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U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04), photo right, far right, presented Accipiter Systems, Inc., with $1 million in federal funding to research and develop the next generation of light-weight data communications systems for the U.S. Army.
David Bugher, photo left, executive director for the Light of Life Rescue Mission, was presented with the 2008 Neighborhood Preservation Award by the Allegheny West Local Review Council.
Linda Dembski Ruckert, left, of the North Hills, was chosen as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business for 2008 by the Women’s Business Network.
Laura Elm, right, received the 2008 Make the Connection Award sponsored by the National Association of Women Business Owners for her volunteer efforts with Women’s Small Business Association (WSBA).
The North Hills-McKnight Branch of AAUW has selected member Ann Carlson, photo left (with flowers), to be their 2008-09 Outstanding Woman.
Ed Wielgus, senior vice president of F&M Bank and founding board member, HEARTH, and current member of the North Hills School District, was given the Council Award for personal excellence in community investment and service. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh bestows the award each year on a single banker in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia.
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By Linda Burkley A rousing version of Reba McIntire’s “Why Haven’t I Heard from You” landed Sarah Wilson the 2007 Pennsylvania state title in the Colgate Country Showdown. Now, instead of singing Reba McIntire’s songs, Wilson is living in Nashville, working on developing her own music, her own distinct style and her own record deal. Brought to the Pittsburgh region by WBUT-1050 AM, Butler County’s ‘BUT Kickin Country, the Colgate Country Showdown is celebrating its 27th year of seeking fresh country talent. Past contestants include Garth Brooks, Martina McBride and John Michael Montgomery. Sarah’s win at the Butler Fairgrounds last July 4 put her on the statewide stage, where she beat out over 15 other acts representing country music stations across the Commonwealth. Although she didn’t win the national title, her determination, unique singing voice and bubbly personality are helping to build a strong foundation for a successful career in country music. After developing a devoted fan base throughout Western Pennsylvania and armed with added confidence of winning the Showdown, Sarah headed off to Nashville earlier this year, where she now makes her home. “It was a calculated move, not a guttural move,” she says, explaining that she took time to attend seminars and develop contacts so that when she actually made the move to the country music mecca, she would already have cemented opportunities to further her career. “I’ve met lots of people trying to make it in Nashville, but none of them are really doing any performing. I’m happy to be on stage and to be working with people who are looking for the right songs for my voice.” Currently working at Texas Roadhouse, Sarah gets to meet lots of people and hopes to incorporate her voice into some of the restaurants famous line dancing like she did while working at the Texas Roadhouse in Butler. “Hundreds of songs written by A-list composers are currently being reviewed for Sarah,” said her Nashville-based publicist, Judy Ade. An arduous process, the list will eventually be narrowed down to two songs that maximize Sarah’s vocals and that she delivers the best. Then, according to Ade, those songs will be recorded and submitted to record labels for consideration, some who already have an interest. Sarah has several dates throughout the Pittsburgh area this summer and is proud to be performing at WBUT’s Colgate Country Showdown at Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater on July 24. For more information on Sarah’s schedule, her career and music, visit her at www.sarahwilsonsings.com. You’ll find details and tickets for the Colgate Country Showdown at www.insidebutlercounty.com |
Spotlight on Schools
Community College of Allegheny County was awarded a $984,275 three-year grant by the Health Resources and Services Administration to launch an RN Achievement program.
Bellevue resident Jessica Scheer has been accepted into the chorus of the Pittsburgh Opera for the 2008-09 season. She is presently a junior in the music therapy program at the Duquesne University School of Music.
Providence Heights Alpha School competed in the National Bert Lerner Elementary Chess Championship. The Alpha team received a 16th place team trophy for the K-1 Championship section and a 23rd place team trophy in the K-3 Under 8—Section.
Providence Heights Alpha School students were award winners in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences (PJAS) State science competition. First place winners were: Natalie Nash and Megan Wasson. Tiffany Kollah, Annie Malady, Christopher Sawicki and Megan Schoming took home second place honors.
Dorseyville Middle School eighth grader Ameline Lagasse was named a state finalist in the national Doodle 4 Google contest.
