INSIDE! Official Newsletter Page 20 Coraopolis Community Development Update Clearview awards $20,000 to area students and volunteers Local musicians help bring communities back together Local veteran raising awareness of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Neighborhood 91 sets stage for revolution in manufacturing Serving Coraopolis and Neville Island communities of Cornell School District. One of four editions serving 17 airport area communities. Cornell Edition Volume 3, Number 12 Fall 2021 www.awmagazine.com FREE Direct Mail Community Publication M agazine Allegheny West2 • Allegheny West Magazine • Fall 2021Tim Henderson, who led the Cornell Raiders football team in receiving and rushing yards last year, stretches out to catch a pass from EJ Dawson at one of the team’s practices in August. Read more about the team on page 30. PHOTO BY DOUG HUGHEY Cornell Edition Fall 2021 ~ Volume 3, Number 12 Columns { } Contents Locally Sourced - Legislative Update - Around Your Town - 6 9 10 - - - - - - - 6 7 10 12 14 16 20 Allegheny West Magazine-Cornell Edition is published in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer, four issues a year, Hughey Publications, LLC, P. O. Box 220, McDonald, PA 15057. Mailed and distributed free to residents and businesses in Coraopolis, Neville Island and Cornell School District. Extra copies available at municipal offices, schools, libraries, stores, advertisers, hotels, and businesses. Available by mail subscription for $15 annually. Story ideas welcomed. Community events and announcements from non-profit groups must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publishing date. Announcements are limited to 30 words and must include a contact phone number. Reproduction of any artwork, photographs, or copy prepared by Allegheny West Magazine is strictly prohibited without written consent of Hughey Publications LLC. Copyright 1999-2021 Allegheny West Magazine. All rights reserved. Views and opinions expressed by contributors and/or advertisers are the responsibility of the contributors and not those of the publisher of Allegheny West Magazine. P. O. Box 220, McDonald, PA 15057 Phone: 724.673.3161 E-Mail: info@awmagazine.com www.awmagazine.com WE PROUDLY SPONSOR AND SUPPORT: A variety of community, school, and nonprofit organizations in our coverage areas of Cornell, Moon, Montour, and West Allegheny. We are committed to recycling our used and left- over products. We encourage our readers to be responsible and dispose of this magazine when finished enjoying it. Consider passing it along to someone else, or placing it in your neighborhood recycling bins. Thank you in advance for doing your part for our earth. Hughey Publications, LLC also publishes the West Allegheny Edition of Allegheny West Magazine, the Montour Edition of Allegheny West Magazine, and the Moon Edition of Alleghney West Magazine. MEMBER Allegheny West Magazine - Cornell Edition, is an all positive, good news publication mailed free into the homes and businesses of the Cornell School District communities of Coraopolis and Neville Island to connect communities, promote people, heighten awareness about the richness of the airport region, and build pride in the western suburbs of Allegheny County. Allegheny West Magazine Doug Hughey Jill Bordo Pat Jennette Jocelyn Grecko Sarah Kizina www.ddswebdesign.com Pat Jennette Dear Readers, Thank you for picking up our August Cornell edition. You may recall that in our previous edition we brought you a rundown of fairs and festivals that would be taking place around our area this summer. This month, in our story on page 10, our writer Garret Roberts takes a look at how some of these events - and in particular concerts - brought communities back together over the summer. Garret’s story is a great look at how artists can impact their communities. On page 12, read about a local veteran who held one of the most rarefied positions in the U.S. Army and learn why this year is so important to him. Then, on page 14, check out our story about a new, one-of-a-kind advanced manufacturing facility that recently started operating right here in western Allegheny County. On page 20, check out the latest happenings out of Cornell, including new professional development programs for teachers, grants and other honors the district has recently earned. We’re also bringing you a sports preview and taking a look at how Cornell partnered to help deliver life-saving COVID-19 vaccines earlier this year. On page 16, be sure to tear out our academic and sports pullout calendar and stick it to your fridge for a handy reference in the months to come. Watch for our next edition in December, when we’ll be bringing you our rundown of holiday happenings. Until then, please continue to stay safe and have a great start to the school year! Doug Hughey, Publisher/Editor From the Publisher Fall 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 3 Coraopolis Community Development Update Clearview awards $20,000 to area students and volunteers Local musicians help bring communities back together Local veteran raising awareness of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Neighborhood 91 sets stage for revolution in manufacturing Cornell Academic and Athletic Pullout Calendar Cornell TodayHeritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health System