< Previous World traveler. Minimalist. Poet. Chad Conley was born with a vision impairment caused by ocular albinism. Because his optic nerves are underdeveloped and misrouted, this rare genetic condition causes poor translation between the eyes and the brain. That hasn’t stopped his ability to see the world in more ways than one, however. Conley has traveled to all 50 states and 30 countries. He’s been to the Winter Olympics in Italy and gone on 13 cruises. He aspired to be a world traveler after completing his studies at Parkway West Career and Technology Center, where he studied airlines, travel and tourism. Conley has lived and worked in 15 states. He’s worked for grocery and retail stores, hotels and pharmacies. Currently, he’s concierge at The Cedarhurst of Pekin Assisted Living Facility in Pekin, Illinois. Living a lifestyle of extreme minimalism, Conley lives out of less than a dozen boxes of belongings. He can’t drive, so he doesn’t own a car. He chooses smaller cities where access to local transportation, walkability and modest living costs are available. Early on, he knew he would need to leave a spread-out city like Pittsburgh and find smaller places to live. He credits the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in Pittsburgh for preparing him for independent living. Even with the best of planning, where he chooses to settle down can still present challenges. He notes, “Managers are replaced by others who don’t want to be bothered with a disabled worker. Services I rely on, such as buses and taxis, get cut due to funding or staff shortages.” He has encountered resentment from coworkers over accommodations that managers have provided to him due to his disability. Other times, managers don’t understand his challenges, even though he is forthright during interviews and focuses on his strengths, all while explaining his disability. He struggles with visual fatigue, having to rest his eyes at times. He says multitasking can be challenging because he cannot visually focus on multiple things as easily as others. Large crowds of people can sometimes be visually overwhelming. While his eyesight limits his visual focus, Conley’s interactions with people from all walks of life have given him a perspective on the human condition. A former co-worker, D’Ann York, says, “Conley is quite literally one of the kindest, gentlest, most patient, and humble persons I have ever met. He has such an open heart and mind. He’ll be the first to give a person ‘the benefit of the doubt’ when they deserve it, and he’ll be the first to gently teach a person the right way to approach something new (like asking about his disability). This man, with this disability, sees more than most people.” Conley’s experiences living in 15 different states and traveling worldwide have inspired him to write poetry which he regularly shares on his Facebook page. An advocate for ocular albinism, he believes he’s been given this life to speak up not only about his disability but for others with disabilities. He says, “I’m very empathetic to the needs and circumstances of others because of my disability. I know what it’s like to feel unseen, unheard, misunderstood, and falsely judged.” He emphasizes, “Never let your disability define you. While it’s an undeniable part of you, you are so much more. Choose to live a fulfilling life. Embrace all you are and what you can bring to others and this world. Share your story however you can and use your experience and insight to advocate for change and act with empathy. Strive to always respond with grace and forgiveness, even when others don’t treat you well or you feel misunderstood. Let that become part of your legacy.” These WA grads don’t let their disabilities define them STORY BY PAT JENNETTE PHOTOS SUBMITTED Success is defined by a wide spectrum of accomplishments. These three West Allegheny men demonstrate not only a tremendous amount of courage, but also that success, even under the shadow of challenges, is possible. Chad Conley, Class of 1998 Professional broadcaster. Movie fan. Sports aficionado. North Fayette resident Brandon Rossi had a knack for knowing a multitude of facts on many topics since he was young. Little did he know at the time his factual ability was due to a disability. At 5 years old, he was diagnosed with a form of autism called pervasive developmental disorder. He says, “My parents told me about my diagnosis when I was in fifth grade, and initially it was devastating. I thought that I would never fit in anywhere. The bullying I suffered only reassured my fears at the time. I always wanted to be the guy that everybody liked and respected.” Rossi didn’t know how to handle the challenge. That all changed when he discovered announcing. “It allowed me to focus on something that I really thought I could make a career out of,” he says. It also gave him a way to communicate and express himself in ways that he was not able to otherwise. Fast forward to today and Rossi’s career has skyrocketed. He’s announced in more than 100 venues, including high schools across six counties, multiple colleges and professional teams. Most recently, he was hired as the new voice of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and as a spotter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last year, he