< PreviouslLegislative Update Legislative Update BY STATE REP. VALERIE GAYDOS State Rep. Valerie Gaydos My new location to better serve constituents of the 44th District On Jan. 11, I was honored to take the oath of office for my second term in the House of Representatives, where I will continue to advocate for the residents of the 44th Legislative District. During the next session, I will continue to work to increase transparency and accountability in government. That includes reducing the size of government, continuing much-needed support and reforms to help families overcome the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic, creating more family-sustaining jobs by reviving the economy, improving the climate for businesses, and focusing on mental health and wellness for all Pennsylvanians. In addition, I will continue to fight for reforms to set our state on sounder financial footing and ensure greater confidence in our elections. I am also committed to addressing tax and regulatory issues to revitalize one of Pennsylvania’s most important economic and employment engines, its people. As well, I am honored to announce that I have been appointed to serve on the House Commerce, Education, Health and Liquor Control committees for the 2021-2022 Legislative Session. Committee work has been and will continue to be one of my major responsibilities as a lawmaker. In addition to serving on these committees, I will chair the House Cancer Caucus, which creates awareness about the disease, the diagnosis, available treatment options, funding sources and innovative therapies. I will co-chair the Life Sciences Caucus, which supports education and dialogue between policymakers, industry, patient groups and the general public. I will also chair the Cyber Security Caucus, which will provide members with an opportunity to hear from authoritative figures and to learn more about the various types of cyber crime, cyber attacks and data breaches that occur; how these attacks can affect government data; and how best to protect our constituents, our businesses, and ourselves. Bill for agencies to review programs and expenditures passes committee Most things in life that seem to be daunting, overwhelming and even impossible can actually be accomplished gradually by taking on just a little at a time. The many unprecedented events of 2020 may have added far too many hurdles in the personal lives of far too many people, but it has not hindered our efforts to continue to fight for greater transparency and accountability in government. I am pleased to report that the House State Government Committee passed House Bill 104, legislation I sponsored, which would require state agencies to review all their programs and expenditures, and assess whether they are highly, moderately or unlikely to be susceptible to an improper payment. This assessment is sent to the governor, the budget office, the independent fiscal office, the General Assembly and the state inspector general. As stated in federal law, an “improper payment” is defined as an overpayment, an underpayment, a payment for an ineligible service or a payment to someone who was ineligible to receive it. House Bill 104 requires the inspector general to review at least one state agency per year starting in 2022. If the state agency has an improper payment rate which exceeds 3%, the agency must adopt a corrective action plan to reduce the improper payment rate to 3% or less. This requirement is necessary for the Commonwealth to comply with federal law. Under the bill, if an agency has failed to reduce the improper payment rate five fiscal years after the inspector general’s review, the governor will move funds from the agency into budgetary reserve. The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. I have moved my district office to better serve my constituents. The new office is located on the lower level at 1005 Beaver Grade Road, Suite 106, in Moon Township. The phone number is (412) 262-3780. Government is designed to serve the people and being an accessible and effective representative is one of my top priorities. I invite constituents to stop by to share questions or concerns about legislative issues that affect them in everyday life. Staff in the office offers the following state-related services: • Driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals • Assistance with PennDOT paperwork, such as lost cards, changes, corrections, special plates and handicapped placards • PACE and PACENET applications • Help with public assistance, such as Medicaid, food stamp, property tax and rent rebate applications • Birth and death certificate applications • Access to state tax forms • Voter registration forms • Referrals to agencies to resolve state-related matters State Rep. Valerie Gaydos is sworn into office for her second term in January. 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2021Reflections and renewal: a commitment to 2021 BY DEB GRAY, EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS We can all put a “spin” on 2020. I choose to focus on lessons learned, knowing that I am stronger than before the pandemic. I believe the additional “R” that gave me a foundation for resilience throughout 2020 was responsibility. I had responsibility for my business, my team, my family, and myself. Planning was not easy during those early days of the pandemic. Actually, planning continued to be difficult through March and all of April. Being a planner, I am motivated by keeping a list of goals (big and small) and checking them off when they are done. Being busy and juggling many priorities is truly part of who I am, which made that time all the more difficult. Finding my way to lead others through crisis and perpetual change was challenging. It was hard to find the flexibility and adaptability to overcome so many plans gone awry. However, the more I listened, the easier change became. I changed business plans and personal plans with the goal of paving the way for others. I was determined to look at the half- full glass rather than the half-empty glass. Focusing on others made my own disappointments seem less important. I began to find the enjoyment of simple things more satisfying than I had during pre-COVID life. Certainly, the challenges existed, including hospital visits with my mom, a new baby in the family who we could only welcome from afar, medical challenges, and postponed celebrations of family milestones. We have ALL been changed by 2020, so we will likely move along a little differently in the new year - and that’s alright. In a recent sermon at my church, our priest stated what I think 2021 is about: HOPE and PERSEVERANCE. Pope Francis challenges us to live within a “Culture of Care.” I am committed to this by giving others more GRACE in 2021. I wish you a Happy New YOU in 2021! I challenge you to come up with your “word” for the new year if you haven’t already - and I dare you to focus on the possibilities. Deb Gray is the owner of Express Employment Professionals - Pittsburgh West. With offices in Robinson Township and Monaca, the staffing agency serves the Western region of Allegheny County as well as all of Beaver County. Local businesses and job seekers are encouraged to stop by, visit expresspros.com/wpittsburghpa/ or call 412-494-2000. For more about Gray, see her profile in this month’s special section on page 36. February/March 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 21Your SchoolsYour Schools N STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ARCHANGEL GABRIEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Archangel Gabriel Catholic School Knights with Heart Each month, Archangel Gabriel Catholic School continues to focus on “A Heart Full of Love for God and...” with a specific theme at the end of the quote. In the final month of 2020, the school’s theme was “A Heart Full of Love for God and People in Need.” Preschool students collected pajamas for an organization called Sisters Place and non-perishable food items for the Felician Sisters Food Pantry. They also sent candy and slippers to Father Russell. The youngest knights at AGS are keeping with the theme this month of helping people in need. The Jesse Tree is a way of preparing for Advent by journeying through the stories on Jesus’ family tree. The tradition is that each day of Advent, one should read a Bible story about someone on Jesus’ family tree and hang an ornament symbolizing the story on their Jesse Tree. As they decorate the tree, they’ll see how God prepared for Jesus to be born through many generations. This year, as the tradition goes, seventh grade students researched traditional ornaments hung on a tree during the season of Advent, wrote a report, and designed their own ornament to hang on the school’s Jesse Tree, which stands outside the school office. Jesse Tree AGS loves its teachers This year has been quite the change for teachers, and AGS is so grateful for all they have done to ensure a consistent and quality education for students. Since day one, they have been able to offer synchronous, in-person learning with a virtual option for our families. It has not been easy, but it has been rewarding. Faculty have also been exceptional. They serve not only as educators, but also as role models for students. As a small token of our appreciation, AGS had Pittsburgh Yard Greetings set up a special message as a surprise for teachers. AGS hopes they each know how much they are loved. A surprise for first grade Throughout this school year, teachers have let their students know how special they are, especially this year as everyone has navigated so many obstacles and changes. AGS cannot believe how absolutely amazing students have been. They are ready to learn, wear their masks diligently to keep everyone safe, and have shown tremendous flexibility and resilience. To show gratitude to students, teachers and faculty came up with fun ways to make their days special. First grade classrooms received a big surprise to show just how appreciated they were on a soggy Thursday morning. Upon entering the classroom, they had a balloon adorning their chair, a school water bottle and a pizza party for lunch! It is at times the smallest gestures of selflessness and generosity that impact lives the most. AGS students collected non-perishable food items for the Felician Sisters Food Pantry. Seventh-graders researched ornaments and decorated the school’s Jesse Tree with them during Advent. First-graders got balloons and a pizza party in recognition of their efforts. 