Page 22 Coraopolis Community Development update Clearview aids community during pandemic West Hills Meals on Wheels gets unexpected assistance Major Hollow Oak projects coming in 2021 Start raising a “racquet!” Tennis makes a comeback ALSO: Moon Edition Serving Moon Area School District Volume 15, Number 92 March/April 2021 One of 4 editions serving 16 airport area communities www.awmagazine.com FREE Direct Mail Community Publication M agazine Allegheny West4 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2021 Moon Edition March/April 2021 ~ Volume 15, Number 92 Columns { } Contents - Locally Sourced - On the Horizon - Chamberlink - Legislative Update - Your Schools - Groundwork 8 14 15 17 18 24 8 9 10 12 22 26 - - - - - - Coraopolis Community Development update Clearview aids community during pandemic West Hills Meals on Wheels gets unexpected assistance Major Hollow Oak projects coming in 2021 Moon Area School District News Start raising a “racquet!” Tennis makes a comeback ABOUT THE COVER This photo of a red trillium flower was taken in Hollow Oak Land Trust’s Trout Run Conservation Area. PHOTO SUBMITTED Allegheny West Magazine-Moon Edition is published in January, March, May, July, September, and November, six issues a year, Hughey Publications, LLC, P. O. Box 220, McDonald PA 15057. Mailed and distributed free to residents and businesses in Crescent, Moon and Moon Area School District. 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. “GOOD NEWS ALWAYS, MAILED & DELIVERED FREE, EVERY TIME” Allegheny West Magazine - Moon Edition, is an all positive, good news publication mailed free into the homes and businesses of the Moon Area School District communities of Moon and Crescent 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 Now in Our 21 st Year Proudly Serving the Airport Area Dear Readers, Thank you for picking up our March Moon edition. As you have no doubt noticed, the weather has started to break a bit and pretty soon it will be time to start getting back outdoors. As such, we’re bringing you a couple of stories about outdoor recreation this month. On page 12, read about a number of exciting new projects that are planned for this year by the Hollow Oak Land Trust, which maintains systems of hiking trails across the area. We’ve also compiled a section on tennis and its resurgent popularity during the COVID-19 era. In this story, we take a look at the history of the sport in the area, tell you about some of the clinics and programs being offered, give an overview of available resources, and more. On page 10, read how volunteers and locals have pitched in to assist the West Hills Meals on Wheels, which serves people in Coraopolis and the surrounding communities. That assistance has helped it meet surging demand during COVID-19. Then, on page 9, read how Clearview Federal Credit Union has lent significant assistance to those in the area impacted by the pandemic. On page 22, read the latest news from Moon Area School District, including letter of intent signings, some students who just won on “High-Q” and more. Look for our next edition in May, when hopefully we’ll be able to list some area fairs and festivals. Until then, please continue to stay safe. From the Publisher Doug Hughey, Publisher/Editor P. O. Box 220, McDonald, PA 15057 Phone: 724.673.3161 E-Mail: info@awmagazine.com www.awmagazine.com PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Doug Hughey WRITERS Jill Bordo Pat Jennette Jocelyn Grecko GRAPHIC DESIGN Sarah Kizina WEBMASTER www.ddswebdesign.com CONTRIBUTORS Barb Kleyman FOUNDING PUBLISHER Pat JennetteMarch/April 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 5Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health As of the end of February, Heritage Valley Health System has administered more than 19,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Health System continues to ask for patience as its scheduling team works through the more than 74,000 registrations that have been received. Heritage Valley continues to focus on the needs of community members and, as of March 1, is actively scheduling those ages 69 and over. Community vaccination efforts began Jan. 25, with the first doses administered to Phase 1A individuals. At the time of scheduling, individuals received appointments for their first and second doses, which are 21 or 28 days apart, depending on whether the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine was administered. Heritage Valley continues to plan first dose vaccination clinics in addition to second dose clinics already scheduled. It is very important to receive both doses of the vaccine to achieve the highest level of immunity. Vaccination clinics are held at the Community College of Beaver County Dome in Monaca and at the former Heritage Valley Robinson location (side entrance of the Staples building) in Robinson Township. Additional vaccination clinics will be scheduled at these locations throughout March. Individuals must be scheduled in order to obtain a vaccine at these locations. Eligible individuals on the Heritage Valley COVID-19 vaccine registration list will be notified to schedule a date, time and location to receive the vaccine as more doses become available. “We are keenly aware of the strong desire among the community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. That is evidenced by the overwhelming response to the vaccination registration