< Previous% New in Town New in Town For many people who are on a weight-loss journey, exercise and diet are only part of the solution. Stubborn pockets of fat, cellulite and sagging skin can persist long after someone changes their habits, and for many people that can either be an annoyance or downright discouraging. That was the situation Melissa Praseut found herself in after having her two children. After researching ways to lose the pouch in her belly, she came across CoolSculpting, a procedure that utilizes a machine to destroy fat cells by freezing them. The procedure, though, was way out of her price range. “They wanted $6,000 for two sessions, and I said, ‘That’s a little crazy, who can afford that?’” she says. “So, I started looking into alternatives, and I found cavitation and radio frequency.” Cavitation works by utilizing ultrasound waves to disrupt fat cells. Once disrupted, the fluid from those cells is picked up by the lymphatic system and drained from the body while the cells themselves are absorbed. Radio frequency, meanwhile, tightens loose skin by helping the body to rebuild the collagen and elastin in the skin. Used properly, it can tighten sagging skin from weight loss or age, removing upwards of 10 years from a person’s appearance. After researching both methods, Praseut sought out training in the use of the machines used for cavitation and frequency. Now, four years later, she has opened her own practice, Simply Sculpted, on Steubenville Pike. She’s now treating a range of clients with a variety of different needs, from guys trying to lose their love handles to moms who want to get rid of extra weight they gained during pregnancy. Using ultrasound, Praseut can even treat C-section scars. When clients come to Praseut, they go through an initial three- course battery, with one session every 72 hours. Results are almost immediate, with clients typically losing inches each session from their treatment areas. “I don’t think I’ve ever had someone go through a session and not lose a few inches,” she says. For some of her clients, the treatments have been transformative. “I had one client a couple of weeks ago get emotional and excited because she’d just bought her first tank top in 10 years,” she says. The methods Praseut uses are minimally invasive but not for everyone. Anyone with a history of cancer or diabetes shouldn’t have the procedures she offers done. For that reason, Praseut is careful to conduct a medical screening with every new client she sees to ensure their safety. She also holds certifications in each of the pieces of equipment she uses and only utilizes high- end machines from reputable manufacturers. Her cavitation and tightening machines are both made by reputable U.S. companies. She cautions against patronizing any practitioners using off-brand, foreign-made machines. “A lot of the machines businesses are using don’t have the capability to do what they want to do,” she says. She warns that any machine can also be dangerous when used by someone without the proper training. She says that’s why anyone seeking body sculpting services should ensure that whoever they are seeing has their certifications. By combining a variety of different methods, Praseut offers a number of treatments. One, called Lipo360, uses a combination of RF, cavitation, vacuum, vibration plate and wood therapy to target the midsection, from the stomach to the back. The result is similar to liposuction and saves money by combining multiple treatments in a single session. Praseut also offers chin and neck reduction, which reduces fat and tightens the skin around the chin and neck area. This treatment is particularly good for diminishing a double chin. In addition, Praseut utilizes an EMS machine, which uses supercharged electromagnetic pulses to contract the muscles. The method has a number of muscle sculpting and therapeutic purposes, and can be used either to improve muscle tone or to treat pulled muscles. After any session, Praseut says it’s important not to drink alcohol or caffeine for 24 to 48 hours so as to allow the lymphatic system to do its work. It’s also important to continue one’s healthy exercise and eating habits. Praseut says the experience of treating patients and seeing their satisfaction with the results has been rewarding. In the past, she worked in another healthcare setting and gained a similar feeling of satisfaction from that role. She says she’s happy to have returned. “I just like to help people and make them feel better about their lives,” she says. “It’s that feeling of being able to make them feel better about themselves. It’s something small, but that can make a difference.” Praseut, a West Allegheny graduate, has lived in the area since 1994. For more, visit simplysculptedpgh.com, call (412) 377-1849 or email SimplySculptedLLC@gmail.com. West A alumna opens new practice focused on non-invasive body sculpting CONTENT SUBMITTED Melissa Praseut is pictured at Simply Sculpted on Steubenville Pike. ABOVE: Melissa Praseut at Simply Sculpted utilizes only high-end machines from reputable manufacturers. BELOW: These photos show a Simply Sculpted client prior and after a series of three body-sculpting treatments. 