Mover & Shaker of the Month Dr. Scott E. Celin President, UPMC Passavant and UPMC Passavant Cranberry joint medical staffs Click here for article

Click here for Spotlight on Schools | Spotlight on PetsPictured.com

The employees and members of the Oxford Athletic Club collected the following donations in 2006: 200 handmade Valentine’s Day Cards and gifts were shipped to soldiers overseas, 200 cell phones were donated to HopeLine program, 1,850 supplies for Easter baskets were collected for low income children, 175 back-to-school supplies and backpacks were collected, $585 was collected for Zack Attack in Cranberry, $350 was raised for the American Cancer Society, $178 was raised for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation, 150 winter coats were collected, 200 prom dresses were donated to Prom Project, 400 infants/toddler supplies were given to Genesis of Pittsburgh, 124 pounds of animal food was donated to Animal Friends, gently used spa robes were given to Light of Life Ministries, and 400 holiday gifts were donated to the Salvation Army.

The following Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Department members were recognized for outstanding service and accomplishments in 2006:  Erin Bragunier, Dan Owens, Charlie Ross, Bernadetta Schwartz, Ann Kinzler, Phil MacMillan, Jason Bragunier, Bill and Pauline Engeman.

The Cranberry Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who donated gift cards, phone cards or cash during the “Feed the Pig” fundraising drive.  More than $2,500 was raised and the proceeds went to: Glade Run Lutheran Services, Mars Home for Youth and Victim Outreach Intervention Center.

The Greater Pittsburgh Chiropractic Center would like to thank its patients and supporters for their concerns for Dr. Tim Harris while on a recent mission trip to Africa.  The trip was sponsored by North Way Christian Community.  For information, call (724) 935-7440 or www.gpccinc.com.

22,763 residents at 276 long-term care facilities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, West Virginia and Tennessee were given a reason to smile this holiday season thanks to St. Barnabas’Presents for Patients® campaign.  The figure represents a new record for the campaign.

The Medicine Shoppe, a full-service pharmacy, is the latest amenity in the mall of The Village at St. Barnabas.  In addition to St. Barnabas residents, the pharmacy is open to employees, patients of St. Barnabas Medical Center and the community at large.

Photo left: Cutting the ribbon to celebrate The Medicine Shoppe’s grand opening are Douglas W. Day, president, St. Barnabas Communities; William V. Day, president, St. Barnabas Health System; Clyde Cressler, CEO, Capital Care Management; and Jamie Wyels, pharmacist, The Medicine Shoppe.

The Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care for 2007.  For more information about Blue Distinction Centers, visit the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Web site at www.bcbs.com.

Lareese Hall, left, has joined the staff of the Carnegie Science Center as the project manager for environmental education.  In this newly created position, Hall will work to develop new visitor experiences and educational programs related to ecology and the environment.

Paula Franetti, MS, MES, CPT has launched MetaFitness, Pittsburgh’s first-of-its-kind metabolism-based fitness/health/ lifestyle management company in the North Hills.  For information call (412) 247-4957 or

www.meta-fitness.com.

Don Seaton, left, of RE/Max Select Realty has been named to the RE/MAX Platinum Club.

Diane D. Tifone, right, realtor with RE/MAX Select Realty, has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist Designation.

McCandless resident, Jim Edwards has written an innovative book about the parallels between cycling and life.  The book is entitled Like Riding a Bike: A Cycle Logical Exploration of Life.  For more information, visit:  www. LRBconnections.com.

Jeff Moeslein is now the new president of Swing Line Windows, Inc. and Owens Corning Basement Finishing System.

The Beaver Falls Habitat for Humanity has a new home thanks to the assistance of a $100,000 HUD Community Development Block grant.  The facility is located at 47 Bridge Street.

Back to top

Mover & Shaker of the Month Dr. Scott E. Celin President, UPMC Passavant and UPMC Passavant Cranberry joint medical staffs

