< Previous30 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023 The baseball team followed up on last year’s history-making state championship season with another strong outing, going 20-5 on the season, winning a third straight conference title and advancing to the state playoffs. After finishing their regular season with a 17-3 record, the team entered the post-season as a top seed in the WPIAL tournament for the third year in a row. The Spartans then proceeded to defeat both Uniontown and Hampton for a berth into the semi-final match. Despite not playing their best in that game, the Spartans kept the score close until late but ultimately fell 10-7 to Greater Latrobe. Had they won, Montour would have faced off against Hopewell, a team they’d already beaten twice that season, for a shot at a WPIAL championship. Despite all the team’s successes over the past few years, a WPIAL title is one that’s managed to elude them. In the opening round of the PIAA championship, the Spartans drew Erie Cathedral Prep, which was one of only two 4A teams in the state to register 20 wins on the season. The other was the Spartans. Going into the sixth inning at Erie, the Spartans held onto a late two-run lead, but a three-run homerun put Erie Cathedral up by one. That would ultimately prove the difference. Had the Spartans won, they would have, again, faced off against Hopewell. Most teams would have been happy with the season’s results, but head coach Bob Janeda says they ended feeling as though they’d still come up short. The team also graduates 10 seniors who, together, had much to do with the team’s successes these past few seasons. In three years, they assembled a 58-17 record, winning three section championships, two WPIAL runner-ups and one state championship. The team, though, will get back Maddox Tarquinio, who had a strong season, and Jake Robinson, who scored 21 RBIs and went 3-1 on the mound with six saves and a 2.80 ERA. The team loses starting pitcher Zac Stern, who went 5-1 on the mound, registered a 2.92 ERA and batted .378 with 25 runs and 26 RBIs. The team also graduates starting pitcher Vinnie Markulin, who went 7-1 with an ERA of 2.19, and lead-off hitter Brock Janeda, who scored 24 runs and had 10 stolen bases. Montour is the only 4A program to make the state playoffs in every one of the past three years. That means the team will have just four seniors next year, but head coach Bob Janeda says that will provide lots of opportunity for younger players as they look to fill some big shoes. Baseball team makes playoff run The boys volleyball team set a high bar last year when they won the fourth WPIAL volleyball championship in school history. This year, under new head coach Nolan LaSota, the team had a slow start but rallied in the second half to finish the regular season with a 8-4 section record. They’d finish by going 12-8 overall. A seventh seed in the WPIAL tournament, the team defeated 10th seeded Gateway in the opening round for a berth to the quarter finals, where they faced Mars Area. Early on, the Spartans looked to be on their way as they secured a 2-0 lead against a team they’d beaten other years in post-season play. Montour struggled against the Planets the rest of the way, however, and were sent packing following a 3-2 defeat. Had the Spartans advanced, they would have faced section rival Ambridge, who they’d bested in the second half of the season. The Spartans also defeated eventual WPIAL champion North Catholic during the regular season. Three Montour players secured honors for their standout performances on the season. Middle hitter Bryce Lyzanich was named to the first All-Section and All-WPIAL teams. Owen Wassel was named to the second All-Section and All-WPIAL teams. Libero Jaxon Camp received second team All-Section honors. Boys volleyball team makes another playoff appearance The baseball team celebrates winning its third straight section title. The boys volleyball team follow up last season’s success by making another playoff appearance. @MONTOURATHDEPT • @MONTOURSOFTBALL @BASEBALLMONTOUR • MONTOURBOYSVB LOOK FOR AN UPDATE ON THE BOYS TENNIS TEAM IN THE NEXT ISSUEJuly/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 31 y > Learning Curves Learning Curves The off-season is a time of opportunity for athletes CONTENT SUBMITTED BY D1 TRAINING PITTSBURGH WEST As all student athletes are well aware, the regular sports season is no cakewalk. Throughout, they must juggle practices, games, school and other responsibilities that are all competing for one’s time. That’s why the off-season is so valuable, as it provides athletes with time to focus on the conditioning that often gets pushed aside during the regular season. Here are some of the benefits of an off-season training program: Of course, while the off-season provides plenty of opportunity for