< PreviousCAround Your Town Around Your Town On March 1 of 2020, the West Hills Symphonic Band played its annual spring concert at Montour High School. The performance, which featured area musicians playing band arrangements, wasn’t entirely unlike so many of the other shows it had put on over the years. Typically, the band, which got its start back in 1967, plays four indoor concerts each year followed by a series of outdoor shows during the summer. Its performances, which take place across the western suburbs, usually feature a lineup of popular genres, including marches, patriotic songs, classical arrangements and more. The performances are always free to attend and audiences flock to them. As band members walked out of the high school that evening, however, none could have imagined that they wouldn’t see each other, let alone perform again together, for over a year. “Who’d have thought it?” says Tom Snyder, the band’s associate conductor. “We thought we’d see everyone in two days, or maybe take a week after taking a break. Little did we know we wouldn’t be back until May of 2021.” Along with the rest of the performing arts world, members of the West Hills Symphonic Band found themselves with a lot of extra free time on their hands just about a week after that performance. The band wouldn’t rehearse together again for over a year. When they finally did get back together, it was nothing short of a joyous moment for band members who had spent months practicing - or in some cases not practicing - at home by themselves. “The sheer joy of watching them come back and play music together,” says Snyder, “to see people we hadn’t seen, board members and so on, but we hadn’t seen them since March of 2020.” Almost a year since that show, the West Hills Symphonic Band is now back in full swing. After a string of outdoor concerts last summer, it has performed three indoor concerts thus far at Montour High School. In December, it played a show featuring unique arrangements of classic holiday tunes that drew almost 400 people. Then, on Feb. 27, the band performed its show titled “A Winter’s Voyage: Far Away Places that Warm the HEART!” The concert featured an eclectic mix of pieces, including the spirited circus march “Olympia Hippodrome,” two John Philip Sousa marches, Hector Berlioz’s “Roman Carnival Overture,” selections from “Man of La Mancha” and an exciting piece taken from movement one of “Gandalf” from The Lord of the Rings Symphony. A highlight of the show, however, was “Victory at Sea,” a special tribute to the Navy. Dr. John Pastin, a 30-year Navy veteran and former commander and conductor of the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, D.C., conducted. “This is a tone poem representing naval action in the South Pacific during World War II,” explains Rolin about the piece. “It’s a compilation of music written by famed American composer Richard Rodgers for the 1952 NBC TV documentary series of the same name.” The band also played a fun Cajun piece called “Bayou Breakdown” and an arrangement of Mozart’s “Queen of the Night” featuring principal flute and piccolo player Jamie Kasper. After almost a year of playing together again, the band was as cohesive as ever. Yet, as Rolin and Snyder point out, it didn’t start out that way. In May of 2021, when the band first started rehearsing again, it was obvious they needed work. “Even for the professional musicians, it was bumpy,” says Snyder. “After awhile the motivation to practice wanes a bit because it becomes, ‘What am I practicing for? There aren’t any performances.’ But it was admittedly bumpy.” Rolin says just finding a place to rehearse was a challenge, as the venues they’d used in the past weren’t available due to COVID-19. Luckily, the band connected with West Ridge Church in Imperial, which lent them their sanctuary as a practice space. “I can’t say enough about West Ridge and how they helped us,” says Rolin. “They were wonderful. Without them we wouldn’t have been able to come back.” At the same time, the band established a COVID-19 safety policy that the band’s board put in writing and required all members to follow. Among other measures, the policy included a vaccination requirement. With many band members being in their 50s or older, and COVID-19 still prevalent, Rolin says the virus was very much a concern. The band is continuing to abide by that policy to keep both its members and audiences safe. Snyder says that while preparing for that first show at the beginning of June of last West Hills Symphonic Band returns to form following COVID-19 Next performance takes place April 24 STORY BY DOUG HUGHEY Principal conductor Clem Rolin directs the West Hills Symphonic Band during its most recent concert at Montour High School on Feb. 27. PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY 10 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2022lLegislative Update Legislative Update State Sen. Devlin Robinson It is hard to believe that I’ve already completed one year in office. Although COVID-19 may have provided challenges in 2021, in the district I was able to tour 66 businesses, corporations, nonprofits, and manufacturing plants. I also attended 325 community events including