Example 1

Staying Positive and Grateful:

�u9an Cekf o9Rfj

2 Upper St. Clair Neighbors

Staying Positive and Grateful:

�u9an CekRo9ky

By Michelle Stocker

Photo credit Loren De Marco Photography

Thanksgiving is the time of year that people tend to count their blessings. Motivational speaker and author, Susan Ceklosky encourages people to be thankful and express their gratitude all year long. Susan is a licensed sports nutritionist, weight loss coach and the enthusiastic owner of Positively Fit U, a weight loss and nutrition coaching company. She expertly coaches and motivates both men and women not only locally, but all over the country to eat right in order to feel better. She says, "Life is not perfect, but if we live our lives with intent, are diligent about having the right mindset and be grateful every day, we can take whatever comes our way and make the best of if'

Susan married her college sweetheart and has two young sons, Cole and Jake. She met her husband, Jim while both were attending Penn State University in State College. She earned degrees in nutrition science and kinesiology.

Simply, kinesiology is the study of body movement. She also holds a certificate in weight management from the Cleveland Clinic and has a sport nutrition license from the National Academy of Sports Nutrition.

Her husband, Jim Ceklosky, a chemical engineer for Evoqua Water Technologies, earned his degree in chemical engineering from Penn State and has a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Jim is also the co-owner of Silver Mark Cellars, the award winning wine and winery. Jim and his business partner, Zack Hritz started producing their wine in 2013 and the winemakers recently received their licensing and all approvals to sell their wine to consumers, restaurants and online. They plan to open up their new winery and tasting room and are currently searching for the perfect spot for Silver Mark Cellars. Susan proudly exclaims, "It is really good wine!"

4 Upper St. Clair Neighbors

After college and at the young age of 23, Susan opened the female-only fitness center franchise, Curves in Bethel Park. She says, "During my 18 years as a Curves owner, I used my nutrition education a bit, but not a lot, since it was mainly a fitness center. I got frustrated seeing so many women come in and exercise their hearts out four or five times a week and not see results because they weren't eating right. Four years ago I decided I wanted to use my nutrition background to help these women, so I started Positively Fit u:'

According to Susan, "My philosophy with losing weight or changing our eating habits is that we need a program based around our current lifestyle. I create meal plans based on what my clients already like to eat and what their lifestyle is like. For example, does the client work full time or stay at home or are they active? We can still reach our goals without giving up things that we love. Success does not happen when we have the "all or nothing" mentality. Fit people stay fit by being on track 80-90% of the time, not 100% of the time. It is still healthy to allow ourselves to indulge here and there. I also provide accountability and talk a lot about mindset:'

The Positively Fit U program also stresses that energy is contagious and taking care of yourself is key. "It's really amazing how good we are capable of feeling when we are eating right and drinking enough water. I

am a busy mom like so many of my clients, but when I make the time to take care of myself, I feel good and I am happy. Our children can always sense our moods and how we feel and when we are happy that impacts our children. I know I am a much better mom when I am taking care of myself and have energy!"

Benefitting from this positive attitude are Susan's two active and athletic boys, 11 year old Cole and Jake who is 9. Cole plays dek hockey with the South Hills Dek Hockey league. Jake plays travel soccer, plays with the Beadling Soccer Club and also enjoys playing basketball. They are huge hockey fans and shortly after the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup, the Cekloskys vacationed in Toronto and Niagara Falls and toured the Hockey Hall of Fame. The whole family enjoys running. Susan and Jim do half marathons and lOK runs and Cole and Jake join them for many Sk races. Last May, Susan ran her second Pittsburgh Marathon with her 70 year old dad, Don Raab.

The d yn amic coach is an avid Tony Robbins fan and utilizes his teachings when coaching her clients. She passionately explains, "He talks a lot about making changes and how we are not going to make any changes by just saying we should, need to, or will try. All too often people say that I am going to try to exercise; I am trying to eat right; I need to lose weight. We need

>>>Continued on page 6

Upper St. Clair Neighbors 5

Family Feature >>>Continued from page 5

The weight loss expert is constantly inspired by her Positively Fit U clients and feels rewarded every single day. They have overcome many obstacles to realize that when they take care of themselves, everyone else will benefit. Susan's stresses, "You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first. All too often women put themselves last. They take care of everyone else in their lives and then if there is any time left, maybe they will do something for themselves. I help my clients realize that when we take care of ourselves, we are so much better at taking care of everyone else:'

Susan also hosts successful and synergetic Six Week Challenge Groups on Facebook a few times a year and is developing other online programs and products for launch next year. She says, "Life isn't perfect. It is ten percent what happens to us and ninety percent of how we react to if' Be inspired, motivated and em_powered by Susan Ceklosky and visit her website,::.:======-

to change what we say to ourselves. We need to say that we must in order to be successful in making any changes in our lives. Words like need, try or should give us an escape route and we are less likely to follow through:' Susan adamantly believes how people talk to themselves is extremely powerful.