Dr. Scott E. Celin President, UPMC Passavant and UPMC Passavant Cranberry joint medical staff On January 1, Scott E. Celin, MD, began a two-year term as president of the UPMC Passavant and UPMC Passavant Cranberry joint medical staffs. Dr. Celin, who served the previous two years as president-elect, has also served as the organization’s secretary/treasurer, as an at-large member of the executive committee and as chairman of the UPMC Passavant Department of Head and Neck Surgery. “This is a very exciting time to serve as president of the medical staff because of the hospital’s expansion,” said Celin.  “This year, we will break ground on the new tower, and almost double the size of the cancer center, emergency department and operating rooms.  This will greatly increase the bed capacity of the hospital.” “My goal as president will be to maintain patient care at a time when there is significant construction and expansion going on,” he added. Dr. Celin who will oversee a medical staff 717 people, also plans to emphasize peer review among doctors.  “I would like to see more physician oversight of other physicians,” he explained.  “Quality and the reduction of errors in medicine is a hot topic on a national level, and I believe that physicians should be working together to decrease these errors.” A graduate of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Dr. Celin served his residency at the University of Pittsburgh and earned a fellowship in facial, plastic and reconstructive surgery from the University of California, Davis Medical Center.  Through his private practice, Metropolitan Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, Dr. Celin and four other physicians serve patients throughout the North Hills.  In addition, Dr. Celin is part of the physician team that takes care of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team and Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. “I’ve always had an interest in facial reconstruction and sports-related injuries,” said Dr. Celin, who attends the team’s games to act in an emergent capacity.  The father of three children with wife Carol, Dr. Celin also spends time at his own children’s sports events.  “I have a 19-year-old son who plays hockey, a 17-year-old son who plays lacrosse, and a 15-year-old daughter who is very active in soccer,” the Hampton resident said. In addition to his new role as president of the UPMC Passavant and UPMC Passavant Cranberry medical staffs, Dr. Celin is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, the American Medical Association, the Allegheny County Medical Society and is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons. “I truly believe that the medical staff at UPMC Passavant and UPMC Passavant Cranberry is phenomenal—this is the best hospital that I have ever worked with in terms of its medical staff,” Dr. Celin said.  “It will be an honor to serve them.” Back to top

Spotlight on Schools

Meghan Southworth of Allison Park received the John Saladiak Memorial Scholarship for the Most Promising Scholar at La Roche College.  She received $1,000 for this endowed scholarship.

Three La Roche College accounting majors have received Paul F. Kremen Memorial scholarships in their field of study.  Recipients, photo right, are: Eric Lehew, Danyell Dobson and Bethany Peracchino.

The Carnegie Science Center announces the winners of the 8th annual National Engineers Week Future City Competition.  The winners were:  St. Bede School, Trinity Middle School, A.E. O’Block Junior High School, Fort Cherry Junior High School, and Warwood School.

Providence Heights Alpha School’s Chess Team won the First Place Trophy at the Tri-State Junior Chess Open held on Jan. 6, at Carnegie Mellon University.  Members of the winning teams are: Anthony Mauro, Mikey El-Kadi, Danny Fujito, Tim Kaniecki, Greg Kaniecki, Arijay Mehta and Tyler Shick. 

The Seneca Valley Show Choir has been chosen as a finalist in the 2007 Music In Our Schools Showcase, a program sponsored by MENC: The National Association for Music Education.

North Hills teacher  Heidi Kohne will spend 10 days this spring exploring Costa Rica as part of the Toyota International Teacher Program

Joyce Buttermore, a teacher at Marshall Middle School, has been recognized in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers® 2006.

Marshall Middle School in the North Allegheny School District has raised approximately $7,500 this year to benefit children with Cystic Fibrosis.

Tracie Michalowski has been appointed to the position of assistant principal for Marshall Middle School in the North Allegheny School District.

Dede Rittman, a teacher at North Allegheny Intermediate High School and Boy’s Golf Coach, has been recognized by the National High School Golf Coaches Association for her status as a charter member and for her work as the Section 2 Representative.

The following North Allegheny School District students won trophies at the 2007 Tri-State Junior Chess Open:  Michael Porcelli, Evan Swihart, Richard Gayler, Kevin Mo, Jack You, Andy Yu, Shaila Fye, Jack Mo and Peter Gayler.

Back to top

The following North Allegheny Senior High students have been accepted into the Westinghouse Science Honors Institute: Jacob Beatty, Scott Besselman, Eric Cho, Aaron Conner, Stephen Evankovich, Shannon Fusina, Selina Gao, Jessica Gordon, Sarah Hochendoner, Mitchell Hoyson, Kathleen Janosco, Alex Jordan, Sarah Kelly, Kristina Krebs, Flora Liu, Michael McGowan, Alyssa McLaughlin, Shivani Mehta, Ada Noh, Logan Nye, Ed Steimer, Megan Sudsina, Cecily Sunday, Leslie Vanderkolk, Christopher Woloszyk and Web Xu.

North Allegheny seniors Tessa McAnally and Jen Snyder competed in the Sixth Annual Rube Goldberg Machine Contest at UPMC Sports Works.  They were awarded Seventh Place Overall and also received an award for the “Most Innovative and Creative Machine.”

A North Allegheny Senior High School team placed 8th in the state and the 93rd internationally at the Knowledge Master Open Fall Competition.  The team consisted of:  Jeff Borrebach, Lily Chen, Bill Christie, Erin Dauson, Peter Gayler, Arwen Kandt, Cory McConnell, Anna Shelow, Michael Turner, Lily Xu, Robert Yon and Yilu Zhang.

