Montour alumna turns tragedy into children’s book Pittsburgh Botanic Garden opens new visitor’s center Plus spartan teams reach the postseason FREE Direct Mail Community Publication M agazine Montour School District News Page 25 Serving Ingram, Kennedy, Pennsbury, Robinson, Thornburg and Montour School District One of 4 Editions Serving 16 Airport Area Communities www.awmagazine.com Volume 17, Number 104 May/June 2021 Montour Edition Allegheny West get our list of Summer happenings and more right on your phone with our app4 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2021 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 leftover products. We encourage our readers to be responsible and dispose of this magazine when finished enjoying it. Consider passing it along to someone else, or placing it in your neighborhood recycling bins. Thank you in advance for doing your part for our earth. Hughey Publications, LLC also publishes the Moon edition of Allegheny West Magazine, the Cornell edition of Allegheny West Magazine and the West Allegheny edition of Allegheny West Magazine. MEMBER Allegheny West Magazine - Montour, is an all positive, good news publication mailed free into the homes and businesses of the Montour School District communities of Robinson, Kennedy, Ingram, Pennsbury, and Thornburg 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 Doug Hughey Jill Bordo Pat Jennette Sarah Kizina www.ddswebdesign.com Pam Iovino Anita Kulik Joe Kulik Pat Jennette Dear Readers, Thank you for picking up our May Montour edition. In the past, we’ve made a tradition of listing summertime happenings taking place around our coverage areas in our May editions. Last year, however, we couldn’t list these activities due to many events being canceled because of COVID-19. I’m happy to report, though, that this year our Summer Fun Guide is back. I take this as an excellent sign that we’re on the path to getting past this pandemic. Read more starting on page 36 and be sure to download our app, AWMag Events, at awmagazine.com to get our guide right on your phone. Given how quickly things change, I realize we could have missed something so, if we did, email us at info@awmagazine.com. In this edition as well, we’re binging you the latest news out of Montour School District, including more sports teams that reached the playoffs and student- led initiatives that are making a difference. On page 8, read about a Montour alumna who has turned a tragedy into a children’s book and, on page 10, read about the new visitor’s center at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Then check out page 43 for a rundown of all the latest programming at the Robinson Library. Check out news from more area schools on page 20. Look for our next edition in July. Until then, I hope you have a great start to summer and continue to stay safe. From the Publisher Allegheny West Magazine-Montour Edition is published in January, March, May, July, September, and November, six issues a year, Hughey Publications, LLC, P. O. Box 220, McDonald PA 15057. Mailed and distributed free to residents and businesses in the Montour 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 1999-2020 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. Doug Hughey, Publisher/Editor Montour Edition May/June 2021 ~ Volume 17, Number 104 Columns { }Contents - Around Your Town - Legislative Update - Chamberlink - Your Schools - Robinson Township Historical Society - Robinson Township Library - Firebeat 8 15 18 20 35 41 46 8 10 25 33 36 - - - - - Montour alumna turns tragedy into children’s book Pittsburgh Botanic Garden opens new visitor’s center Montour School District Newsletter Spartan teams reach the postseason Summer Fun Guide May/June 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 5Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health System is continuing its commitment to COVID-19 vaccination efforts as it hosts regular community clinics in Monaca and Robinson Township. Several large volume vaccination clinics have been held at the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) campus, vaccinating up to 1,700 individuals in one day. Heritage Valley is also hosting weekday clinics in Robinson Township at its former location next to Staples as well as the CCBC campus Dome. Heritage Valley Health System began collaborating with CCBC at the end of January to initiate the community vaccination clinics. Through these efforts, Heritage Valley has at the time of this writing administered more than 72,000 doses of vaccine. Nearly 42,000 individuals have received both doses and are fully vaccinated. “While we’re very pleased with the progress we’ve made so far, there’s still a long way to go to ensure that everyone who wants a vaccine receives one,” said Norm Mitry, President and CEO, Heritage Valley Health System. All adults ages 16* and up are eligible to receive the vaccine at this time. Upon registration, individuals are able to schedule appointments for their first and second doses. Upcoming dates for