STATE OF THE ART digital radiographs • Therapeutic loser

• Acupuncture therapy

• Individual preventative wellness programs• Boarding &

daycare • Luxury dog suites

Kitty condos• Grooming

Dr. Oliver's Pet Care

6 Upper St. Clair Neighbors

��

Fri.-Sun., Nov. 3-5 30th Annual Christmas in the

Village Craft Festival @Eldersville Village, 12 Fire Road, Burgettstown

Stroll through the quaint town and visit more than 50 crafters. Enjoy a horse and carriage ride through the Village. This year's patriotic theme, Home for Christmas and the village is decorated in red, white and blue. Parade, Thurs. evening, Light up night and Sat. morning Breakfast with Santa. Time: lOam-Spm Cost: Free

Fri - Sun. Nov. 3-5

14th Annual Pet Expo @David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown Pittsburgh

This is the largest consumer pet trade show on the east coast. Over 200 exhibits and great entertainment including a pet grooming competition. Fun for the whole family. Time: Fri- 5-9pm Sat. 10am-8pm Sun. lOam-Spm

Sat., Nov., 4 Bounty at Boyce Mayview

Park Fa II Fest @Boyce Mayview Park, 154 3 Mayview Rd.

Family fun activities both indoors and out, including kids' crafts and a petting zoo. Plunge with the Pumpkins, a baking contest, s'more making, apple sling shots, live music, food trucks and other vendors at this fun for all festival. Time: 11am-4pm Cost: Free

Sat., Nov. 4 Fri., Nov., 10 Women Helping Women Craft 6th Annual Bark and Bowl

& Vendor Show

@AMF Noble Manor Lanes, 2440 Noblestown

@Bower Hill Community Church, 70 Moffett St, Rd., Greentree Mt. Lebanon

The Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Browse, shop and choose from fashion, Canine Cancer Foundation is proud to accessories, jewelry, skin care, cosmetics, present their 6th annual Bark and Bowl home decor and sweets. Fun includes a to benefit canine cancer research. Enjoy Chinese auction, raffle and great food. Kids a night of bowling with great music and activities too! lights.

Time: 10am-3pm

Time: 7-lOpm

Cost: Free

Sun., Nov. 5 Our Lady of Grace Craft and

Vendor Fair @Our Lady of Grace School, 1734 Bower Hill Rd., Scott Twp.

Vast array of vendors and crafters. Great selection of food, a Chinese auction and much more, held in the school's Miller Pavilion/Conroy Hall.

Fri., Nov.17 Comcast Light Up Night

Celebration@Various locations, Downtown Pittsburgh.

This free event features music by national and local artists across several stages and genres, plenty of family-friendly activities, :_=:_=:_=:_=:_=:__a special bridge lighting ceremony and fireworks. Cost: Free

Time: 9am-2pm Sat., Nov. 18

Tues., Nov. 7

The Joy of Christmas Craft River City Brass- Americana Show and Bake Sale

Concert

@St. Louise DeMarillac School and Parish Center, @Upper St. Clair High School Theater, 1825 320 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair McLaughlin Run Rd.

Start your holiday shopping early and help Enjoy a night of music as the River City support St. Louise DeMarillac Church. The

Brass presents Americana, showcasing mu- yearly event will feature homemade arts, sic genres that make up American music. crafts, homemade candy and baked goods. Time:: 7:30pm

Time: 9am-3:30pm

Cost:$29

Thurs.-Tues., Nov. 9-14

The Sugarplum Shop @The Old Rec Center, 1770 McLaughlin Run Rd.

The Sugarplum Shop, in its 43rd year, will feature original fine art and holiday crafts from local artists. Sponsored by the Upper St. Clair League for the Arts. Time: Thurs. 10am-8pm, Fri/Sat. lOam- 5pm, Sun. 10am-3pm, Mon/Tue. lOam-Spm

Sun., Nov. 19 Symphony Splendor Holiday

Home Tour @Virginia Manor, Mt. Lebanon, Manor Oak 2,

100 Roessler Rd. Park in Manor Oak and take a Molly's Trolley to tour eight beautifully decorated Virginia Manor historic homes, Mt. Lebanon's premiere neighborhood. Participants can walk or ride to each home during the tour. Pittsburgh Symphony Musicians will play live music. Proceeds benefit the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. No street parking in Virginia Manor on day of the tour. Time: llam-Spm Cost: $60 or 2 for $100, $70 day ofTour