conditioning, it’s also important to remember that athletes need to maintain a balance between training and rest. Over training can lead to burnout or increased risk of injuries. Athletes should thus work closely with their coaches, trainers and other professionals to develop a well-structured off-season training program that aligns with their goals and allows for appropriate recovery time. The D1 Training approach At D1 Training, we believe in training the entire body as a unit in order to produce an optimal human response to performance. We don’t follow gimmicks or fads. We utilize trusted and proven training techniques to build the world’s best athletes and deliver them in age-appropriate programs under the direction of our expert coaches. Nothing at D1 is random. Every workout and every day follows a strategic eight-week training cycle that is meticulously planned and backed by sports science. With one-on-one personal training, small group training, team training, and class membership training, D1 offers a range of options to help every athlete meet their goal. Consistent training, along with proper nutrition and sleep, will keep an athlete performing at their best. At all times, our number one goal is to provide proper training for the specific athlete in front of us. D1 Training Coach Peter Fisher,CSCS, encourages athletes to view their training not just as a means to be better at their sport but to build a physical and mental habit that will stick with them long after their competitive playing days are over. The idea of training evolves from sports performance into being physically and mentally resilient in life and building these skills at a young age leads to greater competency in movements, development in self-esteem and self-efficacy, and an interest that will stay with athletes forever. D1 Training Pittsburgh West is located at 6522 Steubenville Pike, next to Golf Galaxy, in Robinson Township. Call them at (412) 775-3953 or visit them online at www. d1training/Pittsburgh-West. Focused conditioning Without the immediate demands of competition, athletes can devote more time to conditioning. This allows them to improve their strength, speed, agility, endurance and flexibility. Physical fitness improvements gained during this time will serve them well once the regular season starts. Correcting weaknesses The off-season also provides an opportunity for athletes to identify and address weaknesses in their conditioning. By working harder, they can target specific areas that need improvement, such as strength imbalances, mobility limitations and inadequate aerobic capacity. Putting in extra effort allows athletes to correct these weaknesses and build a more well- rounded physical foundation. Competitive advantage Not everyone works hard during the off season. Some athletes see it as time off. The athletes who do train during this time can thus gain a competitive advantage. By working harder, athletes improve their physical attributes and surpass their competitors who may only be maintaining their current fitness level or even regressing. Resiliency and injury prevention Conditioning during the off-season helps athletes develop greater resiliency and reduce their risk of injuries. A well-conditioned body is better equipped to handle the physical demands of training and competition. Athletes who put in the effort are more likely to maintain their conditioning and reduce their chances of setbacks due to fatigue or overuse injuries during the season. Mental fortitude and discipline Throughout the regular season, athletes have a coach standing over their shoulder telling them what to do much of the time. That’s not the case in the off-season. By taking the initiative, athletes can develop mental fortitude and toughness, as well as the determination and ability to overcome challenges. This mental conditioning can be just as crucial as physical conditioning when it comes to performing under pressure during the regular season.Robinson Township Historical Society During World War II, almost every family in Robinson and thousands of other American towns had a victory garden, which usually consisted of a patch of earth dedicated to growing lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes and more for the household. The 18 million victory gardens that appeared across the United States during the war became incredibly important to the war effort. Because much of America’s food supply was being diverted to the military, home gardens quickly emerged. An estimated 30% to 40% of all vegetables grown in the U.S. during the war came from these local gardens. Moon Run native Gwen Gaspare Brouker remembers, “We all had victory gardens. We couldn’t have made it without them.” Oftentimes, families without a yard joined with others to farm a common garden and share the bounty. Victory gardens