we launched in January,” said Norm Mitry, President and CEO, Heritage Valley Health System. “We chose to initially focus on the elderly and most vulnerable segment of the population in our service area, in accordance with the PA Department of Health guidelines.” “We are ordering vaccine on a regular basis to vaccinate as many patients as possible,” said Dr. Michael Cratty, Chief Medical Officer. “As vaccine is received, we will schedule additional vaccination clinics and open more scheduling slots to those who have registered with us.” To register for the COVID-19 vaccine distribution through Heritage Valley Health System, visit HeritageValley.org or call (724) 770-7555. Heritage Valley continues Phase 1A community COVID-19 vaccinations I received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Do I need to come back for the second dose? Yes! The widely-utilized COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna require two doses scheduled 21 or 28 days apart, respectively. It is very important that you receive both doses of the vaccine to achieve the highest level of immunity. Those who have received their first dose at a Heritage Valley vaccination clinic already have a second dose appointment scheduled. Are there side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine? Some individuals experience mild to moderate reactions after the COVID-19 vaccination. These side effects occur within three days of vaccination and will typically last one to three days. Common side effects include arm pain, fatigue, headache, joint and muscle aches, chills, fever, and nausea. Severe reactions have been rare. If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. Is it okay to take medication to alleviate the vaccine side effects? Medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Ibuprofen (Advil) and Naproxen (Aleve), may be taken after the vaccine if you experience some of the side effects listed above. However, these medications are NOT recommended before the vaccination to prevent symptoms. How do I know if my symptoms are side effects or if I have COVID-19? Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are not the same as signs and symptoms related to the vaccine side effects. COVID-19 symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, and loss of taste and/or smell. These symptoms should not be attributed to the COVID vaccine and COVID testing may be advised. Please discuss these symptoms with a medical provider. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Heritage Valley continues to reassess and adjust the patient-family visitation policy for its three hospitals - Heritage Valley Beaver, Heritage Valley Kennedy, and Heritage Valley Sewickley. Safety remains a priority as the health system strives to ensure protection for everyone. Heritage Valley has expanded its visiting hours and rules regarding who may visit. Most notably, visitation hours on inpatient units are now 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., daily. Other visitation changes are outlined at HeritageValley.org. Waiting rooms in the hospitals remain closed to further protect family visitors. After the COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know Visitation hours update 6 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2021Heritage Valley Health Heritage Valley Health March/April 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 7%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced Coraopolis Community Development Corporation update 2020: a year in review Last year was full of twists, turns and surprises. Due to the needs presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coraopolis Community Development Corporation served more people in its service area of Coraopolis, Neville Island, Moon Township, Crescent Township and Groveton than ever. Here’s a breakdown, by the numbers: • 9,145 local people were assisted • 8,179 guests served at the food pantry • 140,000 pounds of food distributed • 3,396 Weekend Snack Packs packed • 12,448 in-kind food donations received • 578 generous people donated • 448 dedicated people volunteered • Five socially-distanced events were held Coraopolis Train Station Project The Coraopolis Train Station Project reached a number of milestones in 2020. Here’s a list: • All design work completed • Roof 50% completed • Canopy 75% removed Here’s what’s next: • Permanent utility installation • Roof drains and stormwater management • Rebuild the canopy • Sidewalks Weekend Snack Pack Program The Weekend Snack Pack program is now serving 117 students across two school districts. As the CCDC is implementing a new healthy pantry initiative, the organization is also partnering with Deane Watson, owner of the Coraopolis business The Greatest Hit Boxing Fitness. With Watson’s help, the CCDC is including fitness activities and healthy eating options for students and families receiving snack packs. Appreciated in-kind donations for the snack pack program include (think lunch box size): Kraft Easy Mac, mini-bottled water, on-the-go peanut butter, fruit snacks, pudding, GoGo Squeez Applesauce and/or Yogurt, Slim-Jims, and individually packaged crackers, peanuts, and anything snack size that would fit inside a child’s lunch box. Those in need of assistance can contact info@corycdc.org or (412) 329-8247. Donations can be made by visiting the CCDC’s website at www.corycdc.org or its Facebook