Several Fox Chapel Area High School students were named winners in the 2008 Slippery Rock University World Languages Competition. First place honors were awarded to: Elizabeth Clark, Emily Danchik, Matthias Maihoefer, Andrew Zinn, Ian Huber and Katharine Reineman.
The Asian-American Heritage Committee of the Pittsburgh Federal Executive Board has named three Fox Chapel Area High School students winners in its program that honors outstanding Asian-American high school students. Those honored include: Archana Ramgopal, Praveen Tummalapalli and Carol Linn.
Fox Chapel Area High School’s Crew team presented a check for $13,400 to Gilda’s Club of Western Pennsylvania, which provides support to local families dealing with cancer.
The Fox Chapel Crew Women’s Lightweight 8+, photo right, captured a fourth place finish in the Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) National Championship against a field of fifteen of the country’s elite high school crews.
Six North Hills Junior High eighth graders won awards at the 2008 Holocaust Arts and Writing Competition. Trevor Southworth, Samantha Jamison, Joe Pinder, Stephanie Higgins, Chelsie Horne and Lea Sullivan won first place honors.
Two North Hills School District seventh graders earned top honors in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science state-wide competition. Miranda Pavelle earned a first place honor while Rachel Gmys won a second place award.The North Hills School District has appointed Kevin J. O’Toole to the North Hills Senior High School’s administrative staff.
David Matthews has been named as the new marching band director in the North Hills School District.
Hampton High School art students (left) donated their time and creative skills to donate paintings for the walls of UPMC Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant.
Six Seneca Valley Middle School students were honored by the Cranberry Township Lions Club (photos right) for their commitment to service, academic effort and overall initiative. The students are: Misha Demchuk, Madison Fox, Caitlyn Cindrich, Gabe Edwards, Kylan Robert Hill and Colin Staud.
The Seneca Valley musical “Pippin” received seven Henry Mancini Musical Theater Awards at the May 21 ceremony at Geneva College. The musical was nominated for twelve awards. (photo left)
Students at Evan City Elementary and Middle School in the Seneca Valley School District presented a check for $13,675.53 to Marlene O’Brien of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. The money was raised during a walk-a-thon in memory of Linda Saulle, a former kindergarten teacher who passed away in November.
Lauren Novak, senior at Pine-Richland High school, earned a first place in the Association of Women in Construction Architectural Regional and Local Drafting Competition. She also won second place in the nation.
Six Pine-Richland High School students have been selected to participate in the Pennsylvania Gorernor’s Schools of Excellence. They are: Emily Wobb, Holly Belkot, Patrice Zigrossi, William Miller, Alexis Gutshall and Hannah Staiger.
Two Pine-Richland High School seniors (photo right) Ashley Hinson and Natalie Sarver tried out for the Division I Penn State Lionettes dance team and each earned a spot on the team.
Judges named Pine-Richland High School as “2008 Overall Winner” at the annual Drafting Competition and Technology Fair at Butler Community College for the fifth straight year.
The cast, crew and orchestra of Pine-Richland High School production of Seussical the Musical earned four Gene Kelly Awards during the annual CLO Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Programs.
Students from the Pine-Richland High School Language Department earned third place overall in the individual Spanish language division at the 23rd Annual Slippery Rock University World Language Competition.
Pine-Richland High School senior Sarah Clouse earned the Gold Award, the highest honor a female scout can achieve in the Girl scouts.
Pine-Richland ninth grader Brandon Saad was drafted in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League, 10th overall.
The Pine-Richland High School Women’s Junior 4+Rowing Team placed 10th overall in the Scholastic Rowing Association of America’s National Championship Regatta in Oakridge, TN.
Pine-Richland Middle School eighth grader Kaitlin Hudok placed first in the state of Pennsylvania Poetry Society 2008 Pegasus Contest.
Pine-Richland Middle School student Branden Glass participated in the National DeMolay Public Speaking Competition at an international session in Anaheim, Calif., on June 17. Additionally, Branden will be traveling to Washington, DC, on July 10, where he will read his award winning Daughters of American Revolution Essay.
Seven North Allegheny High School students have been selected to participate in the 2008 Pennsylvania Governor’s School of Excellence. They are: Brett Freithaler, Madison Micucci, Albert Wang, April Cummins, Katherine Luo, Nimish Telang and Kerri Woodward.
