn more and compete. The girls received personalized masks and jerseys to commemorate the season. Each player learned plenty while improving their skills and enjoying being part of a team, which is what it is all about. Trunk or treat On Oct. 25, Archangel Gabriel Catholic School held a very memorable trunk or treat event to celebrate Halloween. Over 30 families lined their cars, decorated their trunks and provided treats for students. Spirited themes ranged from Candy Land, to Under the Sea, to Angels, Goblins, and a Football Tailgate. A special highlight of the event was the eighth grade DJ. Not only did they provide spooky and thematic music, but they interacted with guests and provided commentary. A special thank you to Mr. Smith for helping with the DJ equipment and to the PTG for the awesome event. Father Russell is pictured with AGS students outside the school. The AGS volleyball teams had a great turnout this year despite the circumstances. December 2020/January 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 2728 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2020/January 2021 On November 2, the MCJROTC held its first promotion/ advancement ceremony for all West Allegheny cadets in the high school gymnasium. Led by Senior Military Instructor CWO-5 Edward D DuBois and Sgt. Thomas Short, 40 eligible cadets participated in the pinning of rank and the presentation of the warrant during the ceremony. District superintendent Dr. Jerri Lynn Lippert and high school principal Dr. Frank Hernandez had the honor of assisting in the awarding of pins and warrants. All cadets present were displayed the new chevrons on their uniform collar with pride to match their new rank. The event was livestreamed to family and friends who were unable to attend. District holds MCJROTC Cadet Promotion Ceremony ABOVE: Superintendent Dr. Jerri Lynn Lippert and high school principal Dr. Frank Hernandez join Senior Military Instructor, CWO-5 Edward D DuBois in awarding promotion warrants. LEFT: Promoted cadets receive warrants and pins. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named seniors Rebecca Miller as a semifinalist and Keri Quasey as a commended student in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. As a semifinalist, Miller was one of 16,000 students - or approximately one-third of the 50,000 U.S. high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT - to reach this level of distinction. Semifinalists are the highest scoring entrants in each state. Miller will now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists must advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and all other consideration requirements. Quasey was named a commended student and joins more than two-thirds of the approximately 50,000 high scorers for their outstanding academic promise. Commended students are named based on nationally applied scores and may be considered a candidate for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses. Two seniors recognized by National Merit Scholarship Corporation Superintendent Dr. Jerri Lynn Lippert and high school principal Dr. Frank Hernandez recognize Keri Quasey (second from left) for being named a National Merit Scholarship commended student and Rebecca Miller (second from right) for being named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. Cadets were under review for promotion since the first day of school. During the month of October, cadet records were reviewed as well as their current standing in other classes, which assisted in determining their individual promotion possibilities. December2020/January 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 29Next >