and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley are pleased to announce the renovation and re-opening of a 12-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit located on the fifth floor of Heritage Valley Kennedy hospital. Officially named the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley at Heritage Valley Kennedy, the unit will function as a satellite expansion unit of the main facility located in Sewickley. The location will provide rehabilitation care for patients recovering from strokes and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, hip fractures, and complex orthopedic conditions. “Heritage Valley and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley have a history of collaboration and joint venture relationships,” said Norm Mitry, President and CEO, Heritage Valley Health System. “Establishing the inpatient rehabilitation unit at Heritage Valley Kennedy was a natural fit. It brings much needed services to patients residing in the western and northern communities of Allegheny County. They can now receive this specialized care close to home.” Patients of the unit benefit from exceptional care that is standard to both organizations. Those receiving care will experience a minimum of three hours per day of therapy for five days each week from a multidisciplinary therapy team, 24-hour nursing care, access to advanced technologies, and frequent visits by an attending physician during their stay. “We are excited about this next step in our collaboration with Heritage Valley, as we continue to identify opportunities to expand the services and programs offered to individuals in our local community through our clinical partnership,” said Leah Laffey, CEO of Encompass Health of Sewickley. “At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley at Heritage Valley Kennedy, we remain committed to helping our patients regain independence after a life-changing illness or injury. Our teams use clinical collaboration and advanced technologies to provide a personalized care plan designed to meet our patients’ unique needs to help them achieve their goals.” To learn more about Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley at Heritage Valley Kennedy, please call (412) 749- 2396. Heritage Valley, Encompass Health bring inpatient rehab to Heritage Valley Kennedy Encompass Health is now treating patients at Heritage Valley Kennedy hospital. 4 • Allegheny West Magazine • Fall 2021Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley OB/GYN Associates of Sewickley welcomes Wenjun Zong, M.D., Ph.D. to the practice. He joins Rebecca Welch, M.D., FACOG and Tara Degnan, PA-C at OB/GYN Associates of Sewickley, which is located on the first floor of Heritage Valley Sewickley hospital at 720 Blackburn Road in Sewickley. Before joining Heritage Valley OB/GYN Associates of Sewickley, Dr. Zong earned his medical degree and completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Chongqing Medical University in China. He also completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology and earned a Ph.D. in molecular oncology and biology at West China Medical University. Dr. Zong additionally had senior specialist training in gynecologic endoscopies in France. He finished a U.S. OB/GYN residency in New York. Dr. Zong was a research faculty member in urogynecology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Zong is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call (412) 749-8317. Heritage Valley welcomes OB/GYN Wenjun Zong, M.D., Ph.D. You may be familiar with Heritage Valley ConvenientCare walk-in clinics, as they provide immediate care for minor illnesses and injuries. But did you know ConvenientCare locations provide health and wellness examinations as well? Heritage Valley’s ConvenientCare walk-in clinics provide physicals for a variety of reasons, such as for school and/or sports enrollment, driver’s license applications, and employment. To obtain a physical at Heritage Valley ConvenientCare, simply walk in; no appointment is necessary. ConvenientCare clinics are open daily with extended hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners at ConvenientCare provide physical exams and complete the necessary documentation needed all in one visit. To learn more about ConvenientCare and the services provided at all seven community locations, go to HeritageValley.org. Walk-in physical exams available at ConvenientCare Robinson Pictured is Heritage Valley ConvenientCare in Robinson Township. Wenjun Zong, M.D., Ph.D. Fall 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 5%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced Coraopolis Community Development Update Second Saturdays closes out successful season Coraopolis Second Saturdays returned this year and attracted people to downtown with live music, food trucks, vendors and more. At the time of this writing, one last event is scheduled for Aug. 14. Musical acts throughout the summer included Byron Nash, the GumBand, Sonny Boy, Habatat, Adam Fitz and the Davis Gray Band. Bob Snyder of 808 Music Haus ran sound production for the shows. Coraopolis Food Pantry current statistics Here are some statistics on the Coraopolis Food Pantry’s efforts from January to the present: People served: 6,451 | Families served: 2,068 | Volunteers: 448 The statistics below are for the Snack Pack program from July of 2021. The Snack Pack