also helped to reduce the use of canning metal and the subsequent strain on railroads to carry and deliver canned goods. Since most canned goods were already rationed, housewives were encouraged to “put up” or freeze their own produce for the winter. Magazines, newspapers and government pamphlets routinely provided information on how to grow, preserve and prepare home-grown crops. In movie theaters, short films demonstrated the same. Victory gardens made Americans proud to individually contribute to the war effort. Posters promoting victory gardens were ubiquitous - in store windows, on buses and in newspapers - anywhere people could see them. It seemed that every available scrap of land in Robinson Township became a vegetable garden, including backyards, parks, playgrounds and vacant lots. Schoolyard victory gardens supplemented school lunches and those adjacent to factories like Dravo supplied food for countless workers and their families. Thanks to victory gardens, most families ate better during the war, despite strict food rationing. 32 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023 BY JANET GONTER, ROBINSON TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY Victory gardens were once ubiquitous in Robinson ABOVE: An area family harvests produce from their garden. Victory gardens like these were ubiquitous during World War II. RIGHT: A wartime era poster encourages people to plant victory gardens. Ingredients: • 1½ lbs. Potatoes • 3 oz. Grated cheese • 2 oz. Breadcrumbs • ½ Chopped leek • 1 Sliced carrot • ½ – ¾ Pint milk or water • Salt and pepper World War II era recipes During World War II, vegetable-heavy recipes conscious of rationing were disseminated in books and periodicals. A meatloaf recipe from the era, for instance, yielded four to six servings by using just one pound of ground beef and plenty of vegetables. Recipes for cakes and biscuits used carrots as a sweetener, since sugar was being rationed to just eight ounces per week. Here’s one recipe for a potato casserole that appeared often in newspapers at the time: Instructions: Put a layer of sliced potatoes in a fireproof dish. Sprinkle with some of the leek, carrot, crumbs, cheese and seasoning. Fill the dish with alternate layers, finishing with a layer of mixed cheese and crumbs. Pour over the milk and bake in a moderate oven for 45 minutes or steam for one hour. Potato JaneJuly/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 33 The #1 Cochran automotive group has grown quite a lot over the years. Headquartered in Monroeville and founded in 1965, the company now operates 35 new-vehicle franchises selling 19 different makes across five counties in Pennsylvania and one in Ohio. In the western Allegheny County suburbs alone, the business operates three dealerships: #1 Cochran Nissan West Hills in Moon Township and #1 Cochran Buick-GMC and Kia in Robinson Township. “We’ve been busy, it’s been exciting for us,” says Rob Cochran, the company’s president and CEO, referring to several new acquisitions the company has made in just the past year. The business also operates 11 Body by Cochran Collision Centers and a wholesale parts distribution center. Altogether, #1 Cochran employs more than 1,550 people. To service its wide range of customers, and keep pace with retirements, Cochran says the company has needed to hire about 30 to 40 new automotive technicians every year. Finding enough of those workers, though, hasn’t always been easy, and at one point that led the company to consider some new measures. “We were looking to do something in a pretty major way that would give back to the community and the industry in the technical trades,” says Cochran. “We wanted to develop the technicians for tomorrow’s vehicles. There’s a need in the industry, so, our first thought was, should we start our own school?” While considering the idea, Cochran says he engaged with Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein. Cochran says Weinstein, a personal friend, advised him to instead speak with Dennis Wilke, president of Rosedale Technical College in Kennedy Township. That led to the two sitting down for lunch. “Dennis and I had a lot of common themes and similarities, including our alma mater Carnegie Mellon,” says Cochran. “We hit it off. And it was apparent that their culture and what they stand for and believed in was consistent with ours.” Last year, Rosedale and #1 Cochran finalized a partnership that includes #1 Cochran providing $100,000 worth of scholarships each year to students enrolling in the automotive and collision repair programs at Rosedale. The partnership was announced in February and the first round of scholarships were awarded in May, with $110,000 going to students from eight area schools. As part of #1 Cochran’s $2.25 million philanthropic pledge, Rosedale’s automotive center