Mover & Shaker of the Month Joseph Weinzierl Avonworth High School Senior Eagle Scout Recipient Click here for article

Click here for Spotlight on Schools | Business Spotlight: American Ramp Systems

Pediatric services provided at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH)-Suburban Campusin Bellevue has expanded to include an outpatient allergy and asthma clinic.  The clinic opened on Feb. 5, which helped to commemorate the first anniversary of Suburban’s inpatient pediatric program.

Hope Hospice and Palliative Care based on Babcock Blvd., in Ross Township welcomed Kathy Fuller as their new director of sales and marketing.

Orion Senior-Adult Day Care announced that Daniel Erkman is now the program coordinator.  Additionally, Orion Assisted Living, Orion Child Development Center, and Orion Generations At Home will be expanding to include Orion Senior-Adult Day Care.

Gateway Rehab won a Renaissance Award in the “Direct Mail” category from the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for its “Happiness and the Human Spirit” book mailer.

John P. Shields, D.O., Daniel Monti, MD and Michael Frantz, D.O., opened their practice of Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry in O’Hara Township.  Dr. Shields and Dr. Monti specialize in both children and adults and the practice of Dr. Frantz concentrates on adults.

At its year-end meeting, the Butler Memorial Hospital Auxiliary presented a check for $80,200 to Ken DeFurio, Butler Health System president and CEO.  The money will be used to purchase several pieces of technology for the hospital.

Union National Mortgage Company is pleased to announce the opening of their second office in Western Pennsylvania.  The new facility is located at 3000 Stonewood East Drive in Wexford.  Branch manager is Jacquelyn Brinker.

Brian Litzinger of Senator Jane Orie’s office brought a PA Senatorial Proclamation to the CCAC North Campus Child Development Center in recognition of the facility’s re-accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-4) presented Holy Family Institute with a check for $141,000 in federal funding to strengthen services for at-risk youth.

Cranberry Township’s Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with Dick’s Sporting Goods to help finance the construction of a major new Sportsplex at Graham Park, the Township’s new 115-acre public park slated to open this fall.

The Cranberry Area Chamber of Commerce presented its 2007 Business Awards at its 2008 Kickoff Luncheon.  The Distinguished Business Award went to Minuteman Press owner Jim Boltz.  Keith Colonna of Smith Barney won the Prestigious Business Leader Award. [photo right]

Sharyn Trickett-Lammers has been appointed as the new member of the Northland Public Library Authority board representing Bradford Woods. 

Grant Oliphant, photo left, was named the new president and chief executive officer of The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Department announced its 50 Years of Service Awards to: Lester Vogel and Ray Melnyk.  Additional awards were presented to: Susan Sakamoto (President’s Award), John Ashbaugh (Company Award), Phil Macmillan (Chief’s & Brigade Award).

Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Department installed its 2008 officers: John Ashbaugh, Eve Studebaker, Debbie Meinert, Bernadette Schwartz, Justin Studebaker, Pauline Engeman, Scott Sampey, Phil Macmillan, Mike Ashbaugh, Ron Meinert, April Ashbaugh, Rob Gall, Shawn Donaldson, Justin Studebaker, Kevin Mutz and Kurt Kinzler.

Carnegie Science Center has launched new state-of-the-art light shows, which utilize one of the world’s most advanced laser projection systems.

A committee of 11 school, political and business leaders is planning the 11th annual Pennies for Patients campaign.  Serving on the committee are: Tom Henry, Kathy Campbell, Anna Marie Catanese, Bob Cirilli, Melissa Farabaugh, Patrick Gallagher, Ramona Henderson, Mike Hritz, Jody Malcolm, Craig Patterson and Denis Ranalli.

For the second year in a row, Anne Farrell was the top volunteer for the St. Barnabas/Valencia Woods Auxiliary.  Also recognized were: Lucille Marscio, Barbara Keane, Judy Moore, Teddy Esler, Loraine C. Day, Bernice Derby, Ann Talbert, Fran Sheffler and Janet Heathcote.

St. Barnabas Health System announced its employees of the month for January: Earl Fish and Kristen Ratcliff.

Earl Fish Jr., a maintenance technician for the St. Barnabas Communities, was named St. Barnabas Health System’s 2007 Hoppy Award winner.