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2021N Your Schools Your Schools Express knows jobs. Get to know Express. O ces in Robinson & Monaca 412.494.2000 ExpressPros.com Full-time and part-time opportunities in a variety of positions: Administrative, Professional, Industrial, Skilled Labor, Skilled Trades, and Skilled Professional No Fees! The annual OLSH Christmas Play took on a different look this year. With the help of many talented alumni and dedicated theatre students, the hour-long variety show-style performance was performed virtually just after the holiday. Filled with laughs, heart, and familiar Christmas characters, this virtual show had something for everyone to enjoy. The OLSH Christmas Play is a cherished tradition and, due to restrictions on extracurricular activities, a traditional show was not possible. However, theater students still longed for an opportunity to perform. “Coming into this show I was disappointed that it was not going to feel like a normal OLSH show, but the ability to still perform despite the pandemic was such a blessing,” senior James Benke said. “Instead of looking completely at the negatives of the situation I realized that I would only be able to enjoy the show if I had a positive attitude and appreciated the immense blessings that have been given to us.” Director Dolores Manuel and her production team of OLSH alumni and staff made it happen with a virtual variety show. “Performing virtually was definitely different, but our directors made the process super easy,” senior Maddie Fiedler said. “I missed the energy that we all have when we’re together to perform a show, but I think our determination to get this show out there and do it well more than made up for that.” Despite the students’ hope for a normal theatre experience, they worked hard to make the most of their new virtual format. “It really was wonderful to see the students I worked with adapt easily to a different director and mostly-online rehearsal schedule,” OLSH main office receptionist and Christmas show assistant director, Kate Manuel, said. “Their hard work, flexibility, and talent are what made the end product something I’m very proud of.” Featuring short skits, solo performances, and a few clips from OLSH Christmas plays from the past, the group put together an entertaining hour of holiday cheer. “The virtual performance was challenging and different but a really good experience! Not having an audience to perform for made it hard, but getting to watch the show with my family later was great,” senior Grace Gartley said. While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many theater companies to go on hiatus or pause performances, the OLSH Theatre Department hasn’t missed a beat. Their ability to think outside the box has allowed theater activities to continue, albeit in a different format. The students were even given opportunities to write and direct segments of the show themselves as part of the production process. Thanks to the support of these talented individuals, OLSH students were able to showcase their talents this winter in a different, yet still fun way! Their performance can be viewed at www.olsh.org/apps/pages/upcomingperformances. Director Dolores Manuel coordinated the directing team, which included her daughter and OLSH main office receptionist Kate Manuel, Jessica McGunigle (2001), and John Wojtechko (2014). Dave Sykut, audio production manager at MCG Jazz and professor at CCAC lent his expertise in audio and sound management. Alexis Jabour (2009) handled the video editing, and Ryan Parker (2019) managed the crew/tech aspects of the show. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School Cherished OLSH tradition goes virtual with help from alumni STORY SUBMITTED February/March 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 23February/March 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 2526 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2021“Seussical” comes to the West Allegheny stage West Allegheny High School is excited to announce that its spring musical production will be “Seussical.” The full-length musical comedy features its own original story that weaves together many famous characters and elements from the cherished books by Dr. Seuss, as narrated by the Cat in the Hat. Rehearsals are fully underway, with 55 cast members and performances currently scheduled for the weekend of March 19. Named roles include Dylan Mersing as the Cat in the Hat, Nate Presutti as Horton the Elephant, Mya Clay as Gertrude McFuzz, Gracie Campbell as Mayzie La Bird, Cerina Wichyrk as Sour Kangaroo and Sarah Sabo as Jojo. Ana Adams, Ella Chandler, Sara Finnell and Rachel Sabo are Bird Girls, the back-up singers and dancers for Mayzie. Kevin Becker, Chris Morrison and Jack Campbell are the singing and dancing Wickersham Brothers, with Chris also appearing as General Gengus Khan Schmitz. Ayden Freed and Eleni Fitsioris are Mr. and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville, Alex Booth is Judge Yertle the Turtle, and Adam Crawford is Vlad Vladikoff. Audra Cook and Sky Miller are Thing 1 & Thing 2, with Sean Emmett appearing as the one and only Grinch! Brylinn Adamson has been named dance captain for her second West Allegheny musical. Mike and Mara Greer return as directors and choreographers along with Tom Snyder and Matt McBurney as producers, Terisa Sharlow as the vocal director, and T.J. Fox as the orchestra director. Ticket information will be available on the district’s website and Facebook pages closer to the performances. February/March 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 2728 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2021 High school science teacher Blaise Cackovic was named a National Board certified teacher in December, earning him the highest mark of professional accomplishment in teaching. National Board’s mission is to advance the quality of teaching and learning through a voluntary advanced certification and to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. Cackovic worked toward the certification over two years, submitting four electronic portfolio components that included an examination of content knowledge, video recordings of classroom teaching, samples of student work, samples of