April 2016 Issue - Northern Connection Magazine

Spring Style Wish List Page 38

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

APRIL 2016

Your Trusted Financial Advocate Since l968

Spring Happenings

2016 Summer Camps

Business Spotlight:

Painting with a Twist in Wexford

Contents NORTHERN CONNECTION CONTENTS | April 2016

9 Features

Health & Wellness

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26 Bug Bites and Protection Beverly Curtis

A little bit of paint. A little bit of wine. A whole lot of fun!

10 Cover Story: Achieve Financial Freedom with Advantage Credit Counseling Services

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38

Kids & Education

From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski

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Movers & Shakers

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Mover & Shaker of the Month Moe’s Southwest Grill Pittsburgh Supports Beverly’s Birthdays

17 Trivia Connection: Showering In April Trivia Paula Green

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30 Sports Performance at Wexford Health+Wellness Pavilion

Image & Style

12 School Movers & Shakers

38 Spring Style Wish List – 4 Top Trends Kelly Smith

15 Student of the Month: Mary Osburg

Paula Green

Senior Living

16 Education Spotlight: Penn Christian Academy Technology

41 Springing into April

Joe Bullick

2016 Summer Camps Guide

42 Happenings for Seniors

18 Summer Fun is Almost Here!

Joella Baker

44 Lending is Changing – and this time it is GOOD NEWS!! Jacquelyn Brinker

23 Summer Camps Directory 24 Autism Awareness Month

Paula Green

Home & Garden Advertorials 35 What Runners Need to Know About Alignment

Dr. Shannon Thieroff 36 Lose Up To 30 Lbs. in 30 Days

Dr. Michael Vactor

In Every Issue...

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28 Starting the Conversation: Is Legalizing Medical Marijuana a Priority? Marianne Reid Anderson 40 Support Our Troops: Soldiers & Sailors Inducts New Members into its Hall of Valor | Bob Pirohovich

Paula Green 46 April 2016 Happenings 51 Memorable Moments

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Welcome PUBLISHER NOTES | April 2016

Welcome to the April issue of Northern Connection magazine!

NORTHERN CONNECTION P.O. Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722

I

n this issue, we continue to highlight the amazing summer camps in and around the Pittsburgh area. The camping experience is such a special time for children, and we at Northern Connection magazine want to make sure our readers are well-informed about all different types of camping experiences that are available to them.

If you are having difficulty in keeping ahead of your monthly bills make sure you read this month’s cover story featuring Advantage Credit Counseling Service, a Pittsburghbased, nonprofit company that has been helping people with their financial worries for over 40 years. If you are experiencing anxiety and losing sleep over your financial situation, make sure to give them a call. They can help you!

Hopefully, we will enjoy some beautiful spring weather this month. It’s a good time to check out this month’s Happenings section and enjoy some of the events that are taking place in April.

Enjoy reading all of “Success is not the key Northern Connection to happiness. Happiness magazine’s regular columns along with our speis the key to success. cial features.

If you love what you Thank you for your are doing, you will be continued support and together we continue to successful.” make our community an

By Albert Schweitzer outstanding place to live and work! l l l

Phone: 724-940-2444 Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Marianne Reid Anderson Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Account Executive

Karen Knewpol Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Karen Knewpol knewpol@northernconnectionmag.com

Call (724) 940-2444 today to reserve your ad space

Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Joella Baker Joe Bullick Paula M. Green Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Dominion Distribution

Marianne Reid Anderson ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh.

Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

Women’s Health Men’s Health

Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold

Coming in May Coming in June

Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: northcon@consolidated.net www.northernconnectionmag.com

The mission of the Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. is to connect the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest community publication, Northern Connection. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, and recreational needs of the area.

Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

The contents of Northern Connection magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher.

Northern Connection magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.

@NCONNECTIONMAG Find us on Facebook under Northern Connection Magazine! http://northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com/

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CING OUR ANNOUN BE LOCATION O NEW LATR onier St., 1901 Lig PA 15650 Latrobe,

Over 91% Patient Satisfaction

I started seeing results after only three treatments. After several weeks, I no longer awake during the night with nerve pain or electric shocks in my foot. I now walk with little or no pain and I am able to complete an hour-long Jazzercise class or 90-minute Pickleball game. What little soreness I may feel after activity is significantly reduced and goes away quickly without medication. — Christine H.

End Your Peripheral Neuropathy Now! Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body.

Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur.

Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from this debilitating disease. It is commonly associated with diabetes, however, neuropathy symptoms can also occur in patients with restless leg syndrome, sciatic neuropathy, and has been recently linked to statin drugs used to lower cholesterol. Although, there are also patients who just have neuropathy without a particular cause.

Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep.

Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: • Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs • Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands • Extreme Sensitivity to Touch • Loss of Balance or Coordination • Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles • Weakness in the Arms and Legs • Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers • Dependency on Medications The specialized treatment protocol offered at the Chiropractic Family Health Center includes 9 specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. This therapy has long been well recognized internationally, and these recent advancements offer hope for many more to live a more pain-free and enjoyable life.

Dr. Shawn Richey (a member of the NeuroTCA) has seen many patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy. He has treated patients that have tried everything including potentially harmful medications and other painful testing and treatments. This can leave patients still struggling and wandering down the long road of endless disappointment. Now we are able to address the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair.

“I highly recommend Dr. Shawn Richey and everyone at his practice. I am already feeling a significant reduction in symptoms and pain relief even though I’m only part-way through my treatments. I am even improving my overall health since now, I can go for walks and be more active.”

— Lynda E. “For a few months I was experiencing tingling and numbness in my feet, I was also becoming off balance when I walked. A friend of mine saw an article in Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine describing exactly what I was experiencing. It was called neuropathy. It has only been a short time and already I’m feeling 50% better. Thank you Dr. Richey.” — Liz H. Originally, my neuropathy was diagnosed as due to my diabetes, even though I had symptoms years before I had diabetes. So a friend of mine suggested that I go to Dr. Shawn Richey. I immediately felt better after each treatment and noticed a significant change by the time I was on a third of the way through the process. Dr. Shawn also adjusts my back for me and that always makes such a difference, as well. I highly recommend Dr. Shawn for both neuropathy and for chiropractic care. — Phyllis Neszpaul I’ve suffered with peripheral neuropathy in my feet and legs for 12 years. I travel 100 miles a day for treatments, my feet and legs are waking up after a long hibernation. I’m going to see my neurologist and tell him that I beat neuropathy!