has been named the #1 Cochran Technological Excellence Center. Rosedale students are also able to take on a paid apprenticeship at #1 Cochran while they’re still in school that can turn into a full-time job once they graduate. For those who are hired full time, the company will pay up to $250 per month in student loan assistance for two years and provide $200 per month in tool allowance for the first year of their employment. Students aren’t required to complete an apprenticeship with #1 Cochran, as other dealers offer similar opportunities, but the option is available to them. Cochran says the scholarship program is unique and that he’s hoping it will become a model for others in the industry. He says he wants it to help under-served populations and an automotive industry that is currently facing a shortage of workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 733,000 job openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. That number is expected to persist. Wilke says the need for workers in the trades isn’t unique to the automotive industry. He says that, across the industries Rosedale trains students in, the college is seeing significant demand from employers. The college also trains students in HVAC, electrical, diesel, welding and truck driving. Wilke says a day doesn’t go by that he doesn’t get a call from an employer in one of these fields, and on any given day at Rosedale it isn’t unusual to see a company delivering a presentation in an effort to recruit. On June 1, the school hosted a career fair that attracted 200 businesses in need of workers across those industries. “It kind of demonstrates the need across all of our programs,” says Wilke. “Whether it’s Cochran, other dealerships, electrical companies, trucking companies, there’s a need out there.” Wilke says the college’s enrollment numbers have also spiked in recent years. A couple of years ago, the school admitted 405 students, the largest class in Rosedale’s 75-year history. The college’s previous record had been 372. The demographics of those students are shifting as well, says Wilke. He says that at one time, about 85% of the school’s students had attended vocational school. Now, 85% come from traditional high school settings. As well, he says that at one time about 80% of Rosedale’s students were Pell Grant eligible, which the federal government defines as having a significant financial need. Now, just 40% fall into that category, he says. Given the rising cost of a bachelor’s degree, and the sometimes unclear pipeline to employment some courses of study offer, Wilke says students are increasingly considering other options. Programs in the trades that can be completed in fewer years than it takes to get a bachelor’s, transition directly into a job and leave students with less debt, are among them. “We think that’s a risky move, to potentially lay out $250,000 on a four-year degree without a career plan. Maybe that’s not the best move for middle income folks,” says Wilke. “If you place a smaller bet, that’s a more sure thing to get employment, you can always go from there.” Wilke says Rosedale’s students have gone on to management- level jobs and that in every one of the school’s programs there’s a graduate who has opened a business. “I’ve been hearing more and more this is the age of the entrepreneur,” he says. “One easy way to start a business is to get a skilled trade.” Wilke says the school is also increasingly seeing students who are either transferring from a college setting or deciding to attend As demand for workers in the trades grows, Rosedale teams with # 1 Cochran to deliver hundreds of thousands in scholarships STORY BY DOUG HUGHEY #1 Cochran president and CEO Rob Cochran is pictured with Rosedale Technical College president Dennis Wilke at an event held in February to announce a new partnership that will deliver scholarships to students. PHOTO SUBMITTED 34 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023 34 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023Rosedale as opposed to a traditional college from the outset. In that regard, he says Rosedale is increasingly competing with four- year colleges. A few years ago, the school underwent a major renovation when it took over part of its building that it had been leasing and converted it into offices with a spacious lobby fitting of a four-year institution. With polished floors and several vehicles on display with their exterior panels removed, the space could just as easily pass for the lobby of a museum or a corporate headquarters. There’s even a gift shop selling t-shirts. Throughout the building, there are other major renovations underway, thanks to two RACP grants the school secured worth $2 million. One of those projects is a $1.6 million classroom consisting of a two-story structure that will be used to teach