Fall Fun Happenings pg. 42 FREE Direct Mail Community Publication Montour School District News Page 29 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 105 September/October 2021 Montour Edition America250PA coming to area Local taekwondo instructor earns sixth world title Local scouts improve area trails Former AGS coach prepping for sixth marathon PTC teams to offer life-changing career training McKees Rocks natives bring doo-wop back to area A Vietnam veteran called before his time Addressing firefighter cancer4 • Allegheny West Magazine • September/October 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 Garret Roberts Sarah Kizina www.ddswebdesign.com Anita Kulik Joe Kulik Pat Jennette Dear Readers, Thank you for picking up our September Montour edition. I hope you are having a great start to the school year and enjoying all of the fanfare and excitement that comes with this time of year. This month, we’re bringing you a number of stories about how people in the Montour and surrounding communities are finding ways to pursue their passions. In so doing, these individuals are not only getting the chance to do something they enjoy, but also helping others in the process. Whether it’s a local scout spearheading an effort to improve a trail they’ve enjoyed, or some musicians who are using their talents to raise money for good causes, many of the people we write about this month have successfully channeled their interests to serve others. This is, of course, something we all try to do in our professional and personal lives on a daily basis. Our passions and interests drive us to help those around us and we’re rewarded in the process. I’m glad to be highlighting just some of these folks in this edition. On page 42, check out our rundown of fun fall happenings taking place around the area and, on page 23, be sure to tear out our back-to-school calendars. Get caught up on the latest happenings out of Montour School District on page 29 and get a rundown of upcoming programs at the Robinson Township Library on page 45. Look for our next edition in November, when we’ll be bringing you our annual holiday guide. Until then, have a great start to the school year! 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 September/October 2021 ~ Volume 17, Number 105 { } Contents 8 9 10 12 23 29 28 40 42 44 46 - - - - - - - - - - - America250PA coming to area Local taekwondo instructor earns sixth world title Local scouts improve area trails Former AGS coach prepping for sixth marathon Back-to-School Calendars Montour School District Newsletter PTC partnership offers life-changing career training McKees Rocks natives bring doo-wop back to area Fun Fall Happenings! A Vietnam veteran called before his time Addressing firefighter cancer The Montour Marching Band performs during the Spartans’ football home opener Aug. 27. PHOTO BY DOUG HUGHEYSeptember/October 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 5Heritage Valley HealthHeritage Valley Health 6 • Allegheny West Magazine • September/October 2021 Heritage Valley Health System and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley are pleased to announce the renovation and re-opening of a 12-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit located on the fifth floor of Heritage Valley Kennedy hospital. Officially named the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley at Heritage Valley Kennedy, the unit will function as a satellite expansion unit of the main facility located in Sewickley. The location will provide rehabilitation care for patients recovering from strokes and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, hip fractures, and complex orthopedic conditions. “Heritage Valley and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley have a history of collaboration and joint venture relationships,” said Norm Mitry, President and CEO, Heritage Valley Health System. “Establishing the inpatient rehabilitation unit at Heritage Valley Kennedy was a natural fit. It brings much needed services to patients residing in the western and northern communities of Allegheny County. They can now receive this specialized care close to home.” Patients of the unit benefit from exceptional care that is standard to both organizations. Those receiving care will experience a minimum of three hours per day of therapy for five days each week from a multidisciplinary therapy team, 24-hour nursing care, access to advanced technologies, and frequent visits by an attending physician during their stay. “We are excited about this next step in our collaboration with Heritage Valley, as we continue to identify opportunities to expand the services and programs offered to individuals in our local community through our clinical partnership,” said Leah Laffey, CEO of Encompass Health of Sewickley. “At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley at Heritage Valley Kennedy, we remain committed to helping our patients regain independence after a life-changing illness or injury. Our teams use clinical collaboration and advanced technologies to provide a personalized care plan designed to meet our patients’ unique needs to help them achieve their goals.” To learn more about Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley at Heritage Valley Kennedy, please call (412) 749- 2396. Heritage Valley, Encompass Health bring inpatient rehab to Heritage Valley Kennedy Encompass Health is now treating patients at Heritage Valley Kennedy hospital. Heritage Valley HealthHeritage Valley Health September/October 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 7 Heritage Valley OB/GYN Associates of Sewickley welcomes Wenjun Zong, M.D., Ph.D. to the practice. He joins Rebecca Welch, M.D., FACOG and Tara Degnan, PA-C at OB/GYN Associates of Sewickley, which is located on the first floor of