was the only Steelers employee selected to go to London when the NFL needed people to work the game between the Packers and the Giants. He also broadcast for two Pirates home games last year. Announcing for the Pittsburgh Passion led to him working at the Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. West Allegheny’s athletic director, Dave McBain, notes, “Brandon started announcing for me and the way he prepared for games was impressive. The background information he gathered on a team, player and/or coach was truly something to witness. I think his autism has helped define that portion of his preparation and his attention to detail. We are extremely fortunate to have his growing knowledge and skill set working for our student-athletes, fans, and families. I have no doubt we’ll see Rossi on a larger stage soon or even at the national level.” Brandon Rossi, Class of 2015 Chad Conley 30 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2023 Bryan Cornell, a 1994 West Allegheny graduate who teaches special education for the district and serves as assistant athletic director, concurs. He says, “Brandon has been successful mentoring kids with disabilities. He is dedicated to this community, and he wants to do what he can to recognize every student; he does a tremendous job of it.” Rossi obtained his Bachelor of Arts in communication with an emphasis on sports broadcasting/sports information from Waynesburg University, where he was an announcer for a regional radio station. He went on to complete his Master of Arts in strategic communication from Chatham University. Only 13 percent of the nation’s adults attain a master’s degree, according to the United States Census Bureau. “It put into perspective that I was able to persevere through many challenges and achieve something that I really set my mind to obtaining,” he says. He credits former Pirates broadcaster Lanny Frattare, who mentored him in college. “He was instrumental in my development as a broadcaster and communicator and in helping me land some gigs,” Rossi notes. “I spend most days preparing for whatever games I have for the day/week. I do research on each team and its players. When I go to my game, I talk to each coach to get pronunciations, starters, and any notes I will need.” When not broadcasting, Rossi is an avid movie-goer and enjoys watching professional wrestling. He says, “Don’t let any disability get in the way of whatever it is you aspire to be. Everybody has things in their life that they must overcome. Mine just so happens to be autism. Don’t let it define you or restrict you.” Teacher. Rugby player. Nonprofit board president. In 2003, long before taking on those roles, Matt Berwick was a West Allegheny sophomore looking forward to a winter day trip with his youth group. While horsing around with the group outside Valley Presbyterian Church in Imperial, he jumped off a railing and into the snow. Suddenly, he couldn’t move. That moment forever changed his life. Doctors determined he had a C5-6 incomplete spinal cord injury. He was paralyzed. Berwick’s life aspirations quickly changed direction. In no time, however, Berwick showed that while his journey has been arduous, his ambition has been greater. Sophia Mooney, West Allegheny High School counselor, says Berwick was one of her favorite students in school. She recalls the enthusiastic eighth-grader helping out with stage crew for the high school musical. When she found out his acting was as strong as his personality, she cast him in lead roles. “He’d light up the stage as he developed a character,” she recalls. “Then we got the upsetting news that Matt had an accident. Even laying in a hospital bed, Matt had a positive outlook.” She recalls him starting his junior year in a wheelchair and being unable to walk. She says his trademark smile and fun-loving personality remained intact, however. “When he told me he still wanted to participate in the fall play I immediately searched for a play that would potentially have a part for Matt,” she says. “We cast Matt in the lead role of ‘The Runaways.’” Two years after his accident, Berwick crossed the stage during commencement exercises, with assistance, in order to receive his high school diploma with the rest of his class. “He learned to drive, applied to college, and always kept that smile on his face,” says Mooney. “He is one of the best and strongest people I know!” Within five years, Berwick also earned his Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Point Park University. He then earned a Master of Arts in adult learning and training. Just this year, he received his Master of Science in health informatics. Through Leah Gray, formerly the Healthsports Coordinator for the HOPE Network, Berwick worked with youth at the Center for Independent Living in Washington County. Berwick met Gray while undergoing physical therapy. “I recommended Matt because I knew that he had a degree in education and was able to relate to the students with disabilities and help them to plan their futures,” she says. Today, Berwick is program manager for disabilities accommodations at UPMC’s Disability Resource Center. His job entails ensuring that healthcare is accessible to those with disabilities. “That may include sensory tools for autistic patients, sign language interpreters