I can’t wait to see his reaction! I now take my brother’s 88-year-old mother-in-law with me. She also noticed improvement after one visit. Dr. Shawn and his neuropathy treatments are awesome! Life is good… — Lynne Karanovich This treatment program has given me miraculous relief from a debilitating and painful disease. I would recommend anyone, who suffers from peripheral neuropathy, choosing to have Dr. Shawn help you to your way to recovery as he has helped me. I thank him so much for bringing into my life this miraculous treatment. — Nancy

This ground-breaking treatment has achieved a 90% overall satisfaction rate. The treatment identifies the cause and enables nerve endings to regenerate and heal rather than remain damaged. As the treatments repair the nerve endings, pain is reduced, and patients regain balance and coordination.

For a free consultation, contact Dr. Shawn Richey at 724-940-9000 or email him at drshawn@backnline.com.

Call for a free consultation TODAY!

Dr. Shawn Richey drshawn@backnline.com www.backnline.com 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 Sewickley, Pa. 15143

724-940-9000

We may not be your first choice, but we will be your last! www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC April 2016

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People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | April 2016

Movers & Shakers Linda McAllister-Lucas, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC has been selected as a member of the prestigious Pediatric Cancer MoonShot Consortium.

The Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC has recruited an internationally renowned cardiac surgeon, Jose Pedro da Silva, M.D., who will join the team to serve both children and adults with complex congenital heart issues.

Dr. Denise Morelli, director of the NonPublic Schools Program at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), will be honored with The Christopher Gardner Award for Excellence in the Field of Dyslexia in recognition of her work in expanding awareness of dyslexia in the Pittsburgh region.

Boy scout Jaime Martinez of Scout Troop 117 in Ingomar is working on his Eagle Scout badge by beautify in the grounds outside the windows of the cancer treatment rooms at UPMC Passavant.

WWE announced a multi-year partnership with The V Foundation for Cancer Research to support cancer research nationally through funds raised by Connor’s Cure.

St. Barnabas Health System announced its Employees of the Month for February.

They are – Johna Jacobs, Tara Kline, Heather Weismantle, John Kickler, Jacqueline Trivilino, Bonnie Regalski and Kristi Donahue.

In March, The Woodlands Foundation joined forces with Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants for the 6th Annual March “Month of Giving: fundraising campaign. Customers were able to donate to The Woodlands at the Cranberry and McKnight Road Jersey Mike’s locations.

For their contributions to service at The Woodlands and in the community, two Woodlands counselors were honored with a Western PA Rising Star Award.

The honorees were – Megan Frisco and Hillary Tamski.

The Zelienople Rotary celebrated 92 years of service by honoring its nine longest-serving members on Mar. 11. The honorees were – Norb Belsterling (60 yrs. of service); Dave Kennedy (49 yrs.); Harry “Skinny” Ennis (42 yrs.); Phil Lope (41 yrs.); Tom Zinkham (39 yrs.); Archie Simpson (36 yrs.); Craig Lutz (35 yrs.); Pat Boylan (30 yrs.) and Warren Mathe (30 yrs.)

A quilt honoring local women Veterans was unveiled at VA Butler Healthcare on Mar. 21. The event coincided with National Women’s History Month.

VA Butler Healthcare commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War by having a Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Breakfast. The event was held Mar. 30, at the American Legion Post 778 in Lyndora.

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania presented a $3,000 check to the Safe Kids Allegheny County, of which Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC is the lead agency. This event was held in promotion of Poison Prevention Week March 20-27.

The donation provided to the nonprofit organization funded the purchase of carbon monoxide detectors.

(Continued on page 8)

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Mover & Shaker of the Month

Moe’s Southwest Grill Pittsburgh Supports Beverly’s Birthdays

T

here are 3,000 homeless children in Southwestern Pennsylvania who are consistently deprived of everyday necessities. Due to their family’s personal and financial instabilities, homeless children don’t get to celebrate milestones in their lives. To guarantee every child receives a birthday celebration, Beverly’s Birthdays, a North Huntingdon based nonprofit, creates birthday cheer for homeless children in Pittsburgh. Moe’s Southwest Grill Pittsburgh learned of Beverly’s Birthdays and quickly jumped onboard to support the nonprofit.

“We have always believed that it’s our responsibility as a brand to give back to the communities we serve,” said owner Mike Geiger. “We couldn’t be happier to establish this relationship with an organization with such a joyful mission that resonates so well with our core audience of Pittsburgh families.”

With seven locations in the Pittsburgh region, Moe’s is quickly growing into one of the area’s largest caterers.

The recent growth in their catering led Moe’s Pittsburgh franchisees Mike Geiger, of Mars and John Iaquinta, of Cranberry, to find a way to join the Beverly’s Birthdays’ mission. The partnership features a “Buy One, Give One” birthday party catering program. Every time a Pittsburgh-area family uses Moe’s to cater their own child’s birthday party, their purchase will directly contribute to catering a Beverly’s Birthdays party at no cost.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Moe’s Pittsburgh to create even more birthday memories,” said Megs Yunn, founder of Beverly’s Birthdays. “The generosity the Moe’s team exudes makes them true ‘Champions of Cheer’ and we are so excited to work with them in 2016…one burrito at a time!”

Beverly’s Birthdays ensures that every child feels the joy and recognition of celebrating their special day each year.

Now in their fourth year and with a partnership with Moe’s Pittsburgh, Beverly’s Birthdays expects to serve over 2,000 birthday boys and girls and their guests. l l l

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Pittsburgh Rock N’ Roll Legends Award inductees for 2016 – Modern Era Legends Joe Grushecky and Billy Price; Music Industry Professional Legends - Pat Dicesare; Legacy Legends – The Skyliners; Music Broadcaster Legends – Sean McDowell.