Kimberly Geyer of Mars has been elected secretary of the Board of Trustees of St. Barnabas Medical Center.  Also elected are: William Knox, Karen Tabacchi, James D. Kling and Douglas W. Day.

St. Barnabas Health System has elected its Board of Trustees for 2008: John J. Curran, John A. Howell III,  John S. Turnbull, William V. Day, Joseph C. Scaletta, Thomas M. Schmidt and David L. Wohleber.

A document automation system implemented by the Pennsylvania-based information management company, IMR, for the Allegheny County Controllers Office in Pennsylvania, has been selected as an Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) Carl E. Nelson Best Practices Award finalist.

The team of Don and Kathy Seaton of RE/MAX Select Realty were honored as the top sales team for the Wexford office this year.  Both have 30 years of real estate experience.

The Pittsburgh Foundation announced the promotion of Mary Wilson to vice president for Finance.  Additionally, David Ekey has been promoted to the position of controller. [photo left]

Vickie Dellaquila, certified professional organizer and owner of Organizations Rules, Inc. in the North Hills, has been awarded her certification as a professional organizer from the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers. 

Henderson Brothers, Inc., announced the addition of staff members:  Jeffrey B. Frank is an account manager in the Integrated Business Solutions Unit.  Mark A. Klingman, photo right, is a consultative services associate in the Commercial Lines department at Henderson Brothers.

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Mover & Shaker of the Month Joseph Weinzierl Avonworth High School Senior Eagle Scout Recipient Click here for article

By Paula Green An Eagle Scout is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a scout.  Very few soar to this prestigious rank.  In fact, fewer than four percent of all scouts earn their Eagle merit. Avonworth High School senior Joseph Weinzierl has accomplished this noteworthy achievement.  “When I was 11-years old, my family and I moved to a new area of Pittsburgh.  I needed to make new friends, so I joined a local Boy Scout troop.  As I matured in Scouting, I made a choice to set my goal in obtaining the highest honor in Scouting, Eagle Scout,” said Weinzierl. For his Eagle Project, Weinzierl chose a community coat drive to benefit the homeless and needy of Pittsburgh in conjunction with the Salvation Army.  He began his project by enlisting the help of family, friends, neighbors, classmates and fellow parishioners of his church, St. Mary’s in Sewickley.  For Weinzierl’s efforts, he collected and donated 510 coats to the less fortunate.  During the holidays, he volunteered as a bell ringer with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign. Since he joined the scouts, Weinzierl has participated in numerous community service projects such as: Scouting for Food for local food banks, landscaping and refurbishing fencing at a community church, helping build and create a brick walkway and garden for a Veteran’s memorial.  Weinzierl has experienced every leadership position possible in Scouting. His efforts have not gone unnoticed; he has received citations of recognition from the Senate of Pennsylvania, Allegheny County Office of the Chief Executive, the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition and congratulatory letters from President and Mrs. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. When he is not busy with scouting, Weinzierl plays bass guitar in a band called the “Shoemakers.”  This past Christmas they performed at the Children’s Hospital auction and fundraiser at Avonworth High School.   The auction was a smashing success; the school donated $22,000 to Children’s. Weinzierl also likes to volunteer his time at St. Mary’s, where he is a kindergarten CCD teacher.  He is also a lecturer at the church. He is employed at Starbuck’s in Sewickley.  Weinzierl resides in Ohio Township with his parents, Michael and Susan, and two sisters, Mindy (16) and Andrea (12). So far he has been accepted to four universities.  He is undecided which school he will attend in the fall, but he will major in Business. Northern Connection magazine congratulates Joseph Weinzierl on his Eagle Scout Award, and we wish him the best of luck at college. Back to top

Spotlight on Schools

Fourteen seventh and eighth grade students from St. Teresa of Avila School, Ross Township, placed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition.  First place awards were given to: Dan Bozik, PJ DeMeo, Noreen Fischer, Margo Malone, Lauren Mayernik, Julie Mueller, Glenn Myers, Laura Noker and Allison Walker.  Second place award winners include: Alex Archer, Ryan Archer, Matthew Caprio, Maureen Deken and Olivia DiMaio.

