Page 29 Coraopolis Community Development Update Porter’s partners to deliver lifesaving vaccinations Scouts improve area trails Former Archangel Gabriel coach preparing for sixth marathon PTC teams to offer life- changing career training Moon Township Garden Club centennial news Fall Fun Happenings pg. 35 Moon Edition Serving Moon Area School District Volume 15, Number 94 September/October 2021 One of 4 editions serving 16 airport area communities www.awmagazine.com FREE Direct Mail Community Publication M agazine Allegheny WestSeptember/October 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 34 • Allegheny West Magazine • September/October 2021 Moon Edition September/October 2021 ~ Volume 15, Number 94 { } Contents 8 9 10 16 19 24 29 35 36 - - - - - - - - - Coraopolis Community Development Update Porter’s partners to deliver lifesaving vaccinations Scouts improve area trails Former Archangel Gabriel coach preparing for sixth marathon Back-to-School Calendars PTC teams to offer life-changing career training Moon Area School District News and Notices Fall Fun Happenings Moon Township Garden Club centennial news Moon Area students get ready for the first day of school. PHOTO SUBMITTED Allegheny West Magazine-Moon 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 Crescent, Moon and Moon Area School District. 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. 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. MEMBER Allegheny West Magazine - Moon Edition, is an all positive, good news publication mailed free into the homes and businesses of the Moon Area School District communities of Moon and Crescent 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 Dear Readers, Thank you for picking up our September Moon 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 kicking off our edition with an update from the Coraopolis Community Development Corporation and a story about how Porter’s Pharmacy teamed up with local organizations to administer thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses. Then, on page 10, we talk with a number of area Boy Scouts who have been taking on projects to improve area hiking and biking trails. Their impressive work is making these natural assets all the better for area residents. On page 16, we profile former Archangel Gabriel Catholic School cross-country coach Mike Roberts. After inspiring hundreds of young cross-country runners over the years, Roberts is now taking on his own challenge. Be sure to tear out our back-to-school calendars on our centerfold, starting on page 19. Then, on page 24, we take a look at how Pittsburgh Technical College is providing valuable career training to those who need it most. On page 29, we’re bringing you some back-to-school news from Moon Area along with the district’s annual notices. Then, on page 35, check out our rundown of local fun fall happenings. Finally, on page 36, read about all the great things the Moon Area Garden Club has been doing this year in celebration of its centennial. 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 Doug Hughey, Publisher/Editor P. O. Box 220, McDonald, PA 15057 Phone: 724.673.3161 E-Mail: info@awmagazine.com www.awmagazine.com Doug Hughey Jill Bordo Pat Jennette Jocelyn Grecko Sarah Kizina www.ddswebdesign.com Pat JennetteHeritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health 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. 6 • Allegheny West Magazine • September/October 2021Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health 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. September/October 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 7%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced Coraopolis Community Development Update CONTENT SUBMITTED Snack Pack items needed The Coraopolis Community Development’s Snack Pack program provides supplemental nutrition to school-aged children during out-of-school time. What began as a small program feeding 30 students at Cornell School District has grown to include 120 kids at both Cornell and the Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs. Due to demand, this program will likely grow even more this school year. As a result, the CCDC is asking for individually-sized and microwavable packages of Kraft Easy Macaroni & Cheese and Chef Boyardee. Donations can be dropped off in the covered bin at 411 Broadway Street. For other arrangements, email hannahlapiska@corycdc.org. Food pantry drivers needed The Coraopolis Food Pantry is looking for volunteers for its food delivery program. Food Pantry Delivery Drivers must utilize their own vehicles and be able to lift more than 25 pounds. Anyone interested can contact Hannah Lapiska at hannahlapiska@corycdc.org. Those in need of assistance can email info@corycdc.org or call (412) 329-8247. Fall Festival and Artwork on Oct. 16! The CCDC is planning to once again host its Fall Festival & Art Walk in the Coraopolis Business District on Saturday, Oct. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. There will be live music, festivities and vendors. Coraopolis Youth Creations is planning a trunk-or-treat and pumpkin painting for kids on Mill Street. Local participating businesses will also be displaying art and artwork inside their shops. Art Walk maps can be picked up at Gilberti Fine Art Studio & Gallery at 1030 5th Avenue. Visit www.ccdc.org/events and follow @CCDC247 on Facebook for more details. The West Hills Meals on Wheels kitchen, which operates out of the Coraopolis United Methodist Church, serves the Coraopolis, Neville Island, Moon and Crescent communities with a brown bag lunch and a hot meal weekdays, Monday through Friday. Not only do residents get a nutritious meal, but they also get a friendly hello, some conversation and a daily wellness check. Deliveries are available to anyone who needs them, regardless of age or income. For more information, and to sign up, call (412) 262-5973. Volunteer appreciation picnic Earlier this year, the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank presented the West Hills Meals on Wheels with a grant of $6,000 that could be used to show staff and volunteers some appreciation for all their hard work throughout the pandemic. On Aug. 5, West Hills Meals on Wheels welcomed all of its staff and volunteers to a picnic at Moon Park. Over 100 people attended to enjoy food, music and company. The West Hills Meals on Wheels would like to thank the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank for its generous grant. The organization would also like to thank Moon Parks & Recreation for the donation of a pavilion, Bruster’s Ice Cream in Hopewell for bringing their ice cream truck and AVI Catering (Eaton) for their help in making the event a success. The picnic allowed the kitchen to show thanks to the people who have kept it running these past 18 months. West Hills Meals on Wheels news 8 • Allegheny West Magazine • September/October 2021%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced This past January, healthcare facilities across the country started receiving some of the very first COVID-19 vaccine doses. The doses promised what many had been waiting on for months: protection from the virus and an end to the lockdowns, social distancing, isolation and deaths caused by it. Getting those shots into peoples’ arms, however, proved to be an entirely different hurdle. In Pennsylvania, mandates prioritized that the highest risk individuals receive the first doses. Finding those people, scheduling them for appointments and then getting them to those appointments proved to be a whole other challenge. It was one that Eddie DeCaria, co-owner of Porter’s Pharmacy, and his wife, Bernadette DeCaria, PA-C, found themselves facing head-on. “In the beginning, there was a lot of pressure from the state, and it was hard to identify who had the highest risk,” says Eddie. “So what we did initially was go by word of mouth for those we knew.” To identify good candidates for the first phase of vaccine doses, the couple also started digging through the pharmacy’s records. In so doing, they were able to identify and reach out to customers who they knew would fall into Phase 1A of Pennsylvania’s vaccine rollout. Even then, though, the DeCarias faced another challenge. The pharmacy, which operates in the Sharon Center along Beaver Grade Road, couldn’t host a vaccine clinic on-site because they didn’t have the space needed for proper social distancing. Porter’s, though, was able to partner with local organizations with access to larger venues. In February, Porter’s hosted its first clinic in the Cornell Elementary School gymnasium. Cornell superintendent Dr. Aaron Thomas and Carla Antoniades, Cornell’s director of pupil services, helped Porter’s identify numerous additional people in the area who fell under Phase 1A. A small army of volunteers also volunteered at the clinic to help shepherd people through the process. The effort resulted in about 700 high- risk area individuals getting potentially lifesaving vaccinations. “There were a lot of people who were susceptible and high risk,” recalls Eddie. “Looking out at the gymnasium floor, we said to ourselves, ‘These people needed this vaccine.’” Eddie says some of those people told him they hadn’t been out of their house in a year. Thomas, likewise, says a number of people who got vaccinated at the clinic told him they were grateful for the accessibility. “At the clinics, and afterward, I had discussions with community members who expressed their gratitude about having a vaccination clinic so close, and the process completed in a straightforward and clear manner,” he says. “It really was a team effort, and I am very happy that Mr. and Mrs. DeCaria were able to vaccinate as many individuals as they did.” The success of that clinic led to Porter’s partnering with the Coraopolis Community Development Corporation to host another vaccination clinic at VFW Post 402 in Coraopolis. CCDC executive director Amy Cavicchia says that even before the pandemic, Porter’s had been an important partner and helped clients of the Coraoplis Food Pantry, which operates under the CCDC, with their pharmacy delivery program. “Bernadette and her team of professionals were organized and, with just a few days notice, were able to reach out to key members of our community, get volunteers and vaccinate over 400 people,” says Cavicchia. In all, Eddie says they were able to hold six vaccination clinics in both the Cornell and Moon Area communities, and vaccinate well over 1,000 high-risk patients. “It may seem like a small number compared to some of the larger health systems, but those people were in dire need,” says Eddie. Today, Porter’s is administering vaccination shots right at its location on Beaver Grade Road. In addition, Porter’s is planning to begin offering COVID-19 booster shots, which received FDA authorization in August, soon. The CDC is urging anyone who hasn’t received their first vaccine dose yet to get vaccinated, as the current overwhelming majority of people with severe COVID-19 illness are unvaccinated. For more, visit www.cdc.gov and www. fda.gov. To view a list of all locations offering free COVID-19 vaccine shots in the area, visit www.vaccines.gov. Porter’s Pharmacy partners to deliver lifesaving vaccines STORY AND PHOTO BY DOUG HUGHEY Eddie DeCaria, co-owner of Porter’s Pharmacy, and his wife, Bernadette DeCaria, PA-C, worked with area organizations to vaccinate well over 1,000 high-risk individuals earlier this year. September/October 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 9Next >