assignments, and reflections on student learning and his role as a teacher, colleague, and professional learner. His National Board certification area is “Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood,” an area in which only three teachers in Pennsylvania earned their National Board certification in 2020. Currently, in Pennsylvania, there are 85 National Board certified teachers with this certification. “I chose to pursue National Board certification as a next-step in my professional growth as a teacher,” said Cackovic. “The National Board certification process is a self-guided journey into the depths of one’s own teaching practice, beliefs, content expertise, and relationships with others. It is an opportunity to recognize areas for professional growth that translate into more accomplished teaching and improved student learning.” Cackovic earns National Board certification West Allegheny’s fall play, “Reunited Shorts,” was performed November 20 and 21, with two performances each night for both live and virtual audiences. The play consisted of six touching vignettes about reuniting while exploring the humor, joy, pain, and sometimes complicated moments that come with coming together. The cast of “Reunited Shorts” included Anna Adams, Kevin Becker, Gracie Campbell, Sara Finnell, Ayden Freed, Josie Mercier, Sky Miller, Addie Oberg, Nic Obringer, Julianna Schuler and Cerina Wichryk. The stage and tech crew was made up of Dannica DeSantis, Dylan Eger, Kaitlyn Eger, Emma Fink, Kasara Fisher, Faith Miller, Zach Nemec, Gillian Shaughnessy and Ava Yu. Mara Greer and Michael Greer served as the director and assistant director respectively and teacher Matt McBurney served as the producer. The cast and crew of “Reunited Shorts” come together for photo before opening night. “Reunited Shorts” plays to live and virtual audience High school art teacher Leah Shuck represented West Allegheny recently on the “We Teach Clay” podcast. She was invited to participate as a result of leading the sold-out Pennsylvania Art Education Association sponsored panel discussion “COVID & Clay” in August of 2020. The discussion attracted 300 registrants from around the world. Shuck shared the changes she’s made in her classroom to accommodate COVID-19 guidelines and best practice suggestions. She also discussed how she taps into students eager to take on leadership roles. Shuck tapped as pandemic guest speaker Blaise Cackovic Leah ShuckFebruary/March 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 29 Through the dedication and generosity of West Allegheny’s Family Support Committee and numerous donors, over 200 children from 100 families experienced a brighter holiday season. Committee members Jess Denk, Pearl Hellmann, Sophia Mooney, Kathy Taylor and Kristen Tracy provided support for families in need in the form of holiday gifts, food and gift cards collected through a District-wide drive that raised over $5,500. A heart-felt thank you is extended to the following groups and organizations that donated to the holiday support efforts: West Allegheny families benefit from community’s generosity • Individual WA Family Donors • WA District Fall Food Gift Card Drive • Lil Miss St. Nick Project • WAHS National Honors Society • Donaldson PTA • WA Staff’s Giving (Angel) Trees • WAEA Spirit Days • Monark Transportation • Dick’s Sporting Goods – Store Operations Team • Shop with a Cop – Findlay Township • Shop with a Cop – North Fayette Township • Clinton Light-Up Committee Eighth-graders in Sharon Harn’s art classes and Kim Patterson’s German classes put a new twist on a traditional middle school pastime this holiday season. In place of creating gingerbread houses made of edible treats, students used paper, index cards, toothpicks, straws and ribbon to construct their one-of-a-kind designs. Photos of the student works were posted to the District’s Facebook page, where followers were encouraged to vote for their favorite gingerbread house creation over the holiday break. With the votes tallied, Harn and Patterson were excited to congratulate the following: Gingerbread houses get makeover Winners of the gingerbread house contest, as chosen by social media users, were: Ava McHone (first place), Autumn Bielecki (second place) and Sarah Lowman (third place). Julia LaGrosse and Breanna Ford won honorable mentions. Model EU Club takes on schools from across the region Students in the Model EU Club at the high school participated in a virtual competition hosted by the University of Pittsburgh on December 4. Over 20 schools from across the region came together for this first round. The goal of Model EU is to give high school students a chance to learn about the workings of the European Union through a hands-on simulation. Playing the roles of presidents and prime ministers, students spend a day engaged in intense negotiations over conflicting issues about the EU. The objective is to simulate a specific European Council meeting that focuses on recent current events. Model EU enhances students’ understanding of classroom learning and gives them a real sense of the challenges involved in the decision-making process of the European Union. Participating students were: Reese Bielecki, Kiely Buglak, Tyler D’Eramo, Ivy Li, Katrina Li, Mandy Mahen, Anthony Pass, Jaxon Pottle, Ava Pustover, Joe Pustover, Emily Saggio, Amelia Wheatley, Kylie Ye and Averi Zdinak. Chris Bielecki and Kim Patterson serve as the organization’s faculty advisors. The club will compete again in February in Duquesne University’s Virtual Model UN. Model EU club members compete virtually during the school day.Next >