Providence Heights Alpha School students were award winners in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences (PJAS) Region 7 competition.  First place winners were: Tiffany Kollah, Annie Malady, Natalie Nash, Christopher Sawicki, Megan Schoming and Megan Wasson.  Second place winners included: Alyson Sved, Emily Smith, Nolan Whiting and Meaghan Baranowski.  In addition, Natalie Nash and Annie Malady received special recognition awards.

The North Hills School District will unite nearly all of the Allegheny County’s suburban school districts and vo-tech schools to form All Connect ~ a consortium of school districts working together to provide a Regional Wide Area network

Five North Hills students earned high honors at the regional Future Business Leaders of America competition.  Those awarded include: Bethany Hallam, Bill Jones, Tom Schlick, Krystina Kaparakos and Colin Conner.

A new assistant principal has been appointed to the North Hills Senior High School L-Z office.  Johannah M. Vanatta, photo left, will join the school’s administrative staff in March.

Three North Hills students earned first place honors in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competition: Rachel Gmys, Miranda Pavelle and Christopher Mak.

Two teachers have been selected to represent the North Hills School District as 2008 Keystone Technology Integrators.  Marc Thornton and Cody Ressel will progress to the regional level and have the opportunity to be selected to attend a statewide summit.

A team of seventh and eighth grade students from the North Hills Junior High School earned recognition as the Most Outstanding First Year Team at the Future City Competition, which was held at Carnegie Music Hall. [photo left]

West View Elementary School hosted an artist in residency during Jan. and Feb.  Professional artist Stephanie Flom collaborated with students and art teacher Sara Strzempek to develop a mural for the elementary school’s cafeteria.

Ryan Swartzbaugh, a sixth grade student at McIntyre Elementary, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee and a chance to win a $25,000 college scholarship.

Pine-Richland High School teacher Vince Thearle, photo right, has earned National Board Certification in art.  He is one of only two teachers in Pennsylvania to achieve national certification in art in 2007.

Pine-Richland senior Casey Watt netted a win after competing in the USTA juniors.  Watt won the Boy’s 18 Level 4 Sectional tournament at Oxford Athletic Club in Pine.  He currently is ranked #3 in the Boy’s 18’s USTA National Ranking List.

Dr. Ronald Meisberger, photo left, technology director in the Pine-Richland School District was honored by the Pittsburgh Technology Council at the CIO Awards Ceremony in February.

The Pine-Richland Opportunities Fund announced that four new trustees joined their board.  The new trustees are: Sally Beatty, Hank Compernolle, Paul Hightower and Beth Montgomery.

The Pine-Richland High School Varsity cheerleaders earned seventh place at the United Cheerleading Association’s National Competition.  Winning squad members included: Natalie Cunningham, Ashley Henley, Stephanie Kamenicky, Kim Rossi, Erin Wise, Rochelle Roberts, Emma Holmes, Alexis Meyers, Alicia McDonald, Jordan Sender, Julie Banyas, Caitlin Brunner, Chelsa Crawford, Casey Garrow, Emily Hitechew, Alyssa McAnney, Shannon McGorry, Lauren Roberts, Jackie Schindler and Kara Sloniger. [photo right]

Five Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the Baldwin Invitational Forensic Tournament.  The winning team included: Liann Sun, Molly Ford, Amanda Jacobson, Charlton Otte and Nathan Rosenstock.

Fox Chapel Area High School senior Derek Grego was selected as a delegate to the 46th Annual United States Senate Youth Program.  He is one of two students chosen from Pennsylvania and one of only 104 across the nation who were selected to participate in the program.

Four Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the Pine-Richland Invitational Forensic Tournament.  Winners included: Thomas Johnson, Akansh Murthy, Molly Ford and Katelyn Muenck.

Several Fox Chapel Area High School students won awards at the Duquesne University Model United Nations (UN) Conference.  The winners included: Samuel Bernstein, Natalie Stewart, Elizabeth Clark, Tong Xu, Matthew Kusbit, Danielle Gruen, Jessica Cook, Emily Feestra, Sheri Wang, Brady Fowler and Sofia Manfredi.

Nine Fox Chapel Area High School seniors have been designated as National Merit Finalists in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).  The finalists are:  Stephanie Brown, Ankur Goyal, Amanda Jacobson, Morgan Kingsland, James Klingensmith, Andrew Lee, Juan Manfredi, Alexander Moser and Alexandra Wiley.