for deaf patients, or accessible medical equipment for those with mobility disabilities, among other things,” Berwick explains. Years of seeking out information for his own disability caused him to become more aware of what’s available to others. He explains, “It was all about learning to be my best advocate and learning from others who I surrounded myself with from the disability community. They helped me learn about my rights and what to ask for.” He’s also become a well-known supporter of people with disabilities, serving as board president for the nonprofits United Spinal Association of Pittsburgh and Rebuild Better Together. As well, he plays wheelchair rugby with the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers and curls with the Pittsburgh Curling Club. After his regular workday, Berwick teaches psychology and sociology of disability part-time at the University of Pittsburgh. He is quick to credit others, saying, “The amazing family and community support I have received, and the community rallying around me was tremendous to help me get back to an active lifestyle.” He says, “Be you! Don’t let a disability define you, but let it be part of you.” Matt Berwick, Class of 2005 Brandon Rossi Matt Berwick August/September 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 3132 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2023During his time on the Board of Supervisors he has worked across party lines to deliver results for the residents of North Fayette: • Responsible budgets with no tax increases • Improving public safety through the addition of police officers to all West Allegheny schools in North Fayette and the addition of Fire Inspectors at the North Fayette Fire Department. • Preservation of Farmland through the Agricultural Security Area • Creation of jobs through attracting companies, such as Connective Rx, to North Fayette with the LERTA program • Funding our community assets, such as the Library and the Parks • Securing $3 million in grants to improve our business district and create economic opportunity Bob has a vision for the future of our community: • Infrastructure Improvements – Reducing Traffic at the Pointe with the addition of North Fayette Blvd and increasing our road paving programs for existing roads • Recreation – Investing in our parks and the creation of the Park at Hankey Farms • Fiscal Responsibility – Respecting taxpayers with responsible budgets and no tax increases!On the Horizon On the Horizon ; 34 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2023 Kennedy Township Community Days, Aug.16-17, 6-10 p.m. / Aug. 18, 6-11 p.m. / Aug. 19, 4 p.m. start, 7 p.m. fireman’s parade, fireworks at dusk, Fairhaven Park in Kennedy Township, rides, entertainment, food, more, Facebook: Kennedy Township Police Department. Summer Concert Series at South Park, 7-10 p.m., South Park Amphitheater: 3700 Farmshow Drive in South Park Township, Aug. 18: Edwin McCain, Aug. 25: Tamburitzans, Sept. 1: Punchline, alleghenycounty.us/parks. 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.findlaytownshipfair.org. Moon Park Movies, movies start at dusk at the Moon Park Amphitheater, Aug. 18: “Lightyear,” Sept. 9: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Oct. 6: “The Mummy (1999), www.moonparks.org. Moon Township VFD Car Cruise, Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Moon Park, DJs, raffles, benefits fire department, moontwpfire.com/car-cruise. Summer Concert Series at Hartwood Acres, Hartwood Acres Amphitheater: 4070 Middle Road in Allison Park, Aug. 20, 3 p.m.: Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, Aug. 27, 3 p.m.: John Scofield with Jason Kush (jazz), Sept. 3, 5:30-10 p.m.: 23rd Annual Allegheny County Music Festival, alleghenycounty. us/parks. Pooches in the Pool, Sept. 4, 4-6:30 p.m., Settlers Cabin Wave Pool, alleghenycounty.us/parkprograms, see page 37. Kids’ Moon Park Amphitheater Event, Sept. 6, 6 p.m., Moon Park Amphitheater, Rock and Roll Pet Store, free event, www.moonparks.org. Moon Wizarding Festival, Sept. 9, 2-7:30 p.m., Moon Park, free event featuring 30+ artists and craft vendors, showing of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” to follow, moonparks.org. Capt. Sean M. Ruane Foundation Cornhole Tournament, Sept. 9, Greater Pittsburgh Aquatic Club, basket raffle, DJ, games, duck race, craft beer bar, food, sponsorships available, www.seanruane. org/cornhole-tournament. McDonald Fall Festival PowWow, Sept. 9-10, 11 a.m. start both days, Heritage Park in McDonald, Native American cultural festival with vendors, inter-tribal dancing, auctions, food, more, Facebook: RED Eagle Village. HOLT Race to the Moon, Sept. 10, 8 a.m., mountain bike race following trails in Hollow Oak Land Trust’s 10-mile trail system, hollowoak.org/hollow-oak-events/. 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. Fall for Your Library, Sept. 16, 6-10 p.m., Celebrations, benefits Western Allegheny Community Library, page 32. 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, see page 37. Janoski’s Pumpkinland, weekends in October, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Janoski’s Farm in Clinton, pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze, haunted barn, children’s pony rides, petting zoo, pedal bikes, food vendors, or bring a lunch, janoskis.com/upcoming/. Fall Festivals and Late Summer Happenings Events subject to change. Reference the contact information listed for the latest details. Allegheny West Magazine welcomes submissions of nonpromotional events for the On the Horizon section. Email info@awmagazine.com.August/September 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 35 Hozak’s Fall Festival, weekends throughout October starting Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Hozak’s Farm in Clinton, pumpkin picking, hayrides, straw pile, farm animals, gift shop, haunted hayrides, refreshments, www.hozakfarms.com/ fallactivites.html. 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. Hickory Apple Festival, Oct 7-8, Hickory, live entertainment, unique crafters, brick oven bread, apple crisp, apple butter, candied apples, apple dumplings, petting zoo, pet shows, chainsaw sculpting, blacksmithing, pancake breakfasts, check www.hickoryapplefest.com for times and schedules. Coraopolis Fall Festival, Oct. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Downtown Coraopolis, craft vendors, food trucks, pumpkin painting, more, coraopolisfoundation.org. Findlay Halloween Spooktacular, Oct. 21, 2-4 p.m., Findlay Activity Center, see page 37. North Fayette Fall Festival, Oct. 21, 5-8 p.m., North Fayette Community Center Parking Lot, costume contest, trunk or treat parade, crafts, refreshments, www.north-fayette.com/335/Parks- Recreation . Scout Troop 248 Haunted Cabin, Oct. 25-28, Killbuck Lodge in Oakdale, “Fractured Fairy Tales,” details TBA, Facebook: Oakdale Troop 248. P Parks and Rec North Fayette Parks and Rec. Visit www.north-fayette.com to register and view programs. Call (724) 307-3725 for more information. Direct questions regarding sports to: foxs@northfayettepa.gov. Findlay Township Parks and Rec. Programs 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. Events subject to change. Reference the contact information listed for the latest details. 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, youth through adult, Monday and Wednesday evenings, call for times and availability, (724) 695-1976. Little Dragons Tang Soo Do Karate Pre-School Program, ages 3-6, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Time for Toddlers, Mondays and Tuesdays: Sept. 11, 12, 25, 26, Oct. 16, 17, 30, 31, Findlay Activity Center. Outdoor Flea Market, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Clinton Park, $5 to sell, free to attend. Fair in the Woodlands, free to attend, live music, inflatables, entertainment, Aug. 17, 5 p.m. exhibit registration, Aug. 18, 5K registration at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. race start, Aug. 19, 11 a.m. parade on Route 30, fair starts after, fireworks at 9:15 p.m., www.findlaytownshipfair.org. Imperial VFD Bingo Night, Mondays: Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 30, doors open 6 p.m., bingo starts 7 p.m., no children please, $10/ packet, additional packets $5, coverall jackpots $1, dabbers available for purchase, see page 37. Crochet for a Cause, Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m., Sept. 7, 21, 28, Oct. 12, 26, create blankets for local hospitals. Rhythm and Ribs BBQ, Sept. 17, bands begin at 3 p.m., Clinton Park, see page 37. Kids’ Creative Cooking, Sept. 20 and Oct. 18, 4-5:15 p.m., grades K-5, $10/class, prepare easy and delicious seasonal recipes, registration required. Findlay Senior Citizens Monthly Meeting and Luncheon, Sept. 20 and Oct. 18, doors open 11 a.m., lunch served 12 p.m., dues $5, registration required. Truck Touch, Sept. 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (no sirens until 12 p.m.), Clinton Park, see page 37. AARP Driver Safety Program, Oct. 10-11, 12-4 p.m., Findlay Township Municipal Building, AARP Members: $20, non-members: $25, ages 55+, two four-hour sessions over two days, no driving test, participants eligible to receive a state-mandated multi-year discount on insurance premiums, Findlay residents pay half, registration required. TV, Computer and Appliance Recycling, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Findlay Township Municipal Building, limit one TV per vehicle. Fall Canvas Painting, Oct. 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., see page 37. Halloween Spooktacular, Oct. 21, 2-4 p.m., Clinton Park, Findlay Township Trick or Treat, Oct. 28, 6-8 p.m. PALS Golf Outing, Aug. 26, 7 a.m. registration, 7:45 a.m. shotgun start, Quicksilver Golf Club, includes light breakfast, lunch, award ceremony, skill games, raffles, prizes, gift auction, $140/golfer, www. north-fayette.com/339/Parks-Recreation-Events. Fall Festival, Oct. 21, 5-8 p.m., North Fayette Community Center Parking Lot, costume contest, trunk or treat parade, crafts, refreshments. Youth Sports Dance, Dance, Dance, Tuesdays, Sept. 5-Oct. 10, ages 4-6 at 6:30 p.m., ages 7-9 at 7:15 p.m. Instructional Volleyball, Wednesdays, Sept. 6-Oct. 11, ages 9-12 at 5:30 p.m., ages 12-15 at 7 p.m. Super Kids Basketball, Thursdays, Sept. 7-Oct. 12, ages 4-6, 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Youth Basketball, Thursdays, Sept. 7-Oct. 12, ages 7-9, 7:30 p.m. Youth Tennis, Saturdays, Sept. 9-Oct. 14, ages 8-12, 9 a.m. Teen Tennis, Saturdays, Sept. 9-Oct. 14, ages 13-17, 10 a.m. Super Kids T-Ball, ages 3-5,Mondays, Sept. 11-Oct. 16, 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., or Tuesdays, Sept. 12-Oct. 17, 5:30 p.m. Email foxs@northfayettepa.gov to register. Adult Volleyball, Tuesdays, Sept. 5-Dec. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Adult Softball League, Sundays beginning Sept. 10. Adult Sports 36 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2023August/September 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 3738 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2023 VPenned by ErmaPenned by Erma BY ERMA DODD The phone rang. A West Allegheny Food Pantry volunteer answered. “I have a new location for the food pantry if you still need space.” “Yes,Yes. We do need space,” the volunteer said. A third-generation business owner who has lived in West Allegheny all his life began working on the building to get it ready. He emptied the space, which was full of machines and equipment. He painted it, inside and out. He installed a furnace, air conditioning and a bathroom. That was four years ago. During a recent visit to the pantry, a volunteer shared this story. Her eyes were filled with tears for so much gratitude for what this gentleman had done and continues to do. The rent is zero. All names and quotes are anonymous, as requested. The West Allegheny Food Pantry began about 50 years ago in Valley Presbyterian Church. The government was giving cheese and butter. The church added paper products. A few volunteers have been helping all these years. More and more donations were given. The food pantry then moved into a tiny space in the former Western Allegheny Community Library building. Then it moved into a large space in Imperial on Route 30. The space had fair rent. After about 10 years, the building was sold. The food bank had to move, so it returned to Valley Presbyterian Church, until that call. Knowing food pantries exist is one thing. Actually walking through the doors and experiencing the caring is both heartwarming and eye opening. “Everyone works together,” a volunteer said. Helping families is a community effort. They do it from their heart. “The gratification is in your heart.” Another calls it, “A blessing to help the community. We were able to help during Covid. We took boxes to the cars of those who came.” “Not doing it for a pat on the back, I do it because I want to,” another said. “It is a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. No judgment here.” It has been 26 years for one volunteer. “It is what my heart tells me to do,” they said. His brother says, “Just enjoy getting food to people who deserve it.” The daughter of one volunteer came to help with her dad when she was visiting from Kentucky. “There are a lot of people in need,” she said. “My dad enjoys getting the kids who come to smile and laugh.” Her dad is a 1954 West Allegheny graduate and is always smiling. The West Allegheny Food Pantry helps over 100 families thanks to the generosity of the community. Doors open every other week on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon and on Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The pantry is located at 105 West Allegheny Road in Imperial. Its mailing address is P.O. Box 527. The pantry can be reached at (724) 695-1305. The Ridge Pantry opened in June 2019. “It was placed on the West Ridge Church leadership and congregation’s hearts to serve our neighbors,” said one person with the church. “We are now undergoing renovations to expand the pantry located in the church administrative building.” West Ridge’s vision is Love God, Love People. “Ridge Pantry is a community outreach and our volunteers truly have a servant’s heart.” One volunteer said: “I’ve been serving at the pantry since it opened up in Virginia Hills years ago. It really has been a huge blessing to me. I love getting to know the families and we have all really become like one big family. I look forward to hearing about their week and whether they have any prayer needs…I’ve loved getting to know some of them even more when they begin attending church!” Another said, “Before I served here, I was a client. It was during a layoff two winters ago. The joy of the volunteers helped me to feel so welcome and not self conscious about needing the help. When I was offered the opportunity to help at the pantry, I was recovering from a broken wrist and remember saying, ‘Well I can open the door.’ This has been a journey from opening a door to getting to know our neighbors...We joke, laugh, cry, and celebrate friendship together. Opening the door is a small courtesy I can offer, allowing the Spirit to move to turn a scowl into a belly laugh is what brings me joy and gives me hope for those God has brought to the Pantry.” The pantry also remained opened during COVID-19, with volunteers making food deliveries to over 90 neighbors. Ridge Pantry opens Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. West Ridge Church is located at 100 Gorwood Drive, off Cliff Mine Road, in North Fayette Township. The pantry can be emailed at ridgepantry@westridge.cc or called at (724) 695-7500. The pantry is always grateful for food and other donations. Neighbors helping neighbors Penned by Erma is a regular column written by Erma Dodd. “ For it is in giving that we receive...” ~ St. Francis AssisiNext >