North Allegheny Science Research Team won over $25,000 in cash and scholarships this year. First place awards were earned by: Shivani Mehta, Jon Lin, Jay Seghal, Richard Gayler, Julie Wu, Skanda Koppula, and Katherine Luo won a second place honors.
Two North Allegheny High School seniors have been chosen to receive the 2008 North Allegheny Federation of Teachers Scholarship. They are: Mark Pegher and Caitlin Cready.
North Allegheny Senior High School students Shivani Mehta, Sarah Kelly and Brian Guzek placed 2nd in the Organic Chemistry division at the 2008 Chemistry Olympics held at the University of Pittsburgh.
Four North Allegheny High School students won awards at the Kentucky National High school Tournament of Champions in Lincoln-Douglas, Policy Debate, Public forum and Student Congress at the University of Kentucky. Claire Kairys and Naz El-Khatib were first place winners and Greg Vose and Vicky Lopez took home second place honors.
The North Allegheny Junior Classical League won their eleventh consecutive State Championship. First place winners were: Andrew Adam, Jenna Mulligan, Sean Rademacher, Megan Doerzbacher. Nate Carlin, David Tobias, Mike Sinko and Al Wang placed second, while Jason Chen won a trophy for being the top Academic Champion.
North Allegheny High School senior Maura Romano, right, was named one of the top ten award winners in the Hotel and Lodging Management Competitive event at the 62nd DECA International Career Conference.
The following North Allegheny Senior High School students won honors at the Pennsylvania High School Speech League’s State Tournament. They include: Victoria Lopez, Gregory Vose, Stacey Chen, Yilu Zhang, Douglas Kulchar and Gwyn Agnew.
A team of North Allegheny Intermediate students won First Place, Level I, awards at the 24th Annual Chemathon hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Maryland. The all-sophomore team members included: Andrew Adam, Stephen Guo, Bonnie Yan, Cindy Yuan, Connie Yuan and Liyang Yu.
Marshall Elementary School fourth grader, Haley Lindberg was chosen as a state finalist in the 2008 Letters About Literature contest. This program is a reading and writing promotion program of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, presented in partnership with Target Stores.
Jason Brar of McCandless has been selected to participate in the C-MITES (Carnegie Mellon Institute for Elementary and Secondary Students) Summer Program for academically talented students.
Business Spotlight: Nanny Poppinz
By Janice Lane Palko
It seems that every day there’s a new, horrifying video on the news of a child being abused at the hands of his or her caregiver. Most parents take great care to find competent caregivers for their children, but often they feel unsure that they are actually choosing the best person. So how does one find reliable and qualified caregivers?
Nanny Poppinz is how.
Nanny Poppinz is as their motto states: “A Nanny Agency Created by Moms for Moms.” Jackie DeMaria, who formerly lived in Wexford but now resides in Robinson Twp., opened the first Nanny Poppinz franchise in the area in March. Nanny Poppinz customizes nanny and childcare services to meet the family’s needs, providing full or part-time, live-in or out nannies, newborn specialists, and housekeepers.
The company has been in operation for 16 years and has 31 locations nationwide. The mother of two is the baby of six siblings and has 31 nieces and nephews. “Children have always been a part of my life, and this type of business just seemed a natural fit for me,” DeMaria said. “While I was considering opening a Nanny Poppinz, I spent time with several owners and heard the concept, and I was very impressed.”
Each Nanny Poppinz nanny is highly qualified, background-checked and screened before ever being sent to a family to be interviewed. “Because every family has a different personality, we usually offer parents three candidates to choose from,” DeMaria said. “I like to suggest a working interview for the second interview, to observe the interaction between the Nanny and the children. It is very important that the family, as well as the nanny, feel the compatibility.”
Nanny Poppinz is always looking for well-qualified caregivers, and while Nanny Poppinz strives to provide the best caregivers for its clients it also strives to protect the nanny’s interests as well.
Nanny Poppinz is so committed to the welfare of children that it offers free, monthly CPR and first aid training classes to its nannies, families and the public. If you are looking for a qualified, experienced caregiver, have an interest in becoming a Nanny Poppinz nanny, or are interested in the training classes, visit the website at www.nannypoppinz.com or 412-307-4914.
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