Heritage Valley Sewickley hospital at 720 Blackburn Road in Sewickley. Before joining Heritage Valley OB/GYN Associates of Sewickley, Dr. Zong earned his medical degree and completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Chongqing Medical University in China. He also completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology and earned a Ph.D. in molecular oncology and biology at West China Medical University. Dr. Zong additionally had senior specialist training in gynecologic endoscopies in France. He finished a U.S. OB/GYN residency in New York. Dr. Zong was a research faculty member in urogynecology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Zong is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call (412) 749-8317. Heritage Valley welcomes OB/GYN Wenjun Zong, M.D., Ph.D. You may be familiar with Heritage Valley ConvenientCare walk-in clinics, as they provide immediate care for minor illnesses and injuries. But did you know ConvenientCare locations provide health and wellness examinations as well? Heritage Valley’s ConvenientCare walk-in clinics provide physicals for a variety of reasons, such as for school and/or sports enrollment, driver’s license applications, and employment. To obtain a physical at Heritage Valley ConvenientCare, simply walk in; no appointment is necessary. ConvenientCare clinics are open daily with extended hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners at ConvenientCare provide physical exams and complete the necessary documentation needed all in one visit. To learn more about ConvenientCare and the services provided at all seven community locations, go to HeritageValley.org. Walk-in physical exams available at ConvenientCare Robinson Pictured is Heritage Valley ConvenientCare in Robinson Township. Wenjun Zong, M.D., Ph.D.%Locally Sourced Locally Sourced 8 • Allegheny West Magazine • September/October 2021 In 2026, the U.S. will celebrate its semiquincentennial, or 250-year anniversary since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In honor of that milestone, Congress passed the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission Act in 2016. That legislation established a commission tasked with organizing the commemoration and festivities in the lead-up to the big celebration. It also identified four historically significant cities: Boston, Charleston, New York City and Philadelphia. Two years later, in 2018, Pennsylvania established its own commission called America250PA. Like the federal legislation, this act also established its own commission. This one, though, was tasked with engaging people across the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since then, the commission has added representative members from across the state and has been working to engage local organizations, legislators and others in the commemorative effort. It currently has the support of every living past governor of Pennsylvania and Gov. Tom Wolf. Commissioners from this area include Andy Masich, president and CEO of the Senator John Heinz History Center; Kiya Tomlin, local entrepreneur and wife of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin; Jim DePoe of IBEW Local 29; and Judge Brandon Neuman. In late April, commission members met in the area and visited places such as the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the University of Pittsburgh Oakland campus and others. Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250PA, says the group has been working with those organizations and others to devise ways to honor the places, people, industries and historic events that have played a significant role in shaping the area. In the process, America250PA intends to share those achievements with the rest of the state by driving visitors to this region and others. “We want to make sure we’re listening and including every Pennsylvanian,” says Coleman. “We want to know what’s important in their communities, whether it was 50 years ago or five years ago. We want to make sense of what makes Pennsylvania proud. So we’re really excited to learn what Pennsylvanians want to see from this celebration.” The commission is also adding a number of interactive components to the effort. Coleman says they’re exploring ways to develop an interactive digital map, possibly through a mobile app. They’ve also partnered with Pennsylvania health systems to market a physical component, one where individuals will be encouraged to log either 250 miles by foot or 2,500 miles by bike. For instance, a visit to the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the Whiskey Rebellion Trail or an area park could involve a hike that would count toward the challenge. “The road to 2026 is a way for America250PA to help create a healthier Pennsylvania by 2026,” she says. Coleman says that the commission is also working with the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia to expand their curriculum and to bring that curriculum to a Pittsburgh- area school this fall. As well, America250PA is planning to place bells as markers at significant locations around the state. Cabot Oil and Gas is sponsoring the first of a handful of semiquincentennial bronze bells that will be placed at seven locations. One temporary fiberglass bell will also be placed in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties closer to July 4, 2026. Coleman likens the fiberglass bells to similar sculptural efforts that have taken place at various cities over the years, such as the Cows of Chicago and Hearts of Seattle. The commission is currently fielding design ideas from Pennsylvania artists to make each of the bells unique. Details are available at their website under the “Celebrate” tab. The url is listed at the end of this article. George Stark, director of outreach for Cabot Oil and Gas, says that