students how to run HVAC and electrical. The school is also investing $1 million to overhaul its automotive classrooms and build a student success center, which looks like a library with a study area. The school is updating its HVAC classrooms as well and making a variety of other improvements. “Students are coming to us with high expectations,” says Wilke. “They may go to Penn State one day and Rosedale the next. We need to be able to compete with that.” Cochran and Wilke both admit there’s a stigma that persists about the trades, however, but say that attitudes are changing. “I would say many of us, including Dennis and I, do think we’ve gone through a period where the allure, the necessity, the marketability of a four-year degree versus other options that young people have in some ways may be overstated, because there are viable options and alternatives,” says Cochran. “It’s not just true to auto technical trades, but true for all of the technical trades.” When current Rosedale collision repair student Ben Jia was in school at Mt. Lebanon High School, he was well aware of the stigma surrounding trades training. He says many of his peers looked down on vocational students or even those considering taking classes at a community college. This past December, Jia graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a computer science degree. Long before he graduated, however, he realized he didn’t have an interest in the field. He finished his degree at the urging of friends and family, but just a few months later was enrolled at Rosedale. Now, he’s completing an apprenticeship at Diehl Auto in Robinson Township as he works toward graduating next March. Jia says he didn’t become interested in cars until he tried to fix his late father’s BMW. A professional violinist with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Jia’s father passed away in 2021 after battling colon cancer. He had an interesting past, Jia says, and even escaped China during the Cultural Revolution. Jia says he finds collision repair to be complex, interesting and fulfilling. At the moment, he’s looking forward to repainting a 1992 Mazda Miata he owns for one of his courses. He’s been restoring the car in his free time. “For the first time in my life I am really enjoying school,” he says. “They’re great people, great teachers. I’ve just learned so much in the past six months.” On any given day at Rosedale, there are lots of student projects happening. In automotive classes, students are rebuilding a vintage MG, custom painting car panels and working on custom cars. Some days, they’re learning from representatives from manufacturers like Volkswagon, Nissan or Mazda, or pulling apart cars donated by those companies. Wilke says about a dozen additional manufacturers have visited the school this year thanks to its new partnership with #1 Cochran. In HVAC classes, students are running coolant lines through water to see how long it takes to make a block of ice and in an electrical classroom they’re fishing electrical through framing while building complex circuits. While sit-down classes are part of their education, much of the learning for students is hands-on, and after a couple of months in school they can interview for an apprenticeship with an employer. That can translate into an entry-level, full-time position and a steppingstone to a career. At that point, Wilke says Rosedale graduates typically owe about $12,000 in debt. Comparatively, college students earning a bachelor’s degree graduate with about $30,000 in debt, according to data gathered by U.S. News. Wilke and Cochran are hoping that more students continue to take an interest in the trades. While their new partnership will make an education more accessible, they’re hopeful demand for workers will continue to drive interest. “Over the last three to seven years there have been more technicians retiring than entering,” says Cochran. “With the rapid changes in vehicle technology and ongoing shortage of skilled techs, there’s a critical need for people who do the essential work of keeping vehicles safe on the road. It just made sense for us to lend our support within the region and create a pipeline for younger people to get involved and create a great career.” ABOVE: Rosedale’s recent expansion included a newly renovated lobby. RIGHT: Auto body students get ready to work on panels in the paint booth. FAR RIGHT: Renderings show several classrooms currently under development. PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY July/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 35 July/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 35On the Horizon On the Horizon ; 36 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023 Robinson Farmers Market, Mondays, 3-7 p.m., upper parking lot at Archangel Gabriel Catholic Parish, Facebook: Robinson Farmers Market at Holy Trinity. Moon Market and Music, second and fourth Wednesdays, June-September, 5-9 p.m., music 7-9 p.m. (6-8 p.m. in September), Moon Park, produce market, food trucks, craft beers and wine, kid-friendly activities, live music, www. moonparks.org/events/calendar.asp#. Crafton Mini-Golf, Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 26, 7-9 p.m., Steuben and Linden Streets, $2/person (cash only), www.craftonborough.com/parks-recreation. Outdoor Movie: “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” July 20, Settlers Cabin Park, Moccasin Shelter, starts at dusk, alleghenycounty.us/special-events/summer-movies.aspx. Alina’s Light Walk & Run for Love, July 22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., race starts 9 a.m., Settlers Cabin Park, 5K run and walk, awards for runners, train rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, magic show, inflatable axe throwing, food/beverages, beer garden (ages 21+), DJ/music, adults $40, children 6-12 $20, ages 5 and under free, includes shirt, bracelet, food, alinaslight.com. Crafton-Ingram Rotary Rib Festival and Llama Plop, Aug. 3, 4-7 p.m., Crafton Borough Park, dinners include fixings, choice of either baby back ribs or barbeque chicken, raffles, auctions, door prizes, llama plop, food tickets available at door, visit @cirotary on Facebook for more and to purchase llama plop tickets. Archangel Gabriel School Festival, Aug. 3-5, 5:30-10 p.m. nightly, Archangel Gabriel Parish in Robinson Township, rides, games, casino, food trucks, home-cooked meals, live entertainment, bingo, white elephant sale, more, benefits Archangel Gabriel School, archangelgabrielpgh.org. Coraopolis Second Saturdays Street Festival, Aug. 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Mill Street in downtown Coraopolis, live music, food vendors, activities, more, coraopolisfoundation.org/events. Summer happenings in and around the area Events subject to change. Reference contact information provided for the most up-to-date details. Robinson Township Summer Concert Series, Aug. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Burkett Park, Spirit of Dixie Band, www.townshipofrobinson.com/special-events. Kennedy Township Community Days, Aug. 16-19, Fairhaven Park in Kennedy Township, rides, live entertainment, fireworks, details TBA. Findlay’s Fair in the Woodlands, Aug. 18, 7 p.m. start, Clinton Park, live bands, inflatables, vendors, kids’ activities, more, Aug. 19, parade on Route 30 at 10:30 a.m., fair starts after, www.findlaytwp.org/184/Parks-Recreation. Robinson Township Autumn Festival, Sept. 16, 12-9 p.m., Burkett Park, rides, games, food vendors, live music by Dancing Queen, www.townshipofrobinson.com/special- events. Findlay’s Rhythm and Ribs BBQ, Sept. 17, 3-9 p.m., Clinton Park, live music and BBQ, featuring music by Alt Rocks and two other bands, www.findlaytwp.org/184/Parks- Recreation. Robinson Township Lions Club Corn Hole Tournament and Steelers Watch Party, Oct. 1, 12 p.m. check-in, 1 p.m. start, Clever Park Rotary Shelter, includes hot dogs, sides, draft beer, silent auction, raffle baskets, $50/team, $10 non-players, $5 child 10+, under 10 free, robinsonlions.org. Robinson Township Car Cruise, Oct. 7, 12-4 p.m., Robinson Town Centre, Oldies Music with DJ Dan, www. townshipofrobinson.com/special-events. ; On the Horizon On the Horizon July/August 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 37 MondaysToddler Makerspace10:30 a.m. TuesdaysStory Time10:30 a.m. Open Play1 a.m. WednesdaysMusical Story Time10:30 a.m. Open Play 11 a.m. ThursdaysStory Time10:30 a.m. Open Play11 a.m. FridaysBaby Lapsit10:30 a.m. Wise Walk, Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m., meets at Montour Trail Access Point. Sit N Knit, Thursdays, 2 p.m. Read Between the Wines Book Club, Aug. 3, Sept. 7, 6 p.m., Deer Creek Winery. Cliffhangers Book Club, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, 6 p.m. Tonidale Pub. Tea Time Book Club, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, 1 p.m. Mystery Book Club, Aug. 8, Sept. 12,2 p.m. Thrilla Killas Book Club, Black Dog Wine Co., July 20, Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m. Books & Brews Book Club, The Yard, July 17, Aug. 21, 6 p.m. Movie Matinee, July 18, Aug. 15, 1:30 p.m. Tuesday Afternoon Games, July 25, Aug. 29, 1:30-3 p.m. Taste of Robinson, July 26, Aug. 30, 6 p.m. Cheers to Robinson Library Fundraiser, Black Dog Wine Co., Aug. 16, 6 p.m. Adult Programs Ongoing childrens’ programs Virtual Teen Game Night, Thursdays, 7 p.m. Virtual Teen Creative Corner, July 19, Aug. 16, 7 p.m. Virtual Teen Karaoke Night, July 26, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Virtual Teen Dungeons & Dragons, Aug. 2-5, Sept. 6-9, 7 p.m. Teen Programs Programs for all ages Wacky Wednesday, July 19, 26, Aug. 2, 9, 2 p.m. Summer Reading: through Aug. 12. Multi-Game Mondays, July 17, 31, Aug. 7. Art in the Park, Clever Park Shelter, July 21, 28, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. Dance Party in Clever Park, July 21, 6 p.m. Science Center Build It, July 24, 2 p.m. Stuffed Animal Sleepover Drop-Off, July 27, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Stuffed Animal Sleepover Drop-Off, July 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Stuffed Animal Sleepover Pickup, July 29, 12 p.m. Inky’s Library Mystery Puppet Show, Aug. 1, 2 p.m. Touch-A-Truck, Aug. 11, 10 a.m.