Discover Saxonburg Association has merged with the Saxonburg Area Business Association (SABA) and is working as a committee within SABA. The group meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month, for details, visit www.saxonburgbusiness.org.

The Pittsburgh area volunteer committee attended The Fresh Air Fund’s annual Friendly Towns Leadership Conference, Feb. 5-7 at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

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Amanda Lee, Studio Owner, and Matt Lee, Studio Manager

Jaison Schafer, Artist Manager

Off-Site event at Emlenton Fire Department

A little bit of paint. A little bit of wine.

A whole lot of fun!

That’s the experience studio owner Amanda Lee wanted to bring to the Wexford/North Hills area when she opened Painting with a Twist Pittsburgh-North in November 2014.

L

ee was looking for a fun activity she could enjoy with her friend and fell in love when she came across Painting with a Twist.

“Art has always been a passion of mine and something that I’ve always appreciated, so marrying a business opportunity with something I was naturally interested in seemed like a great idea,” Lee said.

Lee took the idea to her brother, Matt, and they have been working to build the studio together ever since.

“One of the best parts of starting this business has been being able to work with my brother every day,” Lee said. “We couldn’t have a better manager and the guests just love him.”

Painting with a Twist pairs unique artwork with step-by-step instruction by a local artist. Guests are encouraged to bring friends, family, wine, snacks, whatever makes them feel comfortable. All painting supplies and materials are provided, including the canvas that guests take home at the end of the night with their one-of-a-kind artwork. The artwork is designed with guests in mind, so anyone from a novice painter to an expert can create a beautiful piece.

“There’s nothing that brings me greater happiness than to see people having fun or surprise themselves, and that’s what our classes are designed to do,” Lee said. “We always laugh when people come in and say they can’t even draw a stick figure – luckily we don’t do that here. You’ll be surprised at how well you’ll do!”

At Painting with a Twist Pittsburgh-

North, the staff of 10 all have artistic backgrounds, but not all are professionally trained.

“Every person brings something different to the studio and that is what makes our location so amazing,” Lee said. “I don’t even like to use the word staff, they really are my family.”

One of Lee’s favorite parts of the business is being able to employ local artists and provide them with a viable position where they can explore their creativity and help others to do so.

“I really do believe the artists have as much fun as the guests,” she said.

In addition to the daily classes in the studio, Painting with a Twist PittsburghNorth also hosts many types of groups and parties, from birthdays and bachelorette parties to corporate events and team building. PPG has been in the studio several times for manager training and team building activities.

“We really enjoy seeing groups

come in here, especially coworkers, and leave feeling more like a team,” Lee said. “They can cut loose and have fun together, maybe discover something new about each other.”

They also often take their artists and artwork on the road to corporate meeting rooms, bars, restaurants and fire halls for groups of 20 to 120.

Artist manager, Jaison Schafer has managed off-sites with groups as large as 160 guests.

“Art in any form is a chance to clear your head and tap into that creative side of yourself,” Shafer said. “It’s a great feeling and as an instructor, it’s nice to be able to share that with others.”

Painting with a Twist PittsburghNorth will be hosting summer camps starting in June with artwork designed for kids of all ages. They will also be featuring theme nights on weekends starting in June such as Pajama Party, 80s Night, and Bob Ross Night. We see disco dry breaks in your future!

For more information on Painting with a Twist Pittsburgh-North, please visit www.paintingwithatwist.com/ pittsburgh-north/ or call (724) 7597897. l l l

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Cover

COVER STORY | April 2016

Achieve Financial Freedom with Advantage Credit Counseling Services

#1

Credit Counseling Agency in the Country

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WHO WE ARE: Advantage Credit Counseling Service, Inc. has been a trusted resource in the community since 1968. Headquartered in the Southside of Pittsburgh, Advantage has recently expanded its footprint in Pennsylvania. In addition to its satellite offices in Altoona, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, and York, the agency now has locations in Pittston, State College, Stroudsburg and Williamsport. We are also licensed and registered to perform our services in all 50 states by telephone or online.

As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, you can count on us to perform as advocates. We’re not here to sell anything – rather, we are completely focused on educating and preparing you or someone you know to improve their money management habits and to use credit more wisely.

WHAT WE DO: For Over 47 Years, Advantage Credit Counseling Services (ACCS) has helped nearly 1 million people from all walks of life overcome their financial troubles and achieve financial freedom. All of our credit counselors are certified through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).

The agency offers the following services at all of its office locations, over the phone or online: Credit/Budget Counseling – Review income, expenses and debt with a certified credit counselor.

This session may be needed for consumers struggling with unsecured debt or simply if a consumer needs assistance in managing a monthly budget.

Debt Management Program – A solution for consumers trying to deal with unsecured debt may be a debt management program. A debt management program consolidates unsecured debt into one monthly payment made to the agency and then disbursed to a consumer’s creditors. This plan brings concessions from the major credit card providers.

ONLINE COUNSELING SERVICES We offer the most innovative Online Credit Counseling Tools in the industry. It’s free, convenient, and confidential. No other tool in the industry is as robust, intelligent or intuitive as the one Advantage CCS offers. Best of all, it makes analyzing a full financial picture and identifying opportunities to improve budgeting skills easier than ever.

Online Budget Advisor – program can assist a consumer with developing a budget and provides input on ways to better manage monthly income and expenses.

It is interactive and includes a goal tracker tool.

Student Loan Counseling – Advantage now offers student loan counseling for consumers who are unsure how to manage their student loan debt, need a lower payment, or are coming out of deferment. The session includes developing a monthly budget, determining what the student loan obligations are and education on what options are available to manage the loans.

Offered in office or by phone Housing Counseling Services – Advantage’s certified housing counselors can help consumers learn about the home buying process through pre-purchase counseling or assist homeowners facing foreclosure with foreclosure assistance counseling. In addition, the agency can also counsel consumers 62 years of age or older who are considering a reverse mortgage.