O’Hara Elementary School students helped to fight heart disease and stroke by raising money through Jump Rope for Heart during the months of January and February.

Brian Miller, photo left, principal at Carson Middle School has been awarded the 2007-2008 Outstanding Administrator Award by the Pennsylvania Middle School Association (PMSA).

The North Allegheny School District announces that Aisha Moore has been named a finalist in the 2008 National Achievement® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for Black American high school students.

North Allegheny High School senior Clifford Kim has been named a finalist in the Intel Science Talent Search 2008.  Kim is one of only forty national finalists.  They will now compete for $1.25 million in scholarships.

Community College of Allegheny County North Campus ice hockey player Aaron Nolte has performed some slick shooting this season.  The 20-year-old sophomore is currently ranked No. 1 in regular season goals for the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 3.

Two members of the Community College of Allegheny County nursing faculty have earned Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).  They are: Mary Ellen Driver, M.Ed, MSN, RN and Karen A. Cummins, MSN, RN, CRNP-BC.

La Roche College presented SCHOLAR-Art 2008, an exhibit of students’ art and design.  Students from North Allegheny, Shaler, Baldwin and Central Catholic participated in the February show. Photo right: Alexis Sunseri.

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Business Spotlight: American Ramp Systems

By Janice Lane Palko

Several weeks ago my father had total knee replacement surgery.  The next day my brother-in-law slipped on the ice on his way to work and severely broke his leg.  Although one of these medical situations was planned and the other was an emergency, both scenarios were accompanied by the complications of how to get them into their homes after their release from the hospital.  With the aid of my brother and mother, my dad was able to slowly navigate the few steps into the house.  My brother-in-law was not as fortunate.  He was not permitted to put any weight on his leg, and his cast was so cumbersome, he had to resort to sitting down on the cold cement porch steps and scooting up the three rock-salt-covered steps on his rear—not a pleasant experience, especially in January.

Had we only thought of American Ramp Systems, the transition from hospital to home for both of them would have been so much simpler.  American Ramp Systems provides portable, modular ramps for rent or purchase.  Desiree Smathers and Bill Kingsley, owners of the area’s first American Ramp Systems franchise, have been in business for approximately 18 months and say that the highly durable, affordable steel ramps are changing lives for those who have a disability.  Located in Seneca, Pa., the franchise services Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Southern New York.

It used to be that the only recourse was to install a wooden ramp for those who can’t navigate steps.  “Wooden ramps experience frost heaving and shifting in cold weather, and to make them stable, the cementing of posts into the ground is required,” Kingsley said.  “Also, wooden ramps are permanent, which usually detract from the home’s curb appeal and drives down the property’s resale value.  They also take time to install,” he said.

American Ramps resemble wrought iron, and since the surface is a fine metal grating, rain, snow and ice do not accumulate on them, making the American Ramps safer and low-maintenance.  During 2007, American Ramp began a recycling program that is especially inviting to government agencies as ramps can be installed, and when no longer needed, be taken down and used again somewhere else by housing authorities, non-profit agencies, the Veterans Administration and many social services agencies.

Ramps can be rented for as little as one day.  Many businesses, schools, colleges, and organizations have them installed to make functions accessible to those who can’t navigate steps.  Also, older buildings that are not handicapped accessible find installing American Ramps to be an affordable solution for retro-fitting a facility to make it compliant with accessibility standards.  “Many doctor’s offices and National Guard Armories have contacted us to make their buildings more handicapped friendly.  We’ve also installed ramps for high school and college graduation ceremonies,” Smathers said.

As the ramps only take two to three hours to install, they can be up in no time, sometimes in an emergency by the next day.  As each home is different, American Ramp Systems offers free home evaluation.  Many insurance companies cover the cost of an American Ramp, and they have also worked closely with the Veteran’s Administration.  In addition, American Ramp Systems offers deck lifts, portable showers, and lift aids for helping to raise immobile patients from their beds. 

“When you see a person who has been in a wheelchair come out on their new ramp and cry because it’s the first time they’ve been out of their home in two years, it gives you a good feeling,” Smathers said.

To learn more about how American Ramp Systems can help you, visit the website at:  www.americanramp.com.  To arrange a free home evaluation, call 1-800-649-5215.

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