parades, festivals, and grand openings. Meeting the people of the 37th district was also my top priority. My team and I attended 283 in-person meetings and 156 zoom meetings. I am proud to say that we were able to advocate and award $6,923,645 worth of funding towards district projects. This money will enable municipalities and boroughs in the 37th district to create green space, improve flooding and stormwater conditions, and enhance recreational trails and parks. Legislatively, I had four bills passed by the Senate of Pennsylvania, which are SB 403, SB 706, SB 550, and SB 96. SB 550-Act 89 and SB 96-Act 55 made it to the Governor’s desk and were passed into law. I serve on seven committees including Law & Justice (Vice Chair), Appropriations, Community Economic & Recreational Development, Game & Fisheries, Health & Human Services, Labor & Industry, and Local Government. Right now, we are beginning our Appropriations meetings to hear from each of the state agencies so we can prepare to present a state budget. My office staff is available to assist with state-related issues such as PennDOT inquiries, state tax issues, and unemployment compensation concerns. We also have wonderful opportunities for veterans and business owners. Please call (412) 643-3020 to learn more about the services we provide. State Sen. Devlin Robinson serves Pennsylvania’s 37th Senatorial District. His Robinson Township office is located at 200 Cedar Ridge Drive, Suite 206. He can be reached at (412) 643-3020. year, they stuck mostly to their favorites. Aside from a few new pieces, they played a familiar set that the band had performed many times prior. That show ended up taking place at the Moon Park Amphitheater, where a crowd of people pulled up lawn chairs to listen. Band member Michael Holl says it was a treat, not just for audiences but for band members, as well. “Not playing together was such a void for so many of us,” says Holl, a music teacher who plays trumpet for the band, “so when we were actually able to play as a group it was amazing, but the truly best experience was playing for an audience.” In the following months, the band played three more outdoor shows, in Crafton, Findlay Township and Collier Township. It then moved indoors at Montour starting with its fall shows. Holl says audiences have been ecstatic to hear the performances, which were a rarity during the pandemic. “I’ve never felt this kind of appreciation from our audiences like we’ve had this year,” he says. “It’s definitely filling a void that we’ve all experienced during the pandemic.” At the time of this writing, the West Hills Symphonic Band is planning to perform its next concert April 24 at 3 p.m., once again at Montour High School. Rolin says the show will feature the overture to “The Barber of Seville,” which many will recognize from the “Looney Tunes” cartoons; the “Colonel Bogey March” from the movie “Bridge on the River Kwai;” and a new arrangement called “Mour Chansons D’Amour,” featuring American songbook favorites with French connections. The concert will also feature John Philip Sousa’s “Black Horse Troop,” “Paradiso” by Robert W. Smith and highlights from John Williams’ soundtrack to “Jurassic Park.” “The major attraction of this program will be its two amazing soloists,” says Rolin. “Danielle Pastin, internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera star and daughter of Dr. John Pastin, will perform ‘Quando m’en vo,’ or Musetta’s Waltz, remembered also as the Della Reese hit ‘Don’t You Know,’ arranged and conducted by her father. Nationally renown clarinetist Janice Coppola will also perform the ‘Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto,’ a piece she’s performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony and several other major ensembles.” After that performance, the band’s next show will take place at Moon Park on June 2 and at the Recreation and Sports Complex at Leopold Lake in Findlay Township on Aug. 2. Visit whsb.org for the latest on show dates and times. The West Hills Symphonic Band’s “Spring Pops Concert” on April 24 will feature solos from soprano opera singer Danielle Pastin (top) and Janice Coppola (bottom). PHOTOS SUBMITTED March/April 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 11y > Learning CurvesLearning Curves 2021 tax tips BY JASON BENDIK • Did you receive any advanced Child Tax Credit payments? If so, be sure to include Letter(s) 6419 showing any amounts received during 2021 and to fully reconcile. These payments were advance payments on existing tax credits provided to families with children under the age of 18. Instead of counting these tax credits toward your income at the end of the year, they were instead distributed early. So, be sure you have your paperwork in order and are accounting for any credits you received, as you will need to factor that into your tax filing for last year. • Last spring, the federal government sent out a third round of COVID-19 stimulus funds. If you received stimulus funds, be sure to reconcile the total amount received. If you did not receive a check or direct deposit, or if your income has changed since then, you may now be entitled to those funds when filing. • Did you make any above-the-line