the idea behind the effort isn’t just a one-day or one-week celebration, but a multi-year effort that will give Pennsylvanians an opportunity to explore and learn about their state. “Everyone has to realize you don’t just celebrate it then,” says Stark, referring to July 4, 2026. “It’s also everything you do leading up to it.” Watch for updates regarding America250PA in future editions of Allegheny West Magazine. For more about America250PA, visit www.america250pa.org. America250PA coming to area STORY BY DOUG HUGHEYCAround Your Town Around Your Town September/October 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 9 In 1989, James Estep decided to enroll his 4-year-old son, Mike, in a taekwondo school in West View. James was concerned that his young son was getting bullied by some older kids who lived up the street from their Bellevue home and he wanted Mike to be able to defend himself. It turns out that the school didn’t just teach Mike how to fight. It also gave him confidence and introduced both father and son to a community steeped in the martial arts. James also joined the school and, just four years later, achieved the rank of black belt. Then, in 1995, James opened his own school on Pine Hollow Road in Kennedy Township. Mike says his dad also had plans to open two more schools in western Allegheny County, but that those plans got curbed when James suffered a debilitating back injury at work. That led Mike, who was just 15 at the time, to take over the bulk of instructing duties at the school. Two years later, after Mike graduated from Northgate High School in 2002, the family moved the school - Estep’s ATA Martial Arts - into the Kenmawr Plaza. It has continued to operate there since and now has about 175 students. At the same time, Mike has captured numerous titles at national and international taekwondo competitions. A member of Team USA, Mike recently competed in his 20th American Taekwondo Association World Championship this past July in Arizona. There, he won titles in both traditional sparring and combat sparring in the 27- to 39-year-old sixth to seventh degree black belt division. The titles represent his fifth and sixth world titles. That achievement alone is remarkable, but it’s even more so considering that just a little over a week before he was to compete, Mike lost his dad, who had been suffering from dementia. “I told everyone I was going to win a world title in his honor and I was able to win two,” he says. “I had him in my corner trying to motivate me a little bit.” The family held a funeral just before Mike departed for Arizona. Mike says that during his 32-year journey to his most recent world titles, his dad was a staple at the school and at the many competitions they attended. Mike first started competing in tournaments in 1989 when was just a 5-year-old yellow belt. “My dad would go to all the tournaments,” says Mike. “We’ve probably done several hundred over the years.” Another face that has always been a staple at those competitions is that of Kevin Kaminski, another American Taekwondo Association instructor. Kaminski, who earned his black belt alongside James, also briefly trained Mike. Now, when he and Mike are preparing for a world competition, they train together. They also both travel around the country, competing at various ATA events as they work toward racking up enough points to reach each year’s world competition. At this most recent world competition, Kaminski also did quite well, earning three titles - in traditional weapons, weapon forms and combat sparring - in the 40- to 49-year-old division. “We push each other and motivate each other to be prepared and be the best we can be,” says Kaminski. While Mike and Kaminski were earning their world titles, four of Mike’s students also competed. Though none placed, Mike says the experience was valuable for them on multiple levels. Not only did it prepare his students for the high level of competition they’ll face at future world competitions, but the experience also teaches important life lessons. “It’s definitely a test of your nerves,” says Mike. “That’s one of the reasons I encourage competition for our students. It puts you out of your comfort zone and sees how you perform under pressure. Whether you’re interviewing for a job or standing up for yourself, it’s how you react when you’re in a stressful situation. If you can’t keep calm and focused, you won’t do very well, and you need that to be successful in life.” Both as an instructor and an athlete, Mike has experienced plenty of success over the years. Kaminski, though, says Mike has never let his success go to his head. “He’s a very humble guy,” says Kaminski. “He doesn’t like to brag about himself much, but he’s a great martial artist. He has a lot of passion for the martial arts and you can tell when you talk with him.” At competitions, Kaminski says his friend’s reflexes and height advantage have also aided him well, particularly in sparring, where competitors fight using a staff wrapped in padding. Points are awarded for hits to the body and head, with additional points added for hits landed in mid-air. Mike describes it as a highly strategic event, one where competitors are constantly looking for openings and weaknesses in their opponent. Now, Mike’s own two boys - Maddox and Jett - are involved in taekwondo, and Madison has already become the third generation family member to earn a black belt. “It’s pretty awesome to watch those guys,” says Kaminski. “The boys will come watch their dad train. He’s passing that legacy on to his kids.” Continuing a legacy, local taekwondo instructor earns sixth world title Mike Estep (at center) takes his place on the podium to earn his sixth world title at the American Taekwondo Association World Championship in July. PHOTO SUBMITTED STORY BY DOUG HUGHEYNext >