10 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2022June/July 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 11CAround Your Town Around Your Town 12 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2022 Members and community supporters of Scout Troop 248 have been busy as of late, with several scouts completing Eagle projects and new improvements being planned for their historic meeting place, Killbuck Lodge. Here’s the latest: News from Scout Troop 248 Improvements planned for Killbuck Lodge while Scouts complete Eagle projects The Friends of Killbuck Lodge are planning a fundraiser to help support a project that will expand Killbuck Lodge, the historic meeting place of Scout Troop 248, in Oakdale. Anyone who fills up their tank at the Hankey Farms Auto Service Citgo station at 7720 Steubenville Pike and uses the station’s Spirit Pump through July 24 will have a portion of their payment go to the project. The improvement project involves constructing a new building adjacent to the lodge that will provide additional storage, an outdoor kitchen and restroom. It will also provide running water to the lodge for the first time in its 90-plus year history. The outdoor area will enable Troop 248 members and community youth to learn camping, cooking and outdoor skills. The effort is the latest aimed at improving Killbuck Lodge, which was completely rebuilt in 2015. For that massive project, the Friends of Killbuck Lodge were lucky enough to enlist help from the stars of the DIY television show “Barnwood Builders.” Producers dedicated an entire show to the project, which entailed cast members rebuilding the walls of the structure on a new concrete slab. Numerous area businesses also contributed and the Friends of Killbuck Lodge brought the project to where it is now. For more on the Friends of Killbuck Lodge and updates on this latest project, find them on Facebook, @friendsofkillbucklodge, or visit their website at friendsofkillbucklodge.com. Anyone who does assist this latest project by visiting the Hankey Farms Citgo station through July 24 is encouraged to take a picture and tag the Friends of Killbuck Lodge on social media in order to help spread the word. Killbuck Lodge to get additional improvements, gas-up fundraiser at Hankey Farms Citgo station to benefit These plans show improvements that the Friends of Killbuck Lodge are planning for Killbuck Lodge. The project would entail building an outdoor kitchen with running water onto the building along with restrooms. CAround Your Town Around Your Town June/July 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 13 STORY BY DOUG HUGHEY Scouts complete Eagle projects Several scouts from Troop 248 either recently completed their Eagle Scout project or are in the process of doing so. The Eagle designation is the highest honor awarded in Scouting and, for it, scouts must in part plan and execute a project that benefits the community. In January, Turner Lutz passed his Eagle Scout board of review after completing construction of a burn pit at Donaldson Park. The burn pit will be used to cremate American flags that have been damaged and are no longer viable. Scouts perform a special ceremony for flag retirements and scouts present can earn a citizenship badge by taking part in it and learning about the flag’s symbolic significance. To build the pit, Turner first had to have his design approved by the North Fayette Township Board of Supervisors. He then obtained materials from Moore’s Hardware in Oakdale and had the pit donated by Rock, Mulch and More in McDonald. With some help from fellow scouts and several family members, Turner poured a concrete pad for the burn pit this past September and then built the pit on top of it. The pit is located in the Freedom Grove in Donaldson Park, which has been planted with several symbolically significant tree species. The pit was dedicated in May, on the Saturday prior to Memorial Day. Turner, who is a sophomore at West Allegheny High School, planned out and presented on the project when he was just a freshman. He first secured the needed materials and township supervisors’ permission in early 2020 but construction was delayed by COVID-19. Turner says the first flags cremated at the burn pit were ones that had been deposited in the township’s drop-off box at the community center. That box was created by Alex Kot, another Troop 248 scout who built it for his own Eagle project. Jaxon Pottle has also completed his Eagle Scout Project, which entailed installing a flag pole outside of St. Alphonsus Church in McDonald. As well, Joseph Parker recently passed his board of review after taking on a project at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden that involved clearing invasive plants from a section of the garden. Parker then replanted native plants and performed landscaping in those areas. Alec Richards has also completed his Eagle Scout project after performing trail improvements and erosion prevention for the Allegheny County Parks Department at Settlers Cabin Park. For the project, Alec enlisted help from his fellow troop members and several adults to install three logs along the trail and a trench to the side of it that will redirect rainwater. The improvements were made to the Waterfall Trail, which sits at the rear of the park near the dog park and leads down to a picturesque waterfall. Alec says the project was work- intensive and involved not only digging holes for the logs, but also drilling holes through the logs to hold them together with rebar. He says the Allegheny County Parks Foundation, Home Depot and his mom, Lisa, also helped to make the project happen. He says the work should help preserve the trail and protect it from erosion for the foreseeable future. ABOVE: Turner Lutz (center) created this fire pit for flag retirements at Donaldson Park for his Eagle Scout project. His troop held the first flag retirement ceremony using it May 28. Turner is pictured following the ceremony with his mother, Kerrie Lutz; American Legion 36th District Commander Lyle Grover; VFW Post 7070 Commander Keith Colledge; and father, Brett Lutz. PHOTO BY DOUG HUGHEY BELOW: Jaxon Pottle installed this flag pole outside St. Alphonsus Church for his Eagle Scout project. PHOTO SUBMITTED Scout Troop 248 members and parents chip in to help Alec Richards install erosion controls on the Waterfall Trail in Settlers Cabin Park for his Eagle Scout project. PHOTO SUBMITTEDCAround Your Town Around Your Town Libby Hitchings of North Fayette Township had never done any serious weightlifting up until February of this year. The 17-year-old Bishop-Canevin High School student had, though, competed on her swimming and volleyball teams, and was also a cheerleader. As well, she’d frequented the gym PA Fitness West in Imperial with her mother and older brother who, before graduating and joining the Navy last year, had played rugby and hockey in school. She says the three family members are workout fanatics. In February, though, Libby decided she not only wanted to start weightlifting, but that she also wanted to compete in a body-building competition. She got the idea through Corinne Orchowski, a family friend and Allegheny County police detective who has been competing in body-building competitions since 2016. Orchowski, who also lives in North Fayette, works with Libby’s dad, Steve, who is an Allegheny County police detective as well. When Orchowski learned that Libby was interested in competing, she volunteered to train her and the two set out with the goal of preparing Libby for the OCB Best of the Burgh Natural Championships in April. The two had just 120 days to train, yet despite the time constraints and Libby’s lack of weight- lifting experience, she ended up winning three divisions in the competition. She also secured third place in yet another. “She’d get up at 4:30 a.m. and we’d train at PA Fitness West until 6:30 a.m., lifting for about an hour,” says Orchowski. She says Libby worked incredibly hard preparing for the competition and showed discipline well beyond her years. When they started training, Libby was still in the middle of swim season with her team, which competes in a co-op with Carlynton. She even made it to the WPIAL meet as a member of her relay team. Then, for awhile, Libby was also playing club volleyball in preparation for the upcoming season. When she wasn’t swimming or playing volleyball after school, she returned to PA Fitness West in the afternoons to run. At the same time, Libby had to cut her calorie intake from 1,600 calories per day to about 1,200. She says that was by far the hardest part of the whole process. Throughout, though, she hardly lost any weight since she was gaining so much muscle. In the type of body building competition Libby entered, there isn’t any actual weight lifting occurring. Rather, as Orchowski characterizes it, judging is based entirely on aesthetics and symmetry. In other words, judges want to see that bodybuilders have built up their body evenly. The results of months of dedication are meant to speak for the effort that has gone into it. Contestants also have to take a polygraph examination to ensure they aren’t taking performance-enhancing drugs. “You can’t just have giant biceps and nothing else developed,” says Orchowski. “You have to have overall symmetry. If one body part is not proportional, that’s not what they’re looking for.” Contestants, both male and female, compete by posing in skimpy swimsuits. Women also tend to get made up in an effort to win over the judges, almost like they’re going to the prom, with heels, hair, nails and makeup. To get Libby ready, Orchowski enlisted the help her own