charitable donations last year? That would be a donation you list above line 15 on your tax return that reduces your tax liability. Even if you do not itemize your deductions, you may still be able to claim that charitable contribution when filing your 2021 federal taxes. • If you receive a W2 from your employer and owe a lot in taxes for 2021, then you may want to consider adjusting your federal withholdings. Check your W4 with your employer and think about raising the amount withheld so you aren’t stuck with another large tax bill in 2023. The 2021 tax filing season is now underway and the clock is ticking to file before April 18. Here are four items to consider as you prepare your taxes. Jason Bendik, president of Pandolfo Bendik, is pictured with his wife, Brittany, sons Jameson and Chase, and dog, Max. PHOTO BY FRANK VILSACK PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Bendik is a CPA and independent investment advisor with over 11 years of experience. He is also the president of Pandolfo Bendik, which is located at 24 Beaver Grade Road in Robinson Township. Visit them online at www.pandolfobendik.com. Preparing your own taxes can be tricky and complicated. There are also plenty of ways to take advantage of opportunities provided by the federal government to lower your tax burden. If you’re not aware of them, however, you may be paying more than you need. If you could use help preparing your returns, let our offices take away the stress. Contact us today at (412) 788-1335 or email me directly at jbendik@pandolfoassociates.com. • Any and all W2s or 1099s • Mortgage statement and real estate taxes paid • Charitable donations • Investment-related 1099 forms showing dividends, interest and capital gains • Have a child in college? Form 1098T should be received • Amount of advanced child tax credits received in 2021 • Work as an independent contractor and from home? Gather your home’s utility bills and calculate the square footage of your home office • Amounts contributed to any college savings plans (529) or individual retirement accounts (IRA) Don’t forget these important documents: Be sure to also gather these important forms and documents, if applicable, before you head to see your accountant: 12 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2022y > Learning Curves Learning Curves Obtaining guardianship in Pennsylvania BY MICHELE P. CONTI Many people have likely heard the term “guardianship,” but most probably don’t know what it means. In Pennsylvania, if someone is incapacitated and does not have a power of attorney appointing another as their “agent” to manage their financial affairs and make medical decisions on their behalf, or is unable to execute one because of their current mental state, guardianship is the procedure that allows a third party to do these things through the Orphans’ Court. Pennsylvania judges prefer the use of a Power of Attorney over Guardianship, when appropriate. The appointment of a guardian for an adult individual requires a court order determining that the person is incapacitated. This requires a medical professional testifying under oath before the court to indicate that the individual’s ability to receive and evaluate information effectively, and to communicate decisions, is impaired to such a significant degree that they are either partially or completely unable to manage their own affairs. This means that they cannot pay their bills and meet the essential requirements of their physical health and safety. If deemed incapacitated, an adjudication by the court and the appointment of a guardian in essence removes from them all of their legal rights to do anything on their own. However, bear in mind that someone who is incapacitated is still to be included, as much as possible, in their own life decisions. Their human rights remain and are to be treated with understanding. Since the advent of HIPAA, hospitals and physicians have become increasingly reluctant to provide medical services to individuals who have questionable legal capacity to provide informed consent. Absent a legally effective power of attorney, a guardianship may be necessary to manage the health care needs of an incapacitated person. Moreover, many banks and financial institutions are unwilling to permit family members to manage the financial affairs of a disabled person absent either a clearly valid power of attorney or a guardianship order. Consequently, in circumstances where a child with disabilities reaches 18, or an aging family member is in early stages of loss of cognitive functioning, it is important to discuss this matter with competent counsel at the earliest possible date to determine whether a power of attorney can be executed rather than pursuing guardianship. The most famous guardianship case in recent history is that of Britney Spears. In California, the legal term is conservatorship and is described as: “a court case where a judge appoints a responsible person or organization (called the ‘conservator’) to care for another adult (called the ‘conservatee’) who cannot care for himself or herself or manage his or her own finances.” If a judge grants the conservatorship, the conservator can assume the powers authorized under the order