Fri- Sun., Nov. 24-26 & Dec. 2-3

Santa Trolley @Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Museum Rd.,

Washington Ride a restored trolley, bring your camera and take a photo with Santa. View the museum's large Lionel toy train layout's beautiful Christmas village and a wonderful LEGO layout built by Steel City Lug, Pittsburgh Area's Adult LEGO User Group. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies and make a holiday craft. Time: 10am-4pm Cost: $12

Sat., Nov. 25

WPXI Holiday Parade @Liberty Ave., Downtown Pittsburgh

The parade includes floats, local marching bands and features national and local celebrities, including Santa! Fun for the whole family. Time: 9-llam Cost: Free

Upper St. Clair Neighbors 7

8 Upper St. Clair Neighbors

Upper St. Clair Neighbors 9

Communi� Event

Harmony Singers Present a Holiday ConcertBy Mary Jane Smoley

The Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh will present a holiday concert, Glad Tidings Tell, under the direction of Cynthia G. Pratt on Sunday, December, 10 at 3pm at�;:;::::;==-====

---,....=�-========-===. Bethel Park. The concert will be presented again on Tuesday, December, 12 at 7pm at

Selections from the concert include Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Santa Baby, Mary, Did You Know? and Go, Tell It on the Mountain.

The concert will feature favorite carols, holiday music and a sing-a-long. Refreshments will be served following the concert. A basket raffle and a holiday cookie sale will also be included.

�

The concert is free and open to the public. A free-will offering to benefit the charitable and entertainment efforts of the Harmony Singers will be accepted. The Harmony Singers are available to perform for civic, social, church or business organizations. For information about the group or to reserve them for an event, visit - and follow them on �cebook.

10 Upper St. Clair Neighbors

'· Corner

Meet Stormy & Ice

By Ashley Burke, Manager of Public Relations, Humane Animal Rescue

I

Humane Animal Rescue

Care they need. Love they deserve.This month's adoptable pets are Stormy and Ice!

Stormy

Meet Stormy! This beautiful girl is a four year old, grey and white shorthaired cat. Stormy came to the shelter on July 14th after her previous owner was no longer allowed to have animals where they lived. Although Stormy has never lived with other animals, there is still a possibility of her being able to live with other furry roommates!

When Stormy first arrived at the shelter, she was very scared and confused, so she spent time in a foster home to calm down. After that, it didn't take long for her to make herself right at home. Stormy is a chatty girl who loves to cuddle and be near people. She does have a slight tendency to get overstimulated easily, but would do great with older children and adults who are confident and know how to handle her properly. She also has a cute habit of "burrowing" under her blankets. Maybe that means she's searching for the perfect human to sleep under the covers with! Stormy has been medically evaluated, altered, microchipped, and is up to date on all of her age appropriate vaccinations.

If you are interested in meeting Stormy, please stop by our Northside shelter today!

Ice

Meet Ice! This sweet boy is Ice. Ice is a sweet, active, 66 pound boy looking for the perfect forever home. You can usually find Ice with a ball or kong in his mouth, playing around the house or begging you to play fetch with him. He is often nervous in new surroundings so it might take him a little time to warm up to a new place, but once he does he is full of affection and energy. Ice is house trained, walks very well on a leash and would be a great running buddy for anyone who enjoys a nice jog through the fall weather. He has never been socialized with other dogs or children, and will bark and jump in their presence, therefore we believe Ice would to best in a home with no other dogs or children. He is also full of energy, so we would suggest a space with enough room for him to run around, or an owner that will be committed to exercising him regularly. Ice is a beautiful loyal boy who would love to meet you and cuddle with you at the end of along day!

If you would like to learn more about Ice or would like to meet him, please contact his foster, Rachel====�===

Many animals are waiting for adoption and need your love and care. Please visit Humane Animal Rescue's North Side or East End locations to give a deserving animal their forever home. To learn more about the rest of the adoptable animals at Humane Animal Rescue, go to

Upper St. Clair Neighbors 11

Leaves are changing color, falling and collecting in scattered heaps in our lawns; the wind is gradually becoming brisker, the skies greyer. Though these changes signify the close of summer and the soon-to-be end of fall, the holiday season is fast approaching, its promised cheer in tow. The first round of hosting, recipe sharing and gathering of family and friends occurs in honor of Thanksgiving.