North Allegheny Intermediate High School Future Business Leaders of America members received a first place award for the greatest percentage of its membership in attendance at the Regional Competition.

Together for Retarded Youth (TRY) president Ralph Kirsch and treasurer Bill Eaton presented the Pine-Richland School District with an $11,000 grant for the Life Skills program at the high school.

Four Pine-Richland Middle School students took first place at the Science Bowl in January at the Carnegie Science Center.  Cameron Barnes, Cole Gessner, Nigel Halliday and Ben Zerbe participated in the Science Bowl and took top honors.

Students and staff members at Hance Elementary School are helping kids keep fit.  The Pine-Richland Opportunities Fund granted the school with a $1,000 check to implement the Hance Mileage Club.

Three Pine-Richland students will go on to compete in the Skills USA State Championship Competition at Lehigh Career & Technology Institute in Allentown in March.  Jakeb Fleissner, Matt Yenerall and Ryan Augustine placed first at the competition at A.W. Beattie Career Center.  Andrew Burgoon placed second in the competition.

The president of Shell Oil Company, John Hofmeister, was on hand at Pine-Richland High School in February to talk to the students about “Securing Energy for the Future.”

Several Fox Chapel Area High School District students were selected to perform with the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District One Junior High Orchestra.  The students are: Caitlin Englert, Alexander Constantino, Madeline Docimo, Salem Hilal, Nathan McCullough, Rory McManus, Nicole Segall, Andrew Tabas and Angelia Wang.

Six Fox Chapel Area High School students were named winners in the second level of judging of Reflection Contest.  The winners are: Elida Heuck, Aris Pantelas, Molly Joyce, Sarah Boyd, Haley Rothwell and Stephen Mohn.

The following Fox Chapel Area High School students have been designated as National Merit Finalists in the 2007 National Merit Scholarship Program.  The finalists are: Samuel Bakkila, Stephen Dickel, Thomas Hu, Andrew Krieger, Elise Lu, Bassem Mikhael, Ethan Mingue, Juliette Power, Robert Schwartz and Michael Tracht.

Dorseyville Middle School eighth grade language arts teacher Mimi Botkin was appointed to serve as a judge in the Promising Young Writers Program for the National Council of Teachers of English.

Eight Fox Chapel Area High School students were selected to perform with the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 1 Orchestra.  The students chosen were: Samuel Bakkila, Nicholas Engelhardt, Patrick Englert, Rebecca Heath, Michael Tracht, Michael DiBarry, Louise Moncla, and Daniel Smith.

O’Hara Elementary School students learned about Pennsylvania birds in a unique way.  Stephanie Flom, an artist-in-residence, and the O’Hara Elementary fifth graders worked together to create clay stepping stone silhouettes in the shape of birds.  The silhouettes are now permanently displayed in the school’s courtyard.

Back to top

Spotlight on Business: PetsPictured.com

By Janice Lane Palko

After 30 years of working in art and museum education, Susan Donley became homesick for her first love—drawing.  For the past two years, she has been using her talents to create works of art for pet lovers with her business PetsPictured.com. 

Although the name implies that Donley, who resides in Oakmont, only immortalizes animals, she is not limited to our furry or feathered friends.  “While the majority of my subjects are pets, I also do portraits of people and places (houses and other buildings),” Donley said. 

Donley is an experienced artist.  While in college, she supported herself by doing portraits.  She works in a variety of mediums such as watercolors, colored pencils, oil pastels and her favorite, graphite.

“I love the way black and white focuses on the essential characteristics of my subjects,” Donley said of her graphite portraits.  “Color is beautiful, of course, but it can distract from other characteristics of my subjects, like textures and expressions.  In particular, it enables me to focus on the eyes.”

Donley has found that many people seek her talents as a way to memorialize a deceased pet.  “Often people pitch in for a portrait when a friend’s pet has passed away.  It’s a great way to offer condolences,” Donley said. 

She estimates that it takes her eight to ten hours of work to create a portrait and usually she can complete a commission in a matter of weeks, depending upon how many commissions she’s taken on.  Half way through the process, she consults with clients to make sure they like the way she is creating the picture. 

Donley works from photographs and offers tip sheets for taking photos of pets.  “Obviously, if a pet has passed away, I have to work with existing photos, but usually that isn’t a problem,” Donley said. 

Fees vary depending upon what medium is selected, but generally, a graphite portrait that is suitable for a 9 X 12 frame costs $285.  As a bonus, Donley offers limited reproductions for $40, and she makes her portraits available for purchase on note cards, mugs and various other products by uploading the image to the Website, cafepress.com.  “This makes art affordable for anyone who wants to own it,” Donley said.

Donley’s portraits make great Mother’s Day gifts, especially for parents of “fur babies.”

For more information, visit PetsPictured.com or e-mail Donley at info@petspictured.com.

Back to top