additional first-dose vaccine clinics are listed on the Heritage Valley website. Individuals must be scheduled to obtain a vaccine. Maintaining this ambitious vaccination schedule is only possible with help. More than 200 volunteers, including Heritage Valley employees and retirees, community members, nursing students, and many others, have assisted with the community vaccination clinics. “The workforce of volunteers has been instrumental in ensuring that the vaccination clinics run seamlessly,” said Laurie Clemens, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Heritage Valley Health System. “The volunteers perform a variety of roles from greeting and checking-in individuals to administering vaccines. They have also been essential in scheduling patients who do not have access to a computer.” To date, Heritage Valley has received more than 110,000 registrations for the COVID-19 vaccine, mainly through Heritage’s automated scheduling tool available on the Heritage Valley website. In anticipation of the community’s desire for the COVID-19 vaccine, Heritage Valley’s information technology department developed an online registration tool to gather information from those interested in receiving a vaccine. The tool also provides a method to schedule both vaccine doses at that same time. The first two vaccines approved for use by the FDA, from Pfizer and Moderna, require two vaccinations administered weeks apart. Heritage Valley is now offering the Pfizer vaccine exclusively. “We knew that distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to the community could present some logistical challenges; therefore, we developed the automated tool early to provide an organized method of registering and scheduling those in the Phase 1A group,” said Jon Zagorski, Chief Information Officer, Heritage Valley Health System. “As a community health system, Heritage Valley’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of all people in the communities we serve. Providing this crucial service of administering the COVID-19 vaccine to our friends, family and neighbors is what Heritage Valley is meant to do,” added Mitry. To register for the COVID-19 vaccine, go to www. heritagevalley.org or call (724) 770-7555. *Unemancipated minors who are 16 or 17 years old may only receive the COVID vaccine with the consent of a parent or guardian. However, parental consent may be waived if the minor can provide proof 1) of high school graduation, OR 2) of a prior or current marriage, OR 3) that the minor has been or is pregnant. Thousands receive COVID-19 vaccine as Heritage Valley continues community vaccination efforts I received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Do I need to come back for the second dose? Yes! The widely-utilized COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna require two doses scheduled 21 or 28 days apart, respectively. It is very important that you receive both doses of the vaccine to achieve the highest level of immunity. Those who have received their first dose at a Heritage Valley vaccination clinic already have a second dose appointment scheduled. Are there side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine? Some individuals experience mild to moderate reactions after the COVID-19 vaccination. These side effects occur within three days of vaccination and will typically last one to three days. Common side effects include arm pain, fatigue, headache, joint and muscle aches, chills, fever, and nausea. Severe reactions have been rare. If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. Is it okay to take medication to alleviate the vaccine side effects? Medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Ibuprofen (Advil) and Naproxen (Aleve), may be taken after the vaccine if you experience some of the side effects listed above. However, these medications are NOT recommended before the vaccination to prevent symptoms. How do I know if my symptoms are side effects or if I have COVID-19? Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are not the same as signs and symptoms related to the vaccine side effects. COVID-19 symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, and loss of taste and/or smell. These symptoms should not be attributed to the COVID vaccine and COVID testing may be advised. Please discuss these symptoms with a medical provider. After the COVID-19 vaccine: what you need to know 6 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2021Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health System has announced its 2020 Cameos of Caring Awardees. The Cameo of Caring Program & Awards was established in 1999 in keeping with the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing’s commitment to the advancement and promotion of the nursing profession. The Cameos of Caring Award honors exceptional bedside nurses who work in acute care hospitals. Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to consistent, evidence-based clinical decision-making and excellence in nursing care; serve as an effective advocate for patients and their families; encourage and motivate others, and be recognized as a role model for the profession of nursing; practice nursing involving direct patient care; be a licensed RN and be a direct employee of the hospital. This year’s Cameos of Caring Awardees are as follows: Heritage Valley announces Cameos of Caring awardees Darby Hupp, RN works on the cardiopulmonary unit at Heritage Valley Beaver hospital. Darby finds that the most satisfying part of her career is having a role in improving a person’s life. She has learned to take time at the beginning of a shift for each patient - to get to know them, assess their condition, pass medications and talk with them about their goals for the day and plan of care. Darby has been part of the COVID-19 Unit during the pandemic. “As the pandemic unfolded and the idea of the nurse as a hero emerged, it initially made me very uncomfortable,” said Darby. “Truly though, this year every nurse on the front lines deserves to be recognized for the sacrifices they made and the risks they took to their own health.” Rich Pongratz, RN, is a nurse in the emergency department at Heritage Valley Kennedy hospital. Energetic, compassionate and dedicated, Rich proactively provides a high level of care to all of his patients. He is a preceptor to nursing students and a nurse that his peers rely on for guidance and support. Rich is motivated to deliver high quality care and to treat all patients as he would want his family to be treated. “As a nurse you get to be hands-on, frontline, especially in the emergency department,” said Rich. “It’s rewarding to see people feeling better than when they first arrived.” Sara Manfredi, RN, is a nurse in the progressive care unit at Heritage Valley Sewickley hospital. For nearly 10 years, Sara has practiced the highest level of clinical judgment and critical thinking to ensure quality care is provided to patients. Her telemetry and stroke knowledge is invaluable to her department and peers. As a preceptor, Sara mentors graduate nurses and is a consistent source of knowledge, kindness, patience and encouragement. “The most satisfying part of being a nurse is watching a patient’s recovery and knowing that I aided in that,” said Sara. “It’s such a fulfilling feeling to know that you are helping someone get better.” In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Heritage Valley continues to reassess and adjust the patient-family visitation policy for its three hospitals - Heritage Valley Beaver, Heritage Valley Kennedy, and Heritage Valley Sewickley. Safety remains a priority as the health system strives to ensure protection for everyone. Heritage Valley has expanded its visiting hours and rules regarding who may visit. Most notably, visitation hours on inpatient units are now 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., daily. Other visitation changes are outlined at HeritageValley.org. Waiting rooms in the hospitals remain closed to further protect family visitors. Visitation hours update “Heritage Valley is fortunate to have highly skilled and dedicated nurses at all of our locations,” said Linda Homyk, MSN, BSN, RN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Patient Care Services at Heritage Valley Health System. “Darby, Rich and Sara are excellent nurses who are committed to patient care and promoting the nursing profession. We’re proud to have them as Cameos of Caring awardees.” Darby, Rich and Sara were honored at a virtual celebration March 6, 2021. Congratulations to these healthcare heroes who deliver the highest quality care to their communities each and every day! Healthcare scholarships available Residents in the Heritage Valley Beaver and Heritage Valley Sewickley service areas who are pursuing an education in a health care career field are invited to apply for scholarships of various amounts funded and awarded by the medical staffs of each hospital campus. Applicants may be in their senior year of high school, high school graduates, or current post-secondary students (ex. nursing school, undergraduate university, etc.). Students must provide proof of matriculation or current enrollment in order to receive any scholarship monies. The application deadline is May 31, 2021 and scholarships will be awarded by June 30, 2021. To download a scholarship application, visit www.heritagevalley.org/pages/ heritage-valley-medical-staffs- scholarship. May/June 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 7CAround Your Town Around Your Town STORY BY DOUG HUGHEY PHOTOS SUBMITTED For a long time, Montour alumna Isabel Scrabis wanted to write about her close friend Alina Sheykhet, but found it difficult. Then, while studying elementary education in graduate school at George Washington University, Scrabis took a children’s literature course. As part of the course, she had to write a book and Scrabis settled on an idea inspired by Sheykhet. “We had to brainstorm ideas and I had a couple in mind but this one struck a chord because of Alina,” she says. “I always liked to