Between hours of cooking, mingling and decorating, it becomes easier and easier to forget (or to simply never fully learn) the history of Thanksgiving. Surely you recall the famous voyage of the Mayflower and can perhaps recount vague details about the first feast near Plymouth Rock, but by returning to our country's rich holiday history, you can gain new insight on our old traditions. By learning more about the reasons behind Thanksgiving, families can furnish deeper relationships and foster more meaningful conversations in these times of shared gratitude. In the very least, you'll have a few fun tidbits to share at the dinner table.

A ship titled The Mayflower left England in search for the New World in September 1620. 102 passengers aboard the small vessel brimmed with hope at the thought of prosperity, free religious practices and land ownership. The voyage to the New World lasted a grueling 66 days and the crew, exhausted, decided to anchor at Cape Cod, Massachusetts instead of their intended (but much further off) destination at the mouth of the Hudson River.

The Pilgrims (as the passengers are now known) navigated to Plymouth where they settled in for the long, harsh New England winter. Half of the 102 Pilgrims survived the bitter cold and witnessed the gentle arrival of spring. To learn the way of their new land, the Pilgrims solicited the help of the Wampanoag tribe, an alliance that, unfortunately, remains one of the only known unions between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. The Wampanoag tribe taught the pilgrims how to harvest corn, tap maple trees for sap and cook with local spices and herbs. According to Indian Country Today, a treaty was signed by the first Pilgrim governor John Carver and Wampanoag chief Massasoit agreeing that the tribe would protect the Pilgrims in their vulnerable state of existence in the New World.

When the winter finally passed and the first round of corn was ready for harvest, the Pilgrims organized a large feast in celebration of their collective endurance. Because of the Pilgrims' rambunctious (and noisy) celebrations, the neighboring Wampanoag tribe's attention was piqued. Fearing attack, roughly 90 Native Americans surrounded Plymouth. Upon arrival, the Native Americans realized that the Pilgrims were celebrating, not being attacked, and camped nearby for the three consecutive days of feasting. The Native Americans and the Pilgrims did in fact enjoy meals together, but it was out of protection and adherence to the original agreement that the two groups would cohabit the land.

This celebratory feast of their first successful harvest is now known as Thanksgiving. Men went hunting and produced various fowl and

several deer for the meal. The bounty was seasoned with traditional Native American spices and flavors, but was still a far cry from what we consume nowadays. For instance, there weren't any potatoes at the original feast; these did not make it to the United States until quite a bit later when they gained worldwide popularity. Also, sadly, without having invented the oven yet and having limited sugar supplies, there weren't any decadent pies present at the first Thanksgiving.

The nation as a whole was slow on the uptake of Thanksgiving as a holiday. In 1789, George Washington issued a proclamation encouraging citizens to use this time to show gratitude for our newly gained independence. The notion of this holiday was still understandably vague, however, and it was not adopted as an annual celebration until 1817 when New York became the first state to observe Thanksgiving. Several other states followed suit, but each celebrated the holiday on a different day.

Finally, on September 28, 1863, a magazine editor by the name of Sarah Josepha Hale wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln, insisting that he set

12 Upper St. Clair Neighbors

Real Estate

Recent Sold Homes in Your Neighborhood

an official day each year for the celebration of Thanksgiving. Sarah had been urging Lincoln's predecessors to complete this same request for 15 years. Surprisingly, Lincoln obliged and issued a proclamation on October 3, 1863 that solidified the tradition of Thanksgiving.

Lincoln's proclamation of Thanksgiving as a national holiday came at the height of the Civil War. He asked all war-wearied Americans to help one another heal through the expression of gratitude. Lincoln marked the last Thursday of November as the day of Thanksgiving.

From the very first celebration in 1621 to the proclamation made by Lincoln in 1863, the recognition of strife and the spoken gratitude for our closest companions have persisted as the essential themes of Thanksgiving. Use the approaching holiday as a time to reflect on achievements, lessons and moments for improvement over the past year. Gather closely with your beloved family and friends to express gratitude for one another's support. For starters, we can all be thankful that we (unlike the Pilgrims) have plenty of sugar and a working oven to bake delicious pies in. After all, this is our chance to enjoy fall's delicious bounty before the long winter-until Christmas, that is!

