INSIDE! Official Newsletter Page 12 Our area’s women in leadership PLUS Coraopolis Community Development Update Senior Companion Program revises and expands Serving Coraopolis and Neville Island communities of Cornell School District. One of four editions serving 17 airport area communities. Cornell Edition Volume 3, Number 10 Spring 2021 www.awmagazine.com FREE Direct Mail Community Publication Allegheny West M agazine2 • Allegheny West Magazine • Spring 2021In our special section this month, we profile our area’s women in leadership, including (from top): Lucinda Wade, executive director of Coraopolis Youth Creations; Tiffany R. Battaglini, owner of Tiffany R. Battaglini Insurance Agency; and Amy Cavicchia, executive director of the Coraopolis Community Development Corporation. Read more, starting on page 24. Cornell Edition Spring 2021 ~ Volume 3, Number 10 Columns ABOUT THE COVER { } Contents Locally Sourced - Around Your Town - Chamberlink - Legislative Update - 6 8 9 11 - - - - 6 8 12 24 Coraopolis Community Development Update Senior Companion Program revises and expands Cornell School District Newsletter Our area’s women in leadership 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 1999-2021 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. P. 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 left- over 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 22 nd 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 FOUNDING PUBLISHER Pat Jennette Dear Readers, Thank you for picking up our Spring Cornell edition of Allegheny West Magazine. This month we’re bringing you lots of interesting news from the Cornell School District. In this month’s official school district newsletter, starting on page 12, read about how teachers are utilizing technology and innovative methods to adjust to COVID-19. A series of “spotlight” articles highlights the efforts of these teachers. Then, on page 23, read about how both varsity basketball programs got new coaches this year and the state of the programs as they restarted their seasons following a hiatus caused by COVID-19. On page six, get caught up on news from the Coraopolis Community Development Corporation and, on page 24, read our series of profiles on female leaders in the airport corridor. On page 10, check out a new prescription drug program being offered through the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. Look for our next edition in June, when hopefully the end of this pandemic will at least be in sight. In the meantime, I hope you will continue to be safe so that we can all cross the finish line of this pandemic together. Doug Hughey, Publisher/Editor From the Publisher Spring 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 3Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health 4 • Allegheny West Magazine • Spring 2021 Heritage Valley front-line staff received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine Dec. 18. Nurse Stephanie Kish (far left) was the first staff member at Heritage Valley to receive the vaccine, which was administered by Andra McHenry. Also receiving the vaccine was Family Medicine resident Sana Borda (giving a “thumbs up” at middle), who received the shot from Tammy Kelosky. Nurse Rozan Norris (far right) administers the vaccine to Dr. Matthew Woodske, intensivist with Heritage Valley Health System. Front-line workers were the focus at Heritage Valley Health System in late December as the first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine were administered. In December, Heritage Valley Health System received 1,950 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and 2,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Heritage Valley vaccinated approximately 2,000 employees and physicians. Vaccinations continue as several hundred more employees are scheduled to have it administered in early January. Once more doses are received, administration of the vaccine to the community will take place under the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. “Since March, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and all staff have gone above and beyond to provide the best health care to all patients during the pandemic. We’re proud of their efforts and pleased that we are able to begin administering the vaccine to those who have given so much of themselves,” said Norm Mitry, President & CEO, Heritage Valley Health System. To organize and coordinate the vaccination effort, Heritage Valley Health System developed an automated tool for individuals to schedule their first and second doses and record those dates on their electronic calendars. Two doses are required for complete administration of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. “This automated seamless process allows individuals to schedule appointments at their convenience and enables the Health System to perform all of the required reporting associated with the COVID-19 vaccine process,” said Jon Zagorski, Chief Information Officer, Heritage Valley Health System. Heritage Valley Health System front-line staff get COVID-19 vaccine Heritage Valley pharmacy and materials management staff