Offered in office only.

Advantage CCS also offers financial literacy education programs to businesses and nonprofit organizations. Advantage is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

If you think the agency can assist you or someone you know, please contact us at 412-390-1300 or www.advantageccs.org.

Named #1 credit counseling agency in the country. http://www.10bestdebt.com/firms/management/ l l l

Customer Review: Working with ACCS was a very positive experience. We met by phone on a Saturday for our counseling session. We didn’t have to miss any work for our call and appreciated how they would schedule based on our needs. The counselor was very friendly and extremely helpful. Not once did we feel ill at ease. We provided the counselor our credit card information and since she had worked with these companies before she could give us an estimate of what our payment would be. Within [sic] a few days we received the paperwork and the payment structure. All of this was done with absolutely no obligation.

We looked everything over and decided this is what we needed. We came into the program with a huge amount of credit card debt. Now almost 5 years later we have completed the program and couldn’t be happier. Our credit score has gone up and we are in the good to excellent range. We had zero problems the entire time we went through the program.

I would highly recommend ACCS to anyone that wants to solve their debt problems. Not once did we feel embarrassed by the amount of debt we had or that we were asking for help. You can still keep your dignity while paying off your debt.

Stars: 5 out of 5 | Rating: 10 out of 10

Brian www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC April 2016

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Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | April 2016

School Movers & Shakers Hampton For the second year in a row, Hampton High School will join hundreds of schools and the Four Diamonds movement to help conquer childhood cancer by hosting Mini-THON 2016 from 5 to 11 p.m., Friday, April 1 at the High School.

Pine-Richland Four Pine-Richland High School students were named finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

They are seniors: Aidan Lakshman, Kyra Laubacher, William Newell and Evan Stephenson.

North Hills North Hills High School senior Sarah Glatz has been named the North Hill High School Volunteer of the Year as part of the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.

North Hills School District students Sarah Glatz and Margot California orchestrated their fourth unique, weeklong cancer awareness event that raised approximately $1,100.

North Hills senior Robert Colville was named a 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program finalist.

Colville represents one of the 15,000 students selected for the nationwide honor.

Robert Colville

North Hills High School Wind Ensemble performed at the 2016 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Conference in Hershey on Mar. 31.

North Hills Middle School teacher Joe Welch has been selected as a 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator for Pennsylvania.

Joe Welch

North Hills School District celebrated “Music in Our Schools Month” throughout March with special musical performances featuring all ages of North Hills musicians and singers.

North Hills Middle School educators Larry Dorenkamp, Alex Martinez, Rich Texter and Joe Welch have been selected to attend TeachingAmericanHistory.org programs. The programs will allow them to see firsthand some of the places where American history was made and learn from both sites.

Shaler Area School District welcomes Sherri l. Ludwig, CPA as the new director of Business Affairs.

North Allegheny The North Allegheny School District hosted their annual Mini-THON to help fight childhood cancer. The event was held Feb. 27 at the senior high school.

North Allegheny senior Gwen Lindberg won first Place honors in the Better World Writing Contest in the fiction category. Her work will be published in the literary magazine Voices.

Four North Allegheny seniors have been named 2016 Coca-Cola Scholars.

They are - Grace Jin, Sophia Lee, Ashwin Reddy and Gabe Ren each will be awarded a $20,000 college scholarship.

North Allegheny juniors Isabelle Ramey, Julia Maruca and Vanessa Anthony have been recognized in the 33rd Annual Pennsylvania State University Essay Contest for High School Writers.

Three North Allegheny Intermediate students have been awarded Honorable Mentions in the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh. They are – Eugenia Lee, Yuri Tamama and Rachel Bina.

Ingomar Middle School eighth grader Kathryn Talerico has been named one of the top runners-up in the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Pennsylvania for her volunteerism. Kathryn has raised $20,000 since 2009 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Marshall Middle School and Ingomar Middle School claimed First Place and Third Place at MATHCOUNTS. Marshall students – Jiangfeng Chu, George Jiang, Glen Jiang and Cindy Li. Ingomar students – Ashley Chung, Teresa Huang, Nicole McGaa, and Jiaji Wang.

Marshall Middle School eighth grader Ethan Eichelberger is one of the semifinalists in the Pennsylvania State Geography Bee which will be held April 1 in Harrisburg.

Fox Chapel Two Fox Chapel Area High School students were named first place winners in the 2016 Taiwan International Science Fair. Senior Konrad Urban and junior Suvir Mirchandani won first

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place in the Computer Science and Information Engineering category.

Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore Helen Paulini has been announced as a winner in The Emperor Science Award program. As a winner, Helen will have the opportunity to work alongside and be mentored by an esteemed scientist on a multi-week cancer research project and to become part of the next generation of cancer researchers.

Two Fox Chapel Area High School juniors, Amber Petrelli and David Zaretsky were inducted into the National Honor Society. Both attend Fox Chapel Area High School and the A.W. Beattie Career Center.

Several Fox Chapel Area High School students qualified to compete in the Pennsylvania Technology Student Association (TSA) State Leadership Conference. The following six FCAHS students won first place in the regional competition. They are – Joshua Manuel, Maya McCann, Alisa Quemado, Elaine Yates, Jeremy Rodrigues and Jorgen Wu. A team of Fox Chapel Area High School students were named finalist in the preliminary rounds of the 25th Annual Southwestern PA Science Bowl. Members were Konrad Urban, Rohan Chalasani, Mihir Garimella, Suvir Mirchandani and Houruiyang Zong.

Several Fox Chapel Area students won awards at the 82nd Annual Region 7 Meeting of the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. Winners were – Anja Schempf, Sreeroopa Som, Rohan Chalasani, Tanvi Meringenti, Ellen Pil, William Schwartzman, Sarthak Navjivan, Sanjana Harish, Ji-Yool Moon, Kathryn Schwartzman, Gina Wang, Rajeev Godse, Anzu Sekikawa, Ameya Velankar and Anthony Nguyen.