Street Address Beds Baths Sold Price

499 Hollydale

5

4

$515,000

181 Seegar

4

3

$401 350

1806 Traggone

4

2

$365,000

1213 Ridgewood

4

2

$286,200

323 Alamo

3

1

$235,000

1320 Manor

4

2

$199,000

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agents ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

2017 Lincoln MKC

2.0L Turbo, Heated Soft Touch Seats, Push Button Start, Remote Start, Rear Camera, Power Liftgate

$289

PER MONTH 39 month lease

VIN# 5LHUL62249

39 month lease, 7500 miles per year. $1999 cash or trade equity down, tax and lie additional. Security deposit waived. Total due at signing $2,288 with approved credit thru Lincoln AFS. Offers epires 10/31/17

SOUTH HILLSLINCOLN

m

LINCOLN

2017 Lincoln MKX

VIN# 2LHBL40608

3.71 V6, Heated Soft Touch Seats, Push Button Start, Remote Start, Rear Camera

$859

PER MONTH 39 month lease

39 month lease, 7500 miles per year. $1999 cash or trade equity down, tax and lie additional. Security deposit waived. Total due at signing $2,358 with approved credit thru Lincoln AFS. Offers epires 10/31/17

__

SOUTH HILLS

-=-=-- - � VILLAGE - SOUTH HILLSt �

LINCOLN �

_

Upper St. Clair Neighbors 13

Recipe

Pumpkin Bread

BY TORI S. BEVENS

INGREDIENTS:3 cups flour2 1 /2 cups sugar1 1 /2 tsp salt2 tsp baking soda

3 tsp pumpkin pie spice4eggs2/3 cup water

1 cup coconut oil, melted

1 cup pumpkin puree

DIRECTIONS:

Pre-heat your oven to 350 ° . Mix the dry ingredients together and, in a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine both sets of ingredients slowly with a mixer until well blended. Grease two medium sized-baking bread pans with a little coconut oil, and then pour the batter into the pans. Cook in the oven for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Brussels Sprouts:

A Thanksgiving Must

BY JORDAN KING

No one in my family nor extended family thought they liked Brussels sprouts until this recipe hit the family table. Five years later, these are a staple. I get at least three phone calls a year in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving from people asking, "You are making those Brussels sprouts this year, right?"This easy and mouthwatering side dish will turn any skeptic into a believer. Go ahead and add Brussels sprouts to your already full table. Everyone will thank you.

INGREDIENTSDIRECTIONS

2 pounds Brussels sprouts 4 Tbsp butter 2 cloves of garlic, chopped ½ cups onion, chopped 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1 /3 cup red wine or apple cider vinegar

Clean and chop the Brussels sprouts into thin slices. Heat the butter in a pot. Add the Brussels sprouts, the garlic and the onion and saute until tender (about 10 minutes). Add salt, pepper, vinegar and brown sugar. Continue to toss until the sugar dissolves.

2 Tbsp brown sugar Time: Approx. 30 minutes Serves 8

14 Upper St. Clair Neighbors

The Bless� Cloth

BY TORI S. BEVENS

F ive years ago, when my husband and I moved away, we made a point to acquire the rights to host Thanksgiving with both sides of the family so we could all be together. Since then, moms and dads have turned into grandmas and grandpas, brothers and sisters have turned into aunts and uncles, significant others have come and gone and some have even become spouses. Different friends and extended family have created a slightly different cast of characters every year. We spend time gathered around our humble table, complete with mismatched chairs, high chairs and a piano bench to squeeze in a few extra people. Our house is a healthy 1,100 square feet and we love to fill it up.

One of our favorite parts of Thanksgiving happens before we set the table. Before the food comes out of the oven and before plates and utensils hit the tablecloth, we lay newspaper on the table and drape a big, white, linen tablecloth over the top. Ready with our cloth markers, we contemplate all that we have to be grateful for. Everyone in attendance writes one blessing from the previous year on the tablecloth. Some blessings are single words, some are sentences; there are even a few drawings and toddler scribbles. Year after year, we add to our blessings.

When new friends or extended family join us, the question always arises, "Should I write something or is this just a family thing?" The answer usually goes something like this, "It is a family thing and you are a part of it:' People come and go, but they were a part of the story and we have their blessing to prove it.

The blessing cloth is not the most neat or fashionable Thanksgiving accessory, but it is rich in meaning and memory. We have been blessed by new babies, time together, successful surgeries, marriages, trips and so much more. Every year, the blessings grow, and we have the opportunity to reflect back on the

countless memories that are a part of the fabric of our family.

"Old Fashioned Quality and Service for Today's Automobiles"

Complete Auto RepairsTIRES· BRAKES· ALIGNMENTS·STATE INSPECTIONS & EMISSIONS TESTS·REGUlAR MAINTENANCE· ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Call for an Appointment! [Siij'jm1

The UPS Store·

For Professional Packing, On Time Delivery and Peace of Mind this HOLIDAY SEASON trust our PACK & SHIP GUARANTEE*

*See store sales associate for details

Upper St. Clair Neighbors 15