received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Dec. 17. Pictured are Renee McRae, Russ Butwinski, Don Pettigrew and Rose Pettigrew. Heritage Valley Health System opened its first 2,300 COVID-19 vaccine scheduling slots in January. The slots were opened to members of the community who had registered with the health system and who fell within the modified Phase 1A group, as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The first wave of scheduling focused on individuals 80 years of age and older who reside in the health system’s service area. Just a few days after Heritage Valley launched its COVID-19 vaccine registration website and phone number Jan. 22, nearly 20,000 individuals registered for the vaccine. Individuals who could register for the first wave were those who were age 65 and older and those between the ages of 16 and 64 with serious health conditions that put them at greater risk for complications from COVID-19. Individuals who fall within those categories are encouraged to register. To properly assess this segment of the population, Heritage Valley is consulting with each patient’s primary care physician to assist with prioritization. The first COVID-19 vaccination clinics occurred at the end of January at the Community College of Beaver County Dome in Monaca. Vaccination clinics were also held at the former Heritage Valley Robinson location next to Staples in Robinson Township. Only individuals who have scheduled an appointment can receive the vaccine on clinic dates. Walk-in appointments are not available. “We are keenly aware of the strong desire among the community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. That is evidenced by the overwhelming response to the vaccination registration we launched in January,” said Norm Mitry, President and CEO, Heritage Valley Health System. “We chose to initially focus on the elderly and most vulnerable segment of the population in our service area, in accordance with the PA Department of Health guidelines.” “We are ordering vaccine on a regular basis to vaccinate as many patients as possible,” said Dr. Michael Cratty, Chief Medical Officer. “As vaccine is received, we will schedule additional vaccination clinics and open more scheduling slots to those who have registered with us.” To register for the COVID-19 vaccine distribution through Heritage Valley Health System, go to HeritageValley.org or call (724) 770-7555. Heritage Valley initiates first wave of Phase 1A Community COVID-19 vaccinationsHeritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health Spring 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 5%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced Coraopolis Community Development Corporation Update 2020: a year in review Last year was full of twists, turns and surprises. Due to the needs presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Coraopolis Community Development served more people in its service area of Coraopolis, Neville Island, Moon Township, Crescent Township and Groveton than ever before. Here’s a breakdown, by the numbers: • 9,145 local people were assisted • 8,179 guests served at the food pantry • 140,000 pounds of food distributed • 3,396 Weekend Snack Packs packed • 12,448 in-kind food donations received • 578 generous people donated • 448 dedicated people volunteered • Five socially-distanced events were held Coraopolis Train Station Project The Coraopolis Train Station Project reached a number of milestones in 2020. Here’s a list: • All design work completed • Roof 50% completed • Canopy 75% removed Here’s what’s next: • Permanent utility installation • Roof drains and stormwater management • Rebuild the canopy • Sidewalks Events The CCDC ramped up its efforts to support the Coraopolis business district by holding several socially-distanced, outdoor #ShopCoraopolis days to bring more foot traffic to the downtown corridor. These events included Second Saturdays events and the Fall Festival. The CCDC also forged new partnerships and strengthened others in order to make its work a part of the fabric of the community. Dates for the 2021 Second Saturdays are June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14. Coraopolis Food Pantry As the pandemic is ongoing, the CCDC continues to operate the food pantry on a drive-by format. The pantry opens its doors on the first and third Sunday of each month, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. In- kind donations of food items are always needed. Some items that are in high demand include: • Cereal • Peanut Butter & Jelly • Canned Tuna • Kraft Mac and Cheese • Canned Fruit • Canned Soup Weekend Snack Pack Program The Weekend Snack Pack program is now serving 117 students across two school districts. As the CCDC is implementing a new healthy pantry initiative, the organization is also partnering with Deane Watson, owner of Coraopolis business The Greatest Hit Boxing Fitness. With Watson’s help, the CCDC is including fitness activities and healthy eating options for students and families receiving snack packs. Appreciated in-kind donations for the snack pack program include (think lunch box size): Those