for the duration and scope that is established. The incapacitated person’s civil rights are essentially taken from them and given to another on their behalf. Guardianships are often used for people who have a severe cognitive impairment. Oftentimes, those people are older, such as those with severe dementia or a traumatic brain injury. With Spears, her case is far from typical. Upon appointment of a guardian, she was very young, successful, working, and had a massive empire. This is far from usual and, as Spears’ counsel did argue, exceeded the scope of the definition of guardianship. When meeting with prospective clients, counsel should give preference to a power of attorney. If that is impossible, then the request for guardianship should be narrowly tailored to deal with only the activities that the person is unable to manage for themselves and the court is always supposed to use the least restrictive alternatives. It was quite clear from the constant news coverage of Spears’ conservatorship that she did not like her father acting as conservator on her behalf. Though the conservatee does not get to choose who their conservator is, their preference does hold sway with the court. In each guardianship that I have been involved with, the incapacitated person is always asked whether they approve of the proposed guardian. Believe it or not, the court does take their opinion into consideration. Being named a guardian, however, isn’t for the lazy or disorganized. Within 90 days of appointment, the guardian is required to file an inventory of the incapacitated person’s assets with the court. Henceforth, there are annual reports required to be filed with the court concerning their financial and medical affairs. Depending on the bills due on behalf of the incapacitated person, court approval may be required. Only a court can appoint a guardian. A parent cannot, without judicial oversight, appoint a guardian for an adult child. Even the naming of a guardian under a will for a minor child requires a court order to effectuate the guardianship. Parents cannot name a guardian for an adult child under their will, as Pennsylvania’s guardianship procedures are the exclusive means by which a guardianship can be created. A guardianship involves only decision-making authority and does not create any additional responsibility to financially support the incapacitated person by the guardian. Two or more responsible persons can act as co-guardians. The process of obtaining a guardianship decree begins with the filing of a petition in the local Orphans’ Court. Though oftentimes straightforward, guardianship can also end up being a lengthy and expensive process, particularly if next of kin do not agree on the proposed appointed guardian. If at all possible, I recommend that every person of sound mind over the age of 18 have powers of attorney in place appointing an agent and successor agent of their choosing so as to avoid the guardianship process altogether. This will ensure that their loved ones do not have to go through this process later in life. Michele P. Conti is an estate planning and elder law attorney. She is also the owner of Conti Law, a concierge law firm. Conti attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Oxford University and Duquesne University School of Law. She received her LL.M. in taxation from Villanova University. She can be reached at (724) 784-0239 or at michele@contilawpgh.com. March/April 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 13y > Learning CurvesLearning Curves During my years in chiropractic practice, I’ve treated many patients who suffered from neuropathy, which is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves. Patients with neuropathy can experience a range of symptoms, from pain in their extremities to cramps and muscle loss. While treating these patients, I’ve felt their frustration, as many had yet to receive the proper medical intervention they needed to address their underlying condition. Instead, they’d been prescribed medications to help suppress their symptoms. These experiences led me to research the best conservative treatments available for neuropathy that could be administered right in our office. In January of this year, we started to implement our new neuropathy reversal protocol and, thus far, we have been seeing some amazing results. Among our patients, 92% have experienced improvement. Some of these patients previously experienced pins and needles every time their bed sheets touched their feet. Over the course of treatment, we have seen significant improvement in sensory functioning. There are over 100 different types of neuropathies, with the three most common being chemotherapy-induced, diabetic and spinal- induced neuropathy. Our neuropathy reversal protocol has a four-pronged approach that restores blood flow to the nerves with a combination of at-home therapies, nutritional protocols and in-clinic treatments. Imagine if you had a beautiful rose bush that you then covered with a blanket, depriving it of sun and water. Then, two months later, you took that blanket off, started watering it daily and allowed the sun to shine on it. Those roots run deep into the ground and, if you fed the roots the