-noon, The Mall at Robinson. Childrens’ Programs (ages 6-12) Friends of Robinson Library Book Sale, Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 9 ($5 Bag Sale), 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Robinson Township Library The Robinson Township Library is located at 1000 Church Hill Road. Call (412) 787-3906 or visit www.robinsonlibrary.org for more. 38 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023 38 • Allegheny West Magazine • July/August 2023 Personalized Birthing Experience For Patients & Their Families If you're expecting, the Family Birth Center offers tours, which include breakfast, every month at no charge. To learn more or register for an upcoming tour, visit stclair.org/womenandchildren or call 412.942.5877. Learning you’re pregnant is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming when you begin to think about the many important decisions you’ll need to make before baby arrives. If you’re expecting, some of the first decisions to consider are choosing an OB/ GYN provider and deciding where you want to give birth. Every year, more than 1,500 expecting parents choose St. Clair Health for its team of leading OB/GYN providers and the family-centered environment at St. Clair Hospital’s Family Birth Center. The dedicated staff at the Family Birth Center focus on providing a comfortable, caring, and safe environment for all members of the family—which makes the birth experience at St. Clair Health unique. “We’re able to provide a very personalized experience for patients and their families in a more calming environment, all while providing an exceptional level of medical care,” says Tera S. Conway, MD, who practices with St. Clair Medical Group. The Family Birth Center includes private labor and delivery rooms designed to provide exceptional warmth, comfort, and safety from labor through recovery. Some highlights include: • A rocking chair, oversized bathrooms, and soft lighting to make you feel like you’re at home • State-of-the-art technology such as fetal monitoring systems that allow staff to keep a close eye on baby and equipment that enables mothers to walk freely during labor • Sleeper sofa to accommodate birthing partners from labor through recovery • More than enough space to welcome guests following delivery Of course, mom’s primary concern is that she and her baby will be well cared for—and St. Clair’s commitment to delivering the very best labor and delivery care ensures peace of mind on that front. “Healthy baby, healthy mom—that’s our mantra. And we cultivate the process at every step to ensure that every patient’s labor and delivery progresses safely,” explains Patrick T. Christy, MD, who also practices with St. Clair Medical Group. Adds Dr. Conway, “St. Clair is really a great place to have your baby because our whole team is dedicated to your delivery.” The team includes a single labor and delivery nurse who is assigned upon admission to ensure they can remain intimately involved before, during, and after delivery. And a board-certified Pediatric Hospitalist is on-call 24/7 to support these nurses who are specially trained in labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Additionally, a certified lactation counselor from St. Clair’s on-site Lactation Center is available to help new moms learn the ins and outs of breastfeeding. Before delivery and after your hospital stay, the Center remains available for consultations, complementary bra fittings, and other breastfeeding supplies. Even more, a perinatal social worker will visit with new moms to make sure they are prepared for discharge and have everything they need at home. From setting up transportation or childcare, to ensuring any clinical consults are conducted after delivery, patients can think of this extra set of helping hands as a liaison who assists with the transition from St. Clair to home. Dr. Christy emphasizes, “Each patient has their own goals and dreams for their family, and helping them achieve that is very rewarding for all of us.” A commitment to that level of personal care, in a welcoming environment that provides the personal attention and respect you deserve, is a hallmark of St. Clair—one that is shared by everyone at the Family Birth Center.Next >