write but I struggled to write about Alina in a way that sounded right. She really loved kids so I thought this was the perfect way to honor her memory.” In 2017, two years after Scrabis and Sheykhet graduated from Montour High School, Sheykhet was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. She was living in Pittsburgh at the time and studying at the University of Pittsburgh. In the years since then, Sheykhet’s murder has rallied the community. Her parents, Elly and Yan, founded the nonprofit Alina’s Light in their daughter’s name. The organization awards scholarships to graduating Montour students and has benefitted several students who have excelled in the theater arts at Montour. Numerous local student- and community-led fundraising efforts have helped raise money for the scholarship fund. Alina’s murder has also spurred efforts to affect change at the legislative level. Shortly after her murder, state Rep. Anita Kulik introduced legislation that would give courts greater leverage when enforcing Protection from Abuse orders like the one Alina had filed against her ex-boyfriend. The proposed legislation has been called Alina’s Law. In high school, Alina had been a standout performer in Montour’s musicals. It was through those musicals, starting in middle school, that Scrabis and Alina first got to know each other. The two, though, didn’t become close until they were both juniors in high school. “We knew each other in middle school and did the musicals together,” says Scrabis. “Then in 11th grade we were assigned to sit next to each other in English class and we realized we had so much in common. We were inseparable from there.” From talking with Alina’s mother, Scrabis learned more about the family’s emigration from Russia. It was that narrative that helped her form the arc of her story. “Obviously, because it’s a children’s book I couldn’t tackle domestic violence,” says Scrabis. “But Alina loved to dance and on top of that she had the story of moving from Russia to America. The story started forming in my head and I talked with Alina’s mom about their move to America.” In the book, a young girl named Alina and her family emigrate to America from Russia, but the girl finds it difficult to adjust. She struggles with the language and finds it difficult to make friends. One day, as she and her mother are out walking, they pass a dance studio. The mother enrolls her daughter and, through dance, Alina adjusts to her new surroundings. “Part of my goal was, I was thinking of [English as a second language] students I’d had, and moving from a different country,” says Scrabis, who teaches fifth-graders at Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean, Virginia. “The girl in the book finds something that makes this country feel more like home.” Scrabis says her main character was actually inspired in part by Alina’s brother, who was school-aged when the family emigrated to the U.S. Alina was only 3 at the time. As is tradition in the graduate course Scrabis was taking, each student’s book was entered into the John Horroworth Competition. Scrabis’ book won and, as part of the prize, she received funds to self publish. Her book, “Alina the Ballerina,” is now available at Amazon.com. Scrabis isn’t making any money off sales of the book. Any proceeds are instead being donated to Alina’s Light. Scrabis says Alina’s mother was touched by the book. “Alina’s mom was just so thankful to me for portraying her in that way,” she says. “She was definitely overwhelmed and thankful for Alina’s memory being spread.” Though the book doesn’t address domestic violence directly, it does include a postscript about Alina. In April, Scrabis returned to Montour to read her book to preschoolers in the Early Childhood Education II class at the high school. The course hosts a daycare that is run by high school students and taught by high school teacher Nicole Stagl. Scrabis says the preschoolers loved the book. She also donated a copy that was framed and hung in the high school library. “It’s such a beautiful tribute to my daughter,” says Elly. “I cried and smiled at the same time while reading it.” Elly says Alina always spoke highly of Scrabis when the two were in school. “They were best friends,” she recalls. “I’m forever grateful for the love and continuing support of Isabel and her beautiful family.” Inspired by tragedy, Montour alumna pens children’s book ABOVE: Montour alumna Isabel Scrabis won a children’s book writing contest sponsored by a graduate course at George Washington University. She has since published the book, “Alina Ballerina,” which was inspired by her friend Alina Sheykhet. Sales of the book benefit a nonprofit established in Sheykhet’s memory. BELOW LEFT: After Scrabis visited Montour to read her book to preschoolers, a copy was framed and hung in the library. BELOW RIGHT: Scrabis and Sheykhet pose for a picture before their senior prom. 8 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2021May/June 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 9Next >