program provides nutritious snacks to children on weekends. Children served: 50 | Snack packs served: 100 | Volunteers: 4 The CCDC is also continuing its snack pack program for Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs over the summer. The CCDC is looking for volunteers to help pack snack packs and drivers for the food pantry delivery program. Those interested can contact Hannah Lapiska at hannahlapiska@corycdc.org. Follow the CCDC on Facebook @CCDC24 for updates. Those in need of assistance can email info@corycdc.org or call (412) 329-8247. CONTENT SUBMITTED SAVE THE DATE! Fall Festival & Art Walk Saturday, Oct. 16 - 12-4 p.m. Coraopolis Business District. Shop with Julz offers fashion with a London flair Julie “Julz” Armel’s passion for fashion took her across the globe and back again thanks to her studies at the University of Westminster London and retail management positions with the likes of JCPenney, Gap and American Eagle. Since returning to her hometown of Pittsburgh, the busy mother of two now works in merchandising for local sports retail giant Dick’s Sporting Goods. Opening up her own clothing boutique was a dream she shared with her late mother. “My mum tried to open up a store right before she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer,” she says. That is why a percentage of all my sales go to Susan G. Komen Foundation, in her honor.” Her mother’s memory continues to inspire Shop with Julz, which offers an eclectic mix of high-end leather jackets, trendy tie-dye, day-to-night pieces, and an earring wall that will make any accessory junky jump with joy. Julz chooses unique pieces that offer her shoppers a chance to infuse their personality into their wardrobe. The boutique opened online in 2018 and at its brick and mortar location at 507 Mill Street in July of 2020. While scouting a location for her shop, the Moon Township resident immediately thought of Coraopolis. “I knew it was up and coming. I love the businesses here and the downtown area,” she said. She encourages any entrepreneur who is considering the community for their business to stop in and introduce themselves. Shop with Julz Boutique is located at 507 Mill Street in downtown Coraopolis. Currently open on Saturdays from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., hours will continue to expand as pandemic restrictions ease. Shop with Julz online at www.shopwithjulz.com 24/7. Julie Armel is pictured in front of her boutique at 507 Mill Street. People enjoy a Second Saturday event on Mill Street. 6 • Allegheny West Magazine • Fall 2021%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced CONTENT SUBMITTED In June, Clearview Federal Credit Union presented two of its most esteemed awards - the Joseph C. Cirelli Community Service Award and the Ralph B. Canterbury Scholarship. These awards total $20,000 that Clearview invested back into the community to recognize the achievements of those it serves. Of that amount, Clearview awarded $15,000 in scholarships to college students from area schools. Ten students each received a $1,500 scholarship through the Ralph B. Canterbury Scholarship program. The scholarship is named in honor of former Clearview President/CEO Ralph B. Canterbury, who served the credit union for 34 years. This marks the 22nd year that Clearview has awarded the scholarship. Since its inception, Clearview has provided over $200,000 to students across Pennsylvania through the program. Clearview Federal Credit Union also selected this year’s recipient of the credit union’s Joseph C. Cirelli Community Service Award, which bears the name of the long-time Clearview employee and former president/CEO who recently passed away. Cirelli volunteered much of his time for charities and causes that fostered the spirit of Clearview’s vision - Helping People to Enjoy a Better Life. This year’s award recipient is Robin Redfern, who founded Bags & Blessings. Redfern epitomizes Cirelli’s legacy of service. Redfern, who is also a deputy sheriff, was inspired to start her organization after coping with her cancer diagnosis. In a moment when she felt like she might be giving up and giving in, Redfern received a gift bag. Inspired by that gesture, and after going into remission in 2010, she started Bags & Blessings in her kitchen. Her goal was to help people who were going through treatment for cancer by providing wellness and self-care items to help them heal their bodies and spirits. Going beyond giving these bags, the organization also helps with support groups, including one for children and teens who have lost a parent or close family member from cancer or have one currently in treatment. The charity has also partnered with local organizations to create a memorial garden at Brady’s Run Park in Beaver Falls. Bags & Blessings will receive a $5,000 donation in recognition of Redfern’s dedication. Clearview awards $20,000 to area students and volunteers Robin Redfern (pictured at center), a deputy sheriff and founder of Bags & Blessings, was named the winner of this year’s Joseph C. Cirelli Community Service Award. Pictured with her are Lisa Florian, Clearview SVP Digital Strategy & Marketing; Brian B. Notman Jr., Treasurer - Clearview Board of Directors; Rachel Marchionda from Bags & Blessings; Jack Manning, Beaver County Commissioner; Kylee Cipolla, Deputy, Beaver County Sheriff’s Department; Brian O’Connor, Redfern’s