makeup artist and hair stylist. Between them, they put in a good two hours transforming Libby’s appearance before sending her out onto the stage. While waiting for her chance to pose, Libby says she felt a bit nervous. Luckily for her, she had about a dozen family members who showed up in the audience to cheer her on as she went out onto the stage. They even had T-shirts made with a logo that read “Team Libby.” In the end, Libby ended up besting several women with more experience than herself. She says she emerged from the competition feeling more confident and interested in competing again. For the time being, though, she says she’s also happy to have returned to her normal eating habits. She also thinks that weight lifting in general will help her going forward with her sports and, in particular, swimming. She says the diet changes and weight training gave her more energy and made her stronger, giving her a big advantage in the water. Imperial teen wins in first body building competition STORY BY DOUG HUGHEY PHOTO SUBMITTED Libby Hitchings poses with the trophies she won at the OCB Best of the Burgh Natural Championships in April. 14 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2022June/July 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 15P Parks and Rec Findlay Township Parks and Rec. Events take place at the Findlay Township Activity Center in Imperial, unless otherwise indicated. Call (724) 695-0500 or visit www.findlaytwp. org/184/Parks-Recreation for more and to register. YOGA for Beginners (and Beyond), Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., $5/class, (724) 695-1976, Info@idtsd.net. Senior Yoga and Qi Gong, Mondays, 2 p.m., Thursdays, 11:30 a.m., free to seniors, (724) 695-1976, Info@idtsd.net. Tang Soo Do Karate School, ages youth through adult, Monday and Wednesday evenings, call for times and availability, (724) 695-1976. Concerts in the Park, see page 43 for schedule. Crochet for a Cause, Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m., June 23 and July 28 at Clinton Park, July 7 at Findlay Activity Center, create blankets for local hospitals. Imperial VFD Bingo Night, Mondays: June 27, July 25, Aug. 29, doors open 6 p.m., bingo starts 7 p.m., $10/packet, additional packets $5, coverall jackpots $1, dabbers available to purchase, no children. Glass Recycling, June 11-16, sunrise to sunset at Findlay Township Public Works facility. Findlay Senior Citizens Monthly Meeting and Luncheon, June 15, Recreation and Sports Pavilion, doors open 11 a.m., lunch served at noon, $5, registration required. Dads and Doughnuts, June 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Clinton Park, celebrate Father’s Day by constructing a bird house and playing games, free event, registration required. Kids Creative Cooking, June 22, 4-5:15 p.m., grades K-5, $8/ class, prepare easy and delicious seasonal recipes, registration required. Independence Day Firework Celebration, July 3, Recreation and Sports Complex, gates open 5 p.m., fireworks 9:45 p.m., DJ, giveaways, overflow parking at Findlay Activity Center and Findlay Municipal Building, shuttle service available, see page 41. Ice Cream Social, July 15, 6 p.m., Recreation and Sports Complex, includes ice cream sundae buffet, family friendly yard games, $5, see page 41. Bike Rodeo, July 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., bike park at the Recreation and Sports Complex, see page 41. Family Fun Color Run, July 29, registration at 6 p.m., race starts 7 p.m., water and healthy snacks provided, sunglasses and T-shirts available while supplies last, at www.findlay.pa.us, see page 41. Fair in the Woodlands, Aug. 18, 6 p.m., Aug. 20, 11 a.m., free to attend, see page 38. Outdoor Flea Market, Aug. 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Clinton Park, $5 to sell, free to attend, sellers call to reserve.. North Fayette Parks and Rec. Visit www.north-fayette.com to register and view programs. Call (724) 307-3725 for more information. North Fayette Township Community Days 5K, Aug. 6, race starts 9 a.m., see page 40. North Fayette Community Days, Aug. 6, 2-10 p.m., Donaldson Park, see page 36. North Fayette Police Department Car Cruise, Aug. 7, 12-4 p.m., Donaldson Park, hosted by the North Fayette Police Department. Adult Fitness Classes take place at the North Fayette Community Center in Donaldson Park. Drop-ins allowed. Classes are $10 each. Membership cards available. Body Weight Plus, Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Pickle Ball, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8-10 a.m. Yoga, Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m., Thursdays, 8-10 a.m. PiYo, Fridays, 9-10 a.m. Adult Sports Leagues, volleyball, softball, tennis, email sfox@north-fayette.com for details. Youth Sports Super Kids T-Ball Indoor/Outdoor, ages 3-5, June 20- Aug. 1, two sessions: 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Coach Pitch Baseball, ages 6-8, Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., June 21-July 26. Youth Tennis Lessons, Wednesdays, ages 8-12: 9 a.m., ages 13-17: 10 a.m., West Allegheny tennis courts. Youth Volleyball Camp, two sessions: June 20-23, July 11- 14, ages 9-12: 9 a.m. daily, ages 13-16: 2 p.m. daily. Youth Summer Camps Day Camp, June-August,Monday-Friday, all-day camp, arts, fitness, play time, field trips, STEM activities, group projects, more. Outdoor Wilderness Camp, ages 6-10, June 20-24, Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. Mad Science Secret Agent Camp, ages 6-10, June 27-July 1, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. Little Vet School Summer Camp, ages 6-10, July 18-22, Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. Mad Science Yuckology Camp, ages 6-10, July 25-29, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. Little Doctor School Summer Camp, ages 6-10, Aug. 8-12, Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. Read and share stories at awmagazine.com. Follow Allegheny West Magazine on Facebook: @awestmag 16 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2022June/July 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 17Your SchoolsYour Schools N Read and share content at www.awmagazine.com! CONTENT SUBMITTED Eco-friendly field day The middle school science classes hosted an Eco-Friendly Field Day on May 4 as a part of their last component for the Phipps Conservatory Fairchild Challenge. Each grade teamed up and created a specific science challenge that students K-5 rotated through. There were games, prizes and a whole lot of fun as the whole school learned a little more about science. Archangel Gabriel Catholic School Track On May 14, the AGS track teams from grades two through four competed in the Diocesan Developmental Track and Field Championship at Robert Morris University. Medals were given to the top eight in each category. AGS student athletes who medaled were: Eleanor Stuckeman, second place, 400M, third place, 50M, sixth place, 200M, eighth place, 100M; Violet McGovern, eighth place 50M, eighth place 200M; Heidi Surlow, fifth place 800M; Michaela Lucas, eighth place 800M; and Alexa Laepple, fourth place long jump. The 4x100M relay team of Alexa Laepple, Heidi Surlow, Abby Williams and Emily Williams took second place. Boys team runners who medaled were: Declan Ireland, seventh place, 1600M; and Walker Hankinson, fourth place, 800M, sixth place 400M. The 4x100M relay team of Liam Blatt, Camden Douglass, Declan Ireland and Jacob Walsh took second place. Camden Douglass also took third place in javelin. Shrek is a success! AGS students performed “Shrek Jr. the Musical” in May. Eighth-grader Nick Ewanco starred in the leading role of Shrek alongside 50 actors and actresses at the sold-out performances. Eighth-grader Julia Davoli played Fiona after stepping in last minute and did an outstanding job. The set, sound, lights, costumes, makeup, decorations and concessions were all outstanding while students worked hard to perfect their roles. Mrs. Beck served as director and Ms. Crawshaw as choreographer. Producers were Mrs. Crofford and Mrs. Watson. Every parent made this phenomenal experience possible for the school and community. Visit archangelgabrielpgh.org for more. Middle school science classes set up these stations as part of their field day. Members of the AGS track team display their medals following the Diocesan Developmental Track and Field Championship. 18 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2022 18 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2022Beaver Regional Honor League On May 3, AGS celebrated a very special group of young men and women at the Beaver Regional Honor League Mass and Ceremony, hosted by Saints Peter and Paul Church. A number of first- and second-year seventh and eighth grade inductees were recognized for demonstrating the highest achievements in the five pillars of: scholarship, citizenship, character, leadership and service. The recipients maintained a 3.5 or greater GPA; have been role models in the school, parish, and community; are distinctive in striving to make the right decisions each day; put the needs of others before their own to make the world a better place; and have the willingness to give service without recognition. Second-year inductees are Eve Amendola, John Cavicchia, Julia Davoli, Brayden Douglass, Nicholas Ewanco, Levi Gladu, Ella Hoffman, Jake Johnson, Grant Kalich, Alexis Kolocouris, Gavin Lugaila, Owen Minzer, Lidia Oldak, Leah Parker, Michael Pigoni, Sophia Saginaw, Matthew Sawayda, Alexa Schmitt, Sarah Sellman and Christian Williams. First-year inductees are: Lindsay Bressler, Marco Buzzard, Aiden Curry, Christian Gill, Mark Martella, Finnian McGarvey, Alexander Smith, Natalie Turcios, Ava Williams and Madelyn Wolsko. AGS students were among those honored at the Beaver Regional Honor League. June/July 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 19Next >