SPRING 2024 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY

CELEBRATIONCelebrating a Child’s ImaginationLauren Iannacchione, Owner, Really DoughLet’s take a moment to celebrate imagination. Whether yourchildren are young or old, we can all relate to this magical ability childrenhave to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. This abilityhappens during free play. In today’s busy, high-tech world, it’s easy toreplace free play with phones, tablets, televisions and computers. Whilethese technologies can have great benefits, they may not be providingour children with some valuable skills.We aspire for our children to be critical thinkers, problem solvers,effective decision makers and show empathy towards others. Thesequalities cannot be given to our children, they must be learned. Play isthe best time for our children to learn.How can a child learn these qualities during free play? When a childis given the independence to play how they see fit, they are provided witha chance to learn about themselves and their environment. The morefree play a child has, the more exposure they have to new situations.Using their previous experiences as a guide, they can overcome obstaclesthat arise during new situations. These experiences can produce criticalthinking skills, problem solving abilities, effective decision makingand self-confidence. When free play occurs in groups of two or more,children can develop social skills and learn to identify the emotions ofothers. This awareness of other’s feelings can lead to empathy.Imagination is the foundation of free play. Free play can benefit children’sdevelopment by learning about themselves, how to interact withothers and building essential skills. Celebrating children’s imaginationby encouraging free play is a gift to us all. nSee ad on page 11.12 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY Spring 2024

YEARSTODAYCelebrates30 Yearsof PublicationTODAY staffThe year was 1994. Steven Spielberg won his first Oscar for “Schindler’s List,”Jeff Bezos founded Amazon, the sitcom “Friends” premiered and the first issue ofUPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY was published!Visionary leaders, including former Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Pope andformer Township Manager Douglas Watkins, took the initial risk of starting the TODAYproject, sharing in partnership the resources required to produce such a meaningfulcommunication outlet for its residents.Most community publications are managed by an outside for-profit organization orthe municipal authority, but TODAY was a collaborative effort between the Township andSchool District to promote and recognize those who live and work here. The magazineis mostly funded by local businesses, individual professionals and associations whoshow their loyalty and offer their support for USC and its residents. TODAY encouragesyou to support these businesses and organizations who care so muchabout our community.For three decades, this publication has remained steadfast to itsoriginal mission of providing its residents with quality information,accomplishing this with dedicated volunteers. Hundreds of volunteers— ages five to over 80, including writers, poets, artists and photographers— have contributed to TODAY in various ways, producingstories and visuals that inform, entertain and often touch our hearts.They are truly the lifeblood of this publication!As TODAY celebrates its 30th anniversary, we’d like you, our readers,to join in the celebration, too! Watch for information in this andfuture issues about ways to join us as we commemorate this specialmilestone. nThe following individuals haveserved TODAY as editors-in-chief,managing editors, associate editors,advertising and marketing executives,office managers, proofreaders, photographers,graphic designers and steeringcommittee members. Their dedicationand countless hours of hard work showin each and every issue of the magazine.Erin Gibson Allen, Nancy Barnard,Nancy Beaulieu, Sarah Beitler, HarlaBrown, Laurie Buker, Kathy Christie,Dorothy Clark, Colleen DeMarco, LynnDempsey, Susan Depe, Cherie Dixon,Trish Donlon, Linda Dudzinski, PaulFox, Alison Hess, Neena Jacob-John,Cindy Kane, Terry Kish, AnneMarieKopach, Mark Mansfield, Teri McMinn,Dawn McQuillen, Tina Mongomery,Mary Etta Nader, Alex Pepke, CathieScudiero, Kathleen Slenchak, GinnyStempkowski, Julie Sweet, LaurenTrocano, Kerry Turner, Suzanne Vernon,Laura Whitcomb and Margaret Yerkes.Are you celebrating your 30th birthday this year?Did you get married in 1994?Finally shoot 30 on nine-holes at the golf course?TODAY wants to recognize your special “30” eventsas we celebrate our 30th anniversary! Email a briefdescription about what you are celebrating this year inthe body of the email to usctoday@usctoday.org, with“Celebrating 30” in the subject line. Original, high-resolutiondigital photos of at least 300 dpi are also welcome!Spring 2024 UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY 13