in need of assistance can contact info@corycdc.org or (412) 329-8247. Donations can be made by visiting the CCDC’s website at www.corycdc.org or its Facebook page @ CCDC24 or be mailed to PO Box 40, Coraopolis, PA 15108. New mini-grants for Coraopolis businesses The CCDC is pleased to announce the launch of a COVID-19 Small Business Mini Grant Program in support of small businesses located within the Borough of Coraopolis. As part of the CCDC’s community economic recovery strategy, this grant program was created through Pennsylvania’s Department of Community & Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Program, with support from Dollar Bank. It will provide one-time, $1,000 mini grants to qualifying small businesses within the Borough of Coraopolis. Grants will be awarded to 30 qualifying businesses that meet the program’s outlined criteria. The grants are meant to provide the Coraopolis small business community with critical and flexible gap funding needed to help sustain business models throughout mandated pandemic closures. Qualifying expenses include utility bills, rent, tips for tipped employees, employee wages, and other fixed costs such as insurance and taxes. The application period will open at 12 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15 and run through Monday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Visit coraopolisfoundation.org/community-resources to see a full listing of the criteria and application process. This conceptual drawing shows the Coraopolis Train Station as it will look upon completion. Volunteers help safely load vehicles outside the food pantry. • Kraft Easy Mac • Mini bottled water • On-the-Go Peanut Butter • Fruit snacks • Pudding • GoGo Squeez Applesauce and/or Yogurt • Slim-Jims • Individually packaged crackers, peanuts, and anything snack size that would fit inside a child’s lunchbox CONTENT SUBMITTED New business ribbon cutting Coraopolis Borough leaders gathered Jan. 16 for a ribbon cutting ceremony for Embellished Beauty Studio, which officially opened for business at 411 Mill Street. 6 • Allegheny West Magazine • Spring 2021%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced Cornell Youth Baseball sign-ups now open The Cornell Youth Baseball Association has begun sign-ups for the upcoming spring 2021 season. Youth baseball has been a proud part of Coraopolis history, producing many players that have gone on to play at the collegiate, semi-professional and even professional level. The CYBA is looking forward to continuing this level of Little League play in the Southwest Pittsburgh Baseball League. The CYBA is accepting any players ages 4 to 14 residing in Coraopolis and the surrounding areas that are interested in playing baseball this spring and summer. Both experienced and first-time players are welcome. The CYBA offers several different levels of play: TBall: ages 4-5 ($60) Coach Pitch: ages 6-8 ($75) Minor League: ages 9-10 ($85) Little League: ages 11-12 ($85) Pony League: ages 13-14 ($140) Sign up to play on the CYBA website at www.tinyurl. com/2021cornellbaseball. In-person sign-ups will take place at the Bliwas Field Concessions Stand from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the following Saturdays: Jan. 23, Feb. 6, Feb. 20 and March 6. Discounts are available (choose only one if applicable): • $10 discount for two or more siblings registered • $10 discount for returning CYBA baseball players from last season All player registration checks should be made payable to the C.Y.B.A. Find the CYBA online at: Website: tinyurl.com/cornellyouthbaseball Facebook: www.facebook.com/cybabaseball Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/ groups/612641635504522/ Email: cornellyouthbaseball@gmail.com CONTENT SUBMITTED The year 2020 presented an incredible need for many in the community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Clearview Federal Credit Union continued and increased its community support through its Clearview Cares initiative. In 2020, the Clearview Cares program benefited thousands of people throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, including: • A total of 30,000 meals were provided to frontline workers, including medical personnel and first responders, at the onset of the pandemic • A $10,000 donation was made to the Pittsburgh Foundation Emergency Action Fund • With food insecurity on the rise, an ongoing partnership with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank delivered over 200,000 meals • A Thanksgiving turkey distribution provided a holiday meal for over 200 families • More than $100,000 was donated to support local community efforts • Scholarships totaling $15,000 were awarded to high school seniors for secondary education • Clearview’s financial literacy program benefited over 5,000 students • Donations of $18,500 were made to 10 local community organizations to spread the holiday spirit during a difficult season • Clearview staff volunteered more than 3,400 hours in the community while adhering to all state-mandated protocols In a time of crisis, Clearview provided thousands of members with a total of $7 million in reduced and deferred payments on consumer, homeowner, and student loans. Clearview also participated in the Payroll Protection Program that resulted in $8.4 million of additional aid for businesses. As the first credit union in Pennsylvania to join the PA CARE Package Initiative, Clearview was able to partner with the Office of the Attorney General to ensure consumers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were eligible for additional economic relief. Clearview was able to continue to safely assist members by offering personal services such as take-out banking and appointment scheduling without any reduction in staff. “Here at Clearview, we stand behind our vision of ‘Helping People to Enjoy a Better Life.’ In doing so, we are proud that in the most difficult of times that we were able to continue to support members, communities, and employees. We are grateful for our membership, who are at the core of all that we do, our devoted staff and their selflessness during such a challenging year, and to all the organizations making a difference,” said President and CEO Ron Celaschi. Clearview provides increased community support during an unprecedented year Spring 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 7 Read and share stories from Allegheny West Magazine! Current and back issues can be read at AWMagazine.com. Copy the URL from individual pages and then share via email and on social media.CAround Your Town Around Your Town Even in normal years, senior citizens tend to struggle with socialization due to a number of factors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the restrictions and social distancing measures they’ve had to abide by have exacerbated the issue to crisis levels. To combat the issue in this area, the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging has amped up its Senior Companion Program and altered its format to adjust to the pandemic. The Senior Companion Program is a federally funded initiative that was started in 1974 to provide income-eligible county residents aged 55 and older who are homebound or isolated with visits from volunteers. Though not mandated, companions typically visit seniors once or twice a week for a few hours each time. According to program manager John Miller, in-home visits were suspended last March for the safety of both program recipients and companions. However, volunteers were asked to continue making calls to check on their designated seniors, and even received new awareness training for serious side effects of depression and isolation. “One thing we were hearing is that the seniors still benefited from being connected to their companions by phone,” said Miller, adding “a friendly voice goes a long way in helping with loneliness.” Miller mentioned that the companions are also positively affected by knowing that someone is counting on them. Miller reported that, as the pandemic dragged into the summer with no end in sight, the county decided to advertise the service in hopes of reaching more seniors. After revising the name to the “Friendly Caller” program, the Department of Human Services began social media campaigns and neighborhood website messaging to spread the word. Between September and the time of this writing, roughly 60 new seniors have enrolled in the program, said Miller. The program now has approximately 260 participants. That expanded client base has increased the need for more than the 97 companions and friendly callers currently on the books. Miller reported that companions receive training, a small stipend and meal and travel expenses. Each companion is matched with a senior in an attempt to create the most rewarding relationship. For more information about the Senior Companion/Friendly Caller program, call the SeniorLine at (412) 350-4061 or email Miller at john.miller@alleghenycounty.us. County’s Senior Companion Program revises and expands during COVID-19 STORY BY JILL BORDO 8 • Allegheny West Magazine • Spring 2021February 2021 Milestone Anniversaries Welcome New Members! CoStar Dobil Laboratories, Inc. K & B Doormasters Long Consulting Group, LLC Party On! Entertainment, LLC Viqtory Cyber 15 years Pittsburgh Transportation Group Chapman Properties HRV Conformance Verification Associates Inc. 10 years Scrub Pro / Gallo Clothing 5 years Range Resources Security America Best Western PLUS The Inn at Franciscan Square Pittsburgh Community Television (PCTV) 850 Beaver Grade Rd. Suite 101 Moon Twp., PA 15108 412-264-6270 | paacc.com #PAACC Follow Us!! Inspired Learning LLC Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies Plan Your Next Getaway! No membership required! For more information about any of our trips or to register, please call Michelle Kreutzer at 412-203-0257. A Taste of Tyrol - Innsbruck, Austria Featuring Oktoberfest Includes: RT Air from PIT, hotels, Meals, Day Trips, Local English Speaking Guides, Transportation, and so much more! Sept. 17 - 25, 2021 | Early Bird Pricing- $3,399 Free Informational Meeting: April 6, 2021 For more information on this cost saving program, please contact Michelle Kreutzer at 412-264-6270. Spring 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 9Next >