water and sunlight it needed, that rose bush would regrow and regenerate. Our protocol acts very similarly by restoring blood flow to the nerves. On April 16, we will be hosting a neuropathy seminar at the Western Allegheny Community Library at 181 Bateman Road in Oakdale from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Seats are limited and we are asking people to RSVP by calling our office or to reach out to the library and RSVP on their website. If you believe you are suffering from neuropathy and would like to schedule an appointment, please call our office. We will conduct a sensory examination with a thermal scan. Readers who mention this article will receive a discount. The sensory exam allows us to get a better understanding of a patient’s condition and decide whether or not they are a good candidate for our program. Dr. Josh Slomkowski holds a doctorate in chiropractic and is the owner of Hometown Spine & Sport, which is located at 7350 Steubenville Pike, just off the Route 22 Oakdale Exit. For more, visit www.hometownspineandsport.com or call them at (412) 490-1700. The practice is open on Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Hometown Spine & Sport accepts most insurance and also offers Department of Transportation physicals. Reversing neuropathy symptoms naturally BY DR. JOSH SLOMKOWSKI, OWNER, HOMETOWN SPINE AND SPORT A thermal scan shows the foot of a patient suffering from neuropathy before treatment and following. 14 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2022y > Learning Curves Learning Curves Each year, the average home produces about 40 pounds of dust. Oftentimes, this dust contains a combination of pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, fungus, mildew and microbes. Not only is this dust unsightly, but it can also be a trigger for allergies and asthma. According to the Environmental Working Group, analyses of common household dust have also been shown to contain harmful chemicals, including phthalates, flame retardants, phenols, perfluoirnated chemicals and other substances used to produce everything from furniture, to carpet treatments, to personal care products. While these chemicals can be harmful to anyone, children in particular are more at risk because of their lower body weight and because they are often in close contact with the floor. Staying on top of cleaning, therefore, is important to the health of those living in the home. Yet dusting and vacuuming can only achieve so much, particularly when microscopic airborne allergens and toxic chemicals have a way of collecting in vents and cold air returns that carry air throughout the house. That’s where an effective vent cleaning system can make such a huge difference in indoor air quality. One such system is the powerful Rotobrush Air Duct Cleaning System, which is designed and patented for one purpose: air duct cleaning. The Rotobrush is specifically designed to clean flex, metal, and duct board systems. It even cleans the wrinkles and crevices of flex-duct found in most systems. The Rotobrush works by inserting a brush that dislodges dust into the vents. The dust is then captured by a strong vacuum nozzle that sucks up debris and deposits it safely in a self- contained dust reservoir. The specialized system works to clean the most unsanitary parts of the home by combining ultra powerful vacuums and brushes to remove allergy and asthma triggers. It is the only method that power-brushes and vacuums at the same time. Otherwise left alone, vents can become a breeding ground for tiny airborne allergens and chemicals that can then be blown throughout the house and easily inhaled. Some households may contain more potentially harmful microbes and chemicals than others. Because most people don’t usually go looking in their vents, however, it might be difficult to tell if a vent system is need of cleaning. Here are few easy ways to tell if your vents should be cleaned: • Pets live in the home • Someone in the home smokes cigarettes or cigars • Recent renovations have produced dust and dirt • Excessive dust collects on floors and furnishings • The home has a history of a fire or water leak • The home has a new furnace or AC installation • The home has an insect or rodent infestation • The home is older with flaking lead paint Some households may also be more at risk than others. For instance, unclean air can more adversely affect those with allergies, asthma or an autoimmune disorder. Recently, Jim Meyers and Son Plumbing in Oakdale invested in a Rotobrush Air Duct Cleaning System. The company is now offering vent-cleaning services to area homeowners. Their team of highly qualified professionals have received advanced training to ensure proper techniques are used during the cleaning process. They even begin each air-duct cleaning session with a video inspection that provides visual proof of air duct cleanliness using before and after pictures. For more information, and to sign up for a free quote, call them at (412) 787-7805 or visit www.meyersplumbingpittsburgh.com/ air-duct-cleaning. Eliminating what lurks inside your home’s air vents CONTENT SUBMITTED ABOVE: The Rotobrush works by inserting a brush into the vents and then collecting dust