page @CCDC24. Donations can also be mailed to PO Box 40, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Coraopolis Food Pantry As the pandemic is ongoing, the CCDC continues to operate the food pantry on a drive-by format. The pantry opens its doors on the first and third Sunday of each month, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. In-kind donations of food items are always needed. Some items that are in high demand include, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, canned tuna, Kraft Mac and Cheese, canned fruit, and canned soup. This conceptual drawing shows the Coraopolis Train Station as it will look upon completion. CONTENT SUBMITTED Events The CCDC ramped up its efforts to support the Coraopolis business district by holding several socially-distanced, outdoor #ShopCoraopolis days to bring more foot traffic to the downtown corridor. These events included Second Saturdays events and the Fall Festival. The CCDC also forged new partnerships and strengthened others in order to make its work a part of the fabric of the community. Dates for the 2021 Second Saturdays are June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14. Volunteers help safely load vehicles outside the food pantry. 8 • Allegheny West Magazine • March/April 2021%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced Clearview Federal Credit Union’s vision is “Helping People to Enjoy a Better Life.” In standing behind this vision, Clearview has always responded to the needs of its members and the communities they serve. In what has proven to be a year like no other, Clearview has continued and increased this support in many ways. Clearview supports the community by donating money, time, and items through its Clearview Cares initiative. At the onset of the pandemic, the Clearview Cares program provided 30,000 meals for frontline workers, including medical personnel and first responders. Clearview also made a $10,000 donation to the Pittsburgh Foundation Emergency Action Fund. As the pandemic continued, the Pittsburgh region saw a 42% increase in food insecurity. Clearview’s ongoing partnership with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and local food pantries helped provide over 200,000 meals to those in need. The credit union teamed up with the food bank again for a turkey distribution that provided 200 Thanksgiving meals to local families. As the holidays approached and proved to be a difficult time for many, it donated $18,500 to 10 local community organizations in order to help them continue their missions and spread the holiday spirit. Throughout 2020, Clearview donated over $100,000 to support local charitable organizations. Clearview employees also spent 3,400 hours volunteering in the community while adhering to all state-mandated protocols. Their dedication to helping others highlighted exactly what it means to live out Clearview’s vision. In a time of serious financial challenge for so many people, Clearview also provided a total of $7 million in reduced and deferred payments on consumer, homeowner and student loans for thousands of members. As well, the credit union participated in the Payroll Protection Program, which resulted in $8.4 million of additional aid for businesses. When the Attorney General’s Office announced the PA Care Package Initiative, Clearview joined as the first credit union. This initiative ensured consumers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were eligible for additional economic relief. Clearview continues to help members safely and efficiently access their money in new ways. The credit union offers a variety of digital solutions that allow members to get their banking done from wherever they may be. Zelle®, a person-to-person payment solution, allows members to send and request money from others directly from the Online Banking and Mobile App. Clearview Live® video banking combines in-person service with modern convenience and is available by downloading the Clearview Live® app on a mobile device or initiating a session through the Clearview website. Clearview Live® is the newest extension of Clearview’s video banking suite, including video teller machines located in many financial centers. Clearview is the first credit union in the Pittsburgh region to offer personalized video banking solutions. With Clearview Live®, members interact face-to-face with a team member to open an account, apply for a loan or credit card, get help with finding the right account, exchange documents, and more! Clearview has also introduced online appointment scheduling for all of its financial centers, allowing members the choice and ability to come in on their time while allowing Clearview to keep financial center capacities at safe levels. “Here at Clearview, we stand behind our vision of helping people to enjoy a better life. In doing so, we are proud that we can continue to support members, communities, and employees in the most difficult of times. We are grateful for our membership, who are at the core of all that we do, our devoted staff and their selflessness during such challenging times, and to all the organizations making a difference,” said President and CEO Ron Celaschi. Clearview aids community during pandemic Clearview employees volunteer in the community while adhering to state- mandated protocols. STORY SUBMITTED March/April 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 9Next >