father; Paul Radatovich, Deputy Chief, Beaver County Sheriff’s Department; Cindy McConnell, Clearview Board of Directors; Tony Guy, Beaver County Sheriff; and Ron Celaschi, Clearview President and CEO. State Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik was recognized at the annual Ladies Who Network event in May. The event, which this year recognized women in politics, was held at Mt. Ararat Community Center in Pittsburgh. Kulik was recognized for her commitment to keeping her constituents informed and being engaged with the communities, organizations and people she represents. Kulik recognized with Women who Network Award The Hon. Ralph Watson presents state Rep. Anita Kulik with an award recognizing her work as a legislator. CONTENT SUBMITTED New School Year, New Experiences. Same Consistent Results With Kumon. In-Center And Virtual Classes Available To learn more, schedule an orientation today! © 2021 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Kumon Math and Reading Center of Robinson Township Robinson Town Centre, 1940 Park Manor Blvd. Suite 512 Pittsburgh, PA 15205 robinsontownship_pa@ikumon.com | 412-790-6100 Fall 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 7%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced Coraopolis Borough news A number of improvement projects around Coraopolis Borough are scheduled to get underway this year. In the third quarter, the borough’s 2021 road program is scheduled to begin. Work consists of repairing or replacing sections of Vine Street, Pine Alley, Riverview Avenue, Watson Street, Ridge Avenue and Sixth Avenue. A section of Wood Street is also scheduled to undergo repairs after it was damaged by a water main break. Between the new waterline and road repairs, the work will cost over $400,000. Phase I improvements to Riverfront Park should also be getting underway by the fourth quarter, once all state approvals are received. Phase I will consist of constructing a parking lot, pavilion and amphitheater. As well, the traffic signals at Mill Street and 4th Avenue will be replaced this year utilizing a $200,000 Automated Red Light Enforcement Program Grant. Refuge for Women Pittsburgh Emergency Housing, a national faith-based nonprofit that provides residential care to survivors of human trafficking, is hosting a pair of panel discussions about sex trafficking in Pittsburgh this year. At the time of this writing, the first panel discussion is scheduled to take place Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Western Allegheny Community Library at 181 Bateman Road in Oakdale. The second panel will be hosted Oct. 14 at the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh at 320 6th Avenue in Pittsburgh. Panelists will include local experts addressing human trafficking, including a survivor of sex trafficking, a representative from Refuge for Women, a trauma therapist, a representative from a frontline organization, a private investigator for child trafficking cases, and representatives from local law enforcement and government. The purpose of this discussion is to inform the public about the realities of human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, in the greater Pittsburgh area; provide education on current efforts by local organizations that are addressing the issue; and discuss how the organization is supporting survivors through the healing and recovery process. Refuge for Women is in the process of opening emergency housing to meet the immediate needs of victims and survivors of sex trafficking in the Pittsburgh area. Local law enforcement organizations have expressed that an emergency shelter is a key, missing piece for sex trafficking victims in this area. Refuge for Women looks forward to filling this crucial need and providing treatment and support to survivors. These panel discussions will provide community members with a space to learn more about the issue, ask questions, and engage in conversation with experts who are on the front lines. The panel discussions are free and open to the public. More details about the events, including suggested RSVP information, can be found at refugeforwomenpanelevent. eventbrite.com. Nonprofit hosting panel discussions on human trafficking CONTENT SUBMITTED 8 • Allegheny West Magazine • Fall 2021lLegislative Update Legislative Update State Rep. Anita Kulik State Rep. Anita Kulik represents Pennsylvania’s 45th District. Her office is located at 1350 Fifth Avenue in Coraopolis. She can be reached at (412) 264- 4260. Visit her online at www.pahouse.com/Kulik. As with so many of us, I’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate the members of the Class of 2021. My best wishes to all who graduated from Montour, Avonworth, Cornell, Carlynton, Sto-Rox and Chartiers Valley, as well as Bishop Canevin, Nazareth Prep, OLSH and Propel Montour. I know this has been a very difficult year for these students. I am sure it was not the senior year they looked forward to having. I had the opportunity to talk with so many seniors over the past several months, and I know they worked hard to keep up with their class work, athletics and extracurricular activities. Their optimism through this past year has been a bright spot for all of us. I know they have exceptional futures ahead of them. As these graduates enter the world, they have so many paths available to them. Joining the workforce or attending a college or trade school are all great options. As we work in Harrisburg with the budget, we deal with funding for post-secondary schools and job training programs. Many of the colleges and universities receive special line-item funding from the state. Many of the trade and tech schools receive funding through special grants. Workforce development and training can get funding through bills and grants. With many funding options available, students can find the best programs to suit their needs and their pocketbooks. Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools have been on topic for some time now in Harrisburg. In our area, these would include California University, Clarion University and Edinboro University. These are state-funded colleges and universities that offer high quality education at an affordable cost. Consideration is being made by the board as to whether some of these colleges and universities should be consolidated to keep the system afloat. There is much debate in the legislature as to whether consolidation is a good idea at this time. Many argue that the process should be put on hold until further consideration can be made about the consequences of consolidating these schools. Proponents for the consolidation plan argue it is the only way to save these schools and the PASSHE system. There is also concern that the state needs to better fund these schools to keep them operating. Please also remember as we enjoy the end of summer to put safety first. I recently met with members of local fire departments. A few years ago, the laws changed as to the use of fireworks and more and more fires and accidents are being handled by our departments. Please, remember to exercise caution when using fireworks as well as fire pits and grills. Much of our district sits on the banks of the Ohio River. We are fortunate to have many first responders who are trained in swift water rescues. However, we do not want to make extra work for these good people so, please practice safe boating and swimming. Capsized boats due to too many passengers are the most common accidents on our waterways. Properly sized life jackets, especially for children, are a must. Please remember not to drink alcohol while enjoying water sports. Driving a boat while under the influence is not only a crime but also poses a danger to yourself and your passengers. Note that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will be out on the rivers and streams to not only enforce the law but to also keep us safe. For further information on boating safety and regulations, please contact my office. We have waited a long time for summer to open. Use common sense while enjoying these much-anticipated summer months. The 87th annual OLSH Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony were held June 6 at Sts. John and Paul Church in Wexford. This was the second year that graduation was held at that location due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Class of 2021 gathered on a beautiful day to celebrate Mass together one last time as a class, and to receive their diplomas. Four students addressed the audience this year. Andy Besong, Class of 2021, shared his perspective as one of 11 senior-year transfer students who came to OLSH after the closure of Quigley Catholic High School last spring. He shared that while he and several of his classmates were saddened by the closure and just planned to “get through” their senior year at a new school, OLSH had other plans for them. He shared his appreciation to the school for helping to make him and his friends feel welcome and for encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunities presented, including to wear the Quigley colors in the form of honor cords on graduation day. Several former Quigley teachers also participated in the ceremony, joining the OLSH faculty in the procession. Co-salutatorian Alaina Marks spoke next and encouraged her classmates to lead a life filled with kindness, purpose and gratitude. She reminded her peers that true purpose has nothing to do with a career or salary, but with glorifying God in all things, and serving others with one’s gifts and talents. Co-salutatorian and class president Finn Sweeney also had a message of gratitude. He appreciated that OLSH has helped him and his classmates to grow and be prepared to make a difference in a world where faith and the Felician Core Values are much needed. It is because of OLSH, he said, that the best is yet to come for the Class of 2021. Valedictorian and legacy student Ella Wrabley shared of the many accomplishments of her class - in academics, athletics, and the arts. She reminded everyone that their success came with the help of God’s grace and guidance. She encouraged her classmates to use the tools they have been given during their time at OLSH to live out the values and keep their faith central to their daily lives. The OLSH Class of 2021 will attend 38 colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions in 10 states. Of those, 25% will attend a Catholic institution and 64% will attend a school in Pennsylvania. The class has earned over $7,255,276 in documented scholarship and grant offers. OLSH celebrates Class of 2021 The OLSH Class of 2021 poses for their graduation picture. CONTENT SUBMITTED Fall 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 9Next >