with a powerful vacuum. BELOW: An air return and vent are shown following cleaning. March/April 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 15Your SchoolsYour Schools N Archangel Gabriel Catholic School Catholic Schools Week Every year, AGS sets aside one whole week to celebrate the school and the Parent-Teacher Group works tirelessly to make each day extremely special for students. For this past Catholic Schools Week, students enjoyed a career day where they dressed as their future selves and volunteers spoke about their amazing careers. AGS students showed their spirit by dressing in school colors, learning school cheers and attending a school-wide pep rally. During the pep rally, AGS varsity cheerleaders led the traditional spirit stick competition, where each grade competes to show their spirit. This year, the reigning spirit stick champions held on to their title. A big congratulations goes out to the eighth grade. The planned events concluded with Fun Friday, where all students went on a field trip. Grades K through three went to the movies, grades four through five went bowling and the middle schoolers went to Hidden Valley to ski, tube and snowboard. AGS is blessed to be a part of this wonderful Catholic School community and the school is so grateful for its teachers and volunteers who make the year so special. On Feb. 5, many families braved the overnight snowstorm to attend AGS’ once-a-year open house event. Over 45 prospective families toured with a parent or middle school volunteer and many registered for next year. The AGS community was delighted to see the turnout and those interested in joining the AGS family, as the school is now accepting applications for students from age 3 to grade eight for the 2022-2023 school year. It was great to have so many parents and middle school students helping with tours and registration, along with the uniform, activities and athletics stations in order to show new families what all the school has to offer. Rainbow On a very special day where the school celebrated kindness to all, each grade dressed in a color of the rainbow, cut out their hand print for a special project and formed a human rainbow in the gymnasium. Ranging from eighth grade in red and preschool in white for clouds, the mural represented how each individual is important, making up a piece of the beautiful rainbow. Open house Varsity cheerleaders led the school in a pep assembly during Catholic Schools Week. On Fun Friday, the lower grades went to the movies while the upper grades headed to Hidden Valley. AGS students and volunteers helped out during the school’s open house event in February. Students created hand prints to make this colorful mural in the gymnasium. 16 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2022N Your Schools Your Schools STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ARCHANGEL GABRIEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Second grade diorama AGS second-graders proudly displayed their completed Bible dioramas for all to see. Each student decided on a verse or story and created a visual that they presented to the class. Though second- graders and the whole school already look forward to this yearly project, this year’s creations were outstanding in creativity, design and diversity. Congratulations to each on their amazing accomplishments. Show us your wings pep squad The AGS pep squad is showing off its wings. Recently, each student was asked to make a unique feather to add to the angel wings displayed in the school gymnasium. The pep squad is made up of first-, second- and and third-graders who practice once a week during the school year to perform during select basketball games. They learn important team and life skills. They also get to add a feather to the wings and pose in front of them. Eighth grade basketball recognition At AGS, each sports season ends with a ceremony recognizing matriculating eighth-graders. This month, AGS recognized the girls and boys varsity eighth grade basketball teams and their parents for their dedication. The eighth grade classroom is the largest in the school and the team spirit shows. Nineteen of the school’s eighth-grade basketball players will soon be graduating and AGS will have some big shoes to fill! The school is extremely proud of its students for the academic and athletic commitment they have made through the years and wishes them nothing but the absolute best. Second-graders created these dioramas based on the Bible. AGS pep squad members made these wing displays in the gymnasium. Eighth-graders on the boys and girls basketball teams were honored at the end of this past season. March/April 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 17Your SchoolsYour Schools N Robinson Township Christian School Debate is the newest class offered to freshmen and sophomores at RTCS. This class is taught by Abbey Jackson, who also teaches all of the school’s Latin classes as well as informal logic and rhetoric. In debate class, students learn both how to debate and to prepare for a debate. When debating, the class is split into two groups. One group tries to defend the statement while the other group tries to prove it wrong. Before the debate begins, each group converses with each other to come up with reasons to prove or disprove the statement. While debating, a team must listen to the other team’s debate and then produce a rebuttal against their argument when they finish. Thus far, students are enjoying the class. “Debate gives us the opportunity to learn how to argue more eloquently,” says 10th-grader Chesna Hines. Jackson feels the class is important because, “It will help students develop tougher arguments and softer hearts and will also help them separate from their positions and take criticism less personally.” Teacher Abbey Jackson (at center) moderates the school’s new debate class. Alumni spotlight Jamie Dodd recently joined RTCS this year as the school finance administrator. She brings to the position past experience in school administration from the Hope Learning Center, a special education school south of Pittsburgh. Though this is her first year working for RTCS, she has strong connections to the school. Dodd attended RTCS from kindergarten to 12th grade. When asked what the most important thing she learned from RTCS was, she said that it was to write and communicate well. Knowing how to write well is an important advantage to her and is still a skill she uses today. Her two favorite classes when she was at RTCS were poets and prophets and British literature, both of which were taught by Mr. Stark. Her favorite aspect of working at RTCS is being able to work with a great staff. RTCS is very thankful and excited to have Dodd working for RTCS this year. Elementary students visit the Carnegie Recently, the first and second grade classes visited the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Most of their time was spent in the animal exhibits, dinosaur bones, rocks, and gems and crystals areas. A favorite among the students was the dinosaur fossils. Second grade student Ellie Diday said, “The coolest part of it for me was getting to see the dinosaurs or looking for the tiny creatures in their animal exhibit.” The classes spent nearly four hours in the museum exploring and having lots of fun learning. New debate class introduced STORIES BY THE RTCS NEWSPAPER CLASS PHOTOS SUBMITTED RTCS alumna Jamie Dodd was recently hired as the school’s new finance administrator. She is pictured with her family. RTCS first- and second-graders enjoy a day at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. 18 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2022N Your Schools Your Schools Pittsburgh Technical College Pittsburgh Technical College students earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business will now be able to earn an MBA much faster thanks to a new partnership between the college and West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. Through the new partnership, PTC students will be able to earn up to 12 credit hours of advanced standing toward an MBA at West Liberty. Students earning a Bachelor of Science in applied management can earn up to nine credit hours while those earning a bachelor’s in information technology can earn up to six hours toward a graduate-level business degree. “One of our key objectives at Pittsburgh Technical College is to expand access for all students and present them with every opportunity to excel,” said PTC President/CEO Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith. “Our new MBA Fast Track partnership with an academic institution like West Liberty University achieves just that and presents students in both PTC’s Schools of Business as well as Information Systems and Technology with an accelerated outlet to attain a master’s level degree.” PTC’s three-year business bachelor degree program gives students the opportunity to learn from instructors who combine their business knowledge and industry experience to engage students in subject matter and arrange internships that connect them with employers. At West Liberty, students complete their MBA by focusing on one of three concentration areas: management, forensic accounting or healthcare management. The arrangement between PTC and West Liberty was formalized in January following an official signing by PTC Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Eileen Steffan, and West Liberty President/ CEO Dr. W. Franklin Evans. The partnership promises to save students both time and money as they pursue their graduate-level degree, and to allow them to apply their skills much sooner in their industry. “I am pleased to welcome Dr. Eileen Steffan and all the PTC leaders to our campus for this ceremonial signing that initiates our new MBA Fast Track partnership with PTC, a college that is a leader in providing career-focused education in the region. We look forward to meeting many PTC graduates in the near future and welcoming them to the Hilltop as they complete their MBA,” said President Evans. New agreement allows PTC grads to fast-track MBA requirements CONTENT SUBMITTED PTC Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Eileen Steffan, and West Liberty University President/CEO Dr. W. Franklin Evans, sign an agreement that will allow PTC students to earn credits toward an MBA at West Liberty. March/April 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 19Next >