Seneca Valley Seneca Valley seniors Jacob Rickabaugh and Siona Sharma have been Siona Jacob named finalRickabaugh Sharma ists in the 61st Annual National Merit Scholarship Program held by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

Seneca Valley School District has two students out of 89 in the Pittsburgh area who have

Urvi Gupta

Sarah Johanknecht

been announced as 2016 Carson Scholars. They are Urvi Gupta and Sarah Johanknecht.

Marisa Ortiz, a sophomore at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School accepted a two-year abroad scholarship with United World College (UWC).

Marisa Ortiz

Seneca Valley Academic Decathlon team competed at the Pennsylvania Academic Decathlon regional competition, earning third place overall in the large school division.

Four Seneca Valley students placed in the local BASF and the Chemical Education Foundation’s “You Be the Chemist” Challenge that was held Mar. 5. Winners were – Nathan Smith (1st place); Dean Smith (2nd place); Steven Yang (4th) and Rachel Spear (7th).

Robert (Bob) Magerko, Seneca Valley Middle School (SVMS) guidance counselor was awarded with the Ann Moniot Outstanding Middle Level Educator of the Year Award for the 2015-16 school year from the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE).

Seneca Valley Middle School seventh grade student Dorabella White is a semi-finalist in the National Geographic Bee. She will compete in the 2016 Pennsylvania National Geographic State Bee on Apr. 1 at the State Museum, Harrisburg.

Dorabella White

Seneca Valley Middle School (SVMS) MathCounts Team placed second in the Midwestern Chapter MathCounts regional competition held Feb. 6 at Grove City College.

Mars Area Mars Area High School has named its Renaissance Students of the Month for February. They are – Jared Sable, Morgan Wisinski, Nichole Sommers and Lindsay Herold.

Mars Area junior Cassianna Buzzelli was selected to serve as a national youth correspondent at the 2016 Washington Journalism & Media Conference to be held July 10-22 at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

Cassianna Buzzelli

Mars Area junior Taylor Hockenberry won her second consecutive title at the 2015-16 WPIAL Girls AA Diving Championships held Feb. 26 at Moon Area High School.

Four members of Mars Area High School’s Forensics Team swept the competition at the Pennsylvania High School Speech

Taylor Hockenberry

(Continued on page 14)

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Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | April 2016

League (PHSSL) District 2 Qualifier held Feb. 27 at Pine-Richland High School. The winners were – Cassie McKernan, Rachel McKernan, Abby Parsons and Claire Staresinic.

(WIDPSC) from March 30-April 4 on its senior school campus in Fox Chapel. . This year, senior Abbie Minard and sophomore Antoni Yotov will represent Shady Side in the event.

Mars Area freshman Ian Sleigh was selected to participate in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps International Exchange Program Apr. 12-26 in Australia.

Five Shady Side Academy seniors have been named finalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship program. They are: Shaan Frye, Michael Kann, Roy Navid, Juliana Sandford and Amanda Williams.

Mars Area Middle School students collected $2,806.05 to benefit the Ian Sleigh Western Pennsylvania chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as part of the school’s annual “Pasta for Pennies” fundraiser.

Shady Side Academy Senior School speech and debate coach Mary Krauland has earned her Second Diamond Coach Award from the National Speech & Debate Association’s Honor Society.

Mars Area Middle School eighth grader Adrian Kugehar qualified to compete in the Pennsylvania State Geography Bee. Mars Hockey Club retired the jersey number of former team member Mike Kenitz during a special ceremony held Feb. 22 at Baierl Ice Adrian Kugehar Complex in Warrendale. The club retired number “77” in remembrance of Kenitz, a 2007 Mars Area graduate, who died in a swimming accident in July 2011.

Vincentian Academy Vincentian Academy participated in this year’s PA Junior Academy of Science regional competition on Feb. 7 at Duquesne University. Colleen Ballantyne and Thomas Kim received first place honors. Nick Lucot and Sean Schollaert also competed admirably in the competition.

St. Sebastian Saint Sebastian forensics students competed at Northgate High School and place third out of 16 participating teams. Team members included in: Sarah Berger, Savannah Powers, Kate Wells, Fulton Fontana, Carlie Kreutzer, Lauren Lutz, Vanessa Martocci, Antonio Battista, Isabella Kunsak, Emma Polen, Lia Slifkin, Emily Stepp, Nick Weising, Ella Harding, Sarah Petrunia, Ethan Rihn, Rachel Rombach and Michael Taffe.

Aquinas Academy

Mary Krauland

The board of trustees of Shady Side Academy (SSA) and Fox Chapel Country Day School (FCCDS) has executed a Letter of Intent in preparation for a merger of the two schools, with the goal of FCCDS joining SSA as a second elementary school campus in 2017-2018.

St. Ursula Two Saint Ursula students Martina Saldamarco and Cassidy Horgan were presented with certificates as classroom winners in the 25th Annual Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest.

Their entries will join thousands of other entries from across the nation to compete to become State Grade and National Level Champions.

Saint Ursula students Mia White and Valeria Vasquez were chosen to play in Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) in concert at Hampton High School with 100 other 5 & 6th graders from the county.

Shady Side Academy

Saint Ursula basketball teams finished with an awesome season. The JV Boys’ team finished in first place in their section and participated in the diocesan playoffs. The JV girls won about half of their games.

Shady Side Academy will welcome the top high school speech and debate students from around the world to Pittsburgh when Abbie Minard Antoni Yotov the Academy host the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship

Saint Ursula students participate in a Forensics tournament on Mar. 5 at Butler Catholic. Hannah Valenty, Joseph Valenty, Anna Norman and Adam Larson placed second in their categories. Faith Benson, Alaina Fisher and Liam Shields placed first placed first and received medals for their efforts.

Pittsburgh Steeler Alejandro Villanueva spoke at Aquinas Academy on Feb. 25. Alejandro is a West Point graduate who did three tours of duty in Afghanistan as an Army Ranger Lieutenant. After four years he dedicated to pursue his dreams of playing football in the NFL. Fifteen Aquinas Academy middle and high school students won awards at the Region 7 Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. They are: John Reed, Katie O’Connell, Christina Koman, Luke Lynch, Scarlett Hudson, Sophia Henry, Susan Meland, Lena Sharara, Annamarie Hart, Catherine Cable, Paige Indovina, Catherine Richthammer, Lillian Eblering-Koning, Emma Kunzmann and Nathaniel Jernigan.

CCAC The Community College of Allegheny County received two awards from the national Collegiate Advertising Awards in the Business/Community College group: a gold award for the college’s spring 2016 Enrollment Radio Series and a bronze award for the Spring 2016 Enrollment Television Series.

Community College of Allegheny County North Campus bowlers are on a roll. Bruno Staniszewski bowled a 300 – the first perfect score for the CCAC North Campus Bowling team.

La Roche College

Bruno Staniszewski

Mark K. Shriver, president of Save the Children Action Network will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters and deliver the commencement address at La Roche College’s 51st commencement ceremony on May 7, at the Kerr Fitness & Sports Center.

Robert Lloyd Robinson of Austin, Texas recently joined the La Roche College Board of Trustees.

Saint Vincent College Saint Vincent College faculty members – Dr. Bo. Liang and Dr. Thomas Cline co-authored a chapter in the new textbook E-Retailing Challenges and Opportunities in the Global Marketplace published by IGI Global.

Saint Vincent College is ranked among the top 10 Catholic colleges in Pennsylvania, according to a new ranking released by Niche.com.

Two Saint Vincent College’s digital media projects were winners in the AVA Digital Awards competition.

The college’s Facebook page received a gold award and the Star Wars: The Force Enlightens video series received an honorable mention.

Five outstanding college-bound high school seniors from four states were presented with checks totaling $672,000 as winners in Saint Vincent College’s Wimmer Scholarship Competition. Scholarships were awarded to – Kent Wilson, Paul Weisser, Aaron Bray, Tess Skehan and Eric Bono.

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Student of the Month

Mary Osburg

BY PAULA GREEN

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quinas Academy third grader Mary Osburg recently won a national art competition sponsored by T.J. Maxx. The Save the Children initiative aims to secure early education, and they also help children survive by ending preventable, early childhood deaths around the world. T.J. Maxx has supported this charity for over three decades, which provides support to 25% of children living in poverty across the nation.

The “Maxx Kids Art Contest” ran June 21 through July 11 and 25 winners were selected. All participants were 14 years old or younger. Submissions were judged on originality, creativity, and applicability to the theme of “what’s your favorite thing in the whole world?” Mary’s talented art work enabled her to be chosen as one of the winners, she was excited to covet this award.

“I was really surprised to be a winner and get so many cool prizes, but I felt even happier to know that the contest helps children,” said Mary. One of the perks of being a prize winner is Mary’s drawing will be featured on T.J. Maxx’s

reusable shopping bags. The bags can be purchased at the store with proceeds going to Save the Children’s literacy, nutrition and physical activity programs.

Mary’s artistic talents have been noted by others as well.

“Mary has always excelled at art.

Mary Osburg and Brady Buchanan It’s something that she works on at home as much as does in class. My favorite thing about Mary’s art is that she always puts a little bit of herself into it – a little twist on what you’d expect. Ever since kindergarten, she’s never been afraid to explore. I am very proud of her creative accomplishments,” Aquinas Academy art teacher Brady Buchanan stated.

Mary resides in West Deer Township with her mother Jennifer, and 15-year old sister Clara, her father Dr. Jan Osburg lives in the Southside.

In addition to her passion for art, Mary has numerous other interests. “She enjoys participating in plays and choral performances, as well as, helping with gardening at Aquinas and other volunteer projects. Mary is a yellow belt in Taekwondo and sings in the Joyful Noise Children’s Choir of First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown,” said Jennifer.

Keep an eye out for her artwork at participating T.J. Maxx locations near you. l l l

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Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | April 2016

Education Spotlight

Penn Christian Academy – Technology: Ready, Set, CODE! “Every student at every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science.” Code.org

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t is estimated that there will be one million jobs available in computer science fields by 2020, but even as those numbers increase it is still overlooked in the educational realm. At Penn Christian Academy, we are doing our part to close that gap with our students. In the fall of 2015, computer science programs for robotics and cod-

ing/ programming were integrated into our technology curriculum. To better equip our students, it was vital that we begin to add these components of STEM programming.

Robotics. To ensure that each student has exposure to these programs, four weeks is dedicated to learning the basics of robotics for grades K-6.

During this time, students work with gears, motors, sensors, etc., to create robots of different kinds. Some robots are powered by sensors, while others are created out of recycled materials.

In addition to class time, groups of students meet monthly to build with Lego Robotics, reinforcing the concepts that are taught in the classroom.

Coding/Programming. Coding opens the minds of students allowing them to do what they didn’t think possible. Students build algorithms while working with peers to problemsolve, pushing them to think outside the box. Students share completed works with each other in amazement of what they’ve just created. The excitement that coding has brought changes the way we focus our technology.

Computer lab time is spent learning the basics of coding through online resources such as Code.org, Scratch, and Hopscotch. First graders love apps like The Foos and Scratch Jr. Sixth grade students take it one step further as they are given building blocks of programming in JavaScript. Mrs. Kara Kelly, PCA’s technology teacher, states, “I stand back in amazement of how these students soar. These technologies are giving students the chance to start young, and find passion within themselves that they didn’t know existed.”

Visit www.pennchristianacademy.org to learn more. l l l

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Trivia

TRIVIA CONNECTION | April 2016

Showering in April Trivia “April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.”– William Shakespeare

BY PAULA GREEN thinking caps because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. Name the famous writer who said, “The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.”

2. In 1972 this musical group released the song Pieces of April which reached #6 on the billboard charts.

3. On Apr. 11, 1814 this French leader was exiled to the island of Elba.

4. This Looney Tunes character first appeared on Apr. 17, 1937 in Porky’s Duck Hunt.

5. Name the fast food restaurant that opened on Apr. 15, 1955 by Ray Kroc in Des Plaines, Ill? 6. This comedian was born on Apr. 29, 1954. He is best known for portraying a semi-fictional version of himself in the sitcom which ran 1989– 1998.

7. Which Hasbro board game celebrates a national commemoration day on Apr. 13?

8. Name the famous English poet and playwright who was born on Apr. 23, 1564.

9. This U.S. president died on Apr. 4, 1841, just one month after his inauguration.

10. Civil right activists, Martin Luther King Jr., was assassinated on Apr. 4, 1968 in which U.S. city?

11. What day is Autism Awareness Day? 12. This actor starred in the movie The April Fools with Catherine Deneuve.

13. Pat Boone and Shirley Jones starred in this 1957 musical.

14. Mom and Dad gain an extra set of hands in the office for this day on the fourth Thursday in April.

15. My birthday falls in April – it is the same date that the Lincoln was shot and the Titanic hit an iceberg. l l l Sources: http://classiclit.about.com/od/04april/a/AprilQuotes.htm, http://webclipart.about.com/od/seasonsclipart/ ss/Fun-Facts-About-April.htm, http://www.famousbirthdays. com/facts/facts-about-april.html, http://www.123facts.com/ quiz_results.php?quizid=5047, http://www.ducksters.com/ aprilinhistory.php, http://www.teach-nology.com/monthly/ april/aprilevents.html, http://www.thenibble.com/fun/more/ facts/holidays-april.asp, http://www.giftypedia.com/April_ Holidays

Answers: 1. Mark Twain 2. Three Dog Night 3. Napoleon Bonaparte 4. Daffy Duck 5. McDonalds 6. Jerry Seinfeld 7.

Scrabble 8. William Shakespeare 9. William Henry Harrison 10. Memphis 11. Apr. 2 12. Jack Lemmon 13. April Love 14.

Take Your Child To Work Day 15. Apr. 14

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pril showers bring May flowers...” but this spring month also brings National Poetry Month, Autism Awareness Month, Global Child Nutrition Month, Jazz Appreciation Month, Mathematics Awareness Month, National Kite Month, Humor Month, Cancer Control Month, Animal Cruelty Prevention Month, and Keep America Beautiful Month.

It is National BLT Month, National Grilled Cheese Month, National Garlic Month and National Soft Pretzel Month. Apr. 7 is National Beer Day, Apr. 22 we celebrate National Jelly Bean Day and Apr. 30 is National Oatmeal Cookie Day. Of course there is the practical joke day with April Fools’ Day on Apr. 1. There’s the often dreaded Apr. 15 - Tax Day. Two eco-friendly celebrations occur in April – Earth Day is on Apr. 22 is and Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday April. Secretaries /Administrative Workers’ Day is celebrated in April.

The majority of times Easter and Passover are commemorated in April, although this year, Easter fell in March.

April starts on the same day of the week as July and ends on the same day of the week as December in common years. However during leap years, such as this year, April starts on the same day of the week as January.

The flowers for the month of April are sweet pea and daisy. The birthstone for this month is the diamond which symbolizes innocence. The zodiac signs are Aries, Mar. 21 to Apr. 19 and Taurus, Apr. 20 to May 20.

Baseball enthusiasts look forward to April because it is when the professional baseball season begins. The Boston Marathon is held in April.

Four U.S. presidents were born in April. They were Thomas Jefferson – Apr. 13, 1743, James Buchanan – Apr. 23, 1791, Ulysses S. Grant – Apr. 27, 1822 and James Monroe – Apr. 28, 1758.

The Revolutionary War in America began on April 19, 1775. On Apr. 4, 1818, a flag that contained one star for each state and 13 stripes was adopted

by Congress. On Apr. 6, 1917 the United States declared war on Germany in World War I. Some famous people born in April include – Eddie Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Russell Crowe, Sarah Michele Gellar, Jennifer Garner, and Uma Thurman.

Since we have analyzed April, we must now jump into this fourth month query. Get set to don those

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Shady Side Academy

Summer Fun is Almost Here!

2016 Summer Camps Guide S

BY JOELLA BAKER

Winchester Thurston Summer Camp

ummer is all about being outside and having fun. When I was a kid, we were never inside. We were always outside playing, swimming, riding horses and enjoying the summer weather. My summer days aren’t much different as an adult. Every day, I’m outside swimming, cycling, running, playing games and having fun with local kids who attend the Get Fit Families Summer Camp Program. Of course, summer fun isn’t just for the kids. Adults can play along as well, you just need to know where to go to enjoy every minute of our long summer days.

Your kids can get the most out of summer by choosing great summer camps throughout the area. My company, Get Fit Families provides summer camps for youth ages four to 16. We have triathlon camps, track and field camp and cross country camp. We also promote a lot of local races for the kids to show off their skills. All camps are held outdoors at the beautiful Zelienople Community Park and include games, skill building, outdoor yoga classes, mud runs, playground games and more. Your kids will have fun and they will get dirty at my camps.

You can also head to one of our local pools to enjoy some swimming.

You can lap swim or swim with your family at your local YMCA, the North Park Pool and the other pools in Allegheny County to name a few. Each pool has its benefits and can provide your family a lot of fun and outdoor fitness. Just remember to always swim with someone, never swim alone and always wear your sunscreen.

Cycling throughout our area can be tough at times. Roads are getting more crowded every day. Safety (Continued on page 20)

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Hampton School District Offers Summer Camps for All

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pen to everyone, including cyber, parochial and students from other districts, Hampton School District offers an incredible list of opportunities available as part of its summer programs in the arts, sciences and much more. This year’s classes are centered on sewing, cooking, robotics and computer programming. Technology enthusiasts can learn 3-D design and how to use a 3-D printer!

Participants can even learn how to develop their own video games. There is even a special Babysitting class where participants learn CPR and first aid, learn how to market their babysitting business and even earn a certificate upon successful completion of the program. There will still be three sessions this summer, but the third session is dedicated solely to a new program called Camp Invention. To learn more about Camp Invention, visit http://campinvention.org/2016-program/. Camp Invention will be an all-day program, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Wyland Elementary School. It is for students in grades K-5 only. The classes during the first two sessions generally run from 9 a.m. to noon, with a few exceptions. For the first time this year, an afternoon recreation program also will be offered from noon until 3 p.m. through the Baierl YMCA and is an excellent option for those requiring full-day care. Visit www.ht-sd.org, go to the Community tab and select HTSD Summer Program 2016 to access the brochure and full list of opportunities for summer classes. l l l

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should be your number one concern.

Whether you or your kids are riding in your neighborhood, on a local trail or on the roads, always wear a helmet.

It’s so frustrating to see people cycling without helmets. With everything we know about concussions now, why would you risk your safety or your child’s safety by not wearing a helmet, always be safe! Also, there is a law that cars vehicles on the road must give cyclists four feet when they pass.

A lot of people are not aware of this law and still ride very close to cyclists and a lot of people believe cyclists should not be on our roads. It’s so important to make yourself visible to vehicles. You can add flashing lights to your bike, wear bright colors, use your arm signals to alert drivers you are turning. By doing these simple things, you will provide a safer environment for yourself on the roads. Most of all, you will gain respect from drivers if you ride safe, if you are visible and if you are aware. I try my best to always wave to drivers who give me space on the roads. Let them know you appreciate the fact they recognized you are there. A wave can go a long way.

Of course, if you choose to not venture out on the roads, you can stay safer by hitting the trails. Head to Moraine State Park for a 14 mile bike on trails. The Montour trail attaches to other trails and can be ridden all the way to Maryland if you choose and (Continued on page 22)

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you can head north to the Buffalo Creek trail and ride up to 50 miles.

Trails are definitely safer because you avoid vehicle traffic in most cases.

However, I’ve known people to wreck on the trails too. I’ve know people to hit groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels and others who even were frightened by a black bear. I’ve also had others who have been pushed off of trails by other cyclists. Once again, being aware and wearing a helmet is critical in being safe on the bike.

There you go! Your summer can be filled with a great deal of fun and fitness. You can swim and bike throughout the area with friends, with your family or on your own. Your kids can attend summer camps that will remind you of how you used to spend your summer days, being outdoors and having fun. Don’t limit yourself, pack a lunch or even a dinner, hit a bike trail and sit at a picnic table in a shelter in one of our area parks, and

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eat, relax and connect with your family. The possibilities of enjoying your long summer days are endless. To get more information on summer camps or where to swim, bike and run this summer, visit my website at www.getfitfamilies.com or email me at joella@zoominternet.net.

Other local camps also have so many fun activities! Be sure and check out all the camps listed throughout the issue and in our Camp Directory. There are so many great camps to check out. l l l

Summer Camps Directory Allegheny County Parks

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts School

AlleghenyCounty.us/parkprograms

pfpca.org/summerartcamps

Camp Allegheny

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

www.CampAllegheny.org 814-754-4336 888-251-0771

ArtCity: Summer Camps TrustArts.org/artcity 412-471-6079

Camp Spirit of the Game

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Camps.PghUltimate.org

EQT Children’s Theater Trustarts.org/PghKids 412-456-6666

Carnegie Science Center www.CarnegieScienceCenter.org/ summercamps 412-237-1637

Forest Dancing www.forestdancing.com 814-938-8517

Glen Montessori International Summer Camp

St. Alexis Catholic School Summer Stars Kindergarten Camp 724-935-3940

St. Joseph School Summer Camp admissions@saintjosephhs.com 724-226-4932

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

www.glenmontessori.org 412-318-4885

www.stpaulsumc.com/summer 412-486-5591

Hampton Township School District (HTSD)

Sweetwater Art Center

www.ht-sd.org 412-492-6346 412-492-6357

www.SweetwaterArtCenter.org 412-741-4405

Little Appleseed Learning Center

www.WesleySpectrum.org 412-342-2270

www.littleappleseedlearningcenter.com 724-625-4029

Merck Summer Therapeutic Inclusion Program (STIP) toscolanijm@upmc.edu 412-235-5405

Penn State Beaver Summer Camps Beaver.psu.edu/youth.htm 724-773-3700

Wesley Spectrum

Western Pennsylvania Montessori School www.wpms.edu 412-487-2700

Winchester Thurston www.winchesterthurston.org/summercamp

YMCA Summer Day Camp: Camp Rose 2016 Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA rose.bcfymca.org.

724-452-9122

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Autism Awareness Month

Turn Your Child into a “Happy Camper” Paul, Nathan and Paula Green

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BY PAULA GREEN

belong to a Parent Networking group for children with special needs, since my youngest son Nathan, 13 has autism. I find this organization to be quite rewarding. We recently had an informative speaker who was discussing autism and she stated, “It really shouldn’t be referred to as autism awareness, rather it should be autism acceptance.” I thought to myself, “She is so right!”

April is Autism Awareness Month and April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. On the 2nd, folks are encouraged to wear the color blue to light up their communities in support of this special commemoration.

From my own personal experience, I think it’s a great idea to get children with autism and any type of intellectual disability involved in recreational activities such as sports, camps and therapy groups.

One such camp is the Merck Summer Therapeutic Inclusion Program (STIP) of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC. This behavioral health program is designed to meet the unique mental and

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behavioral health needs of at-risk children and adolescents.

STIP inclusive program will help participants enhance their social skills. Their age-appropriate coping strategies build friendship skills. The camp is for children ages five through 12 with high-functioning autism, and will run eight weeks, 9 a.m.3 p.m., Monday-Friday, June through August, in Monroeville.

Another great program to get special needs individuals involved with is Special Olympics. This is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing yearround training and competitions to more than 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries.

The Special Olympics oath is, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Nathan is a member of Special Olympics. He recently competed in the basketball skills tournament and won a gold medal. It doesn’t matter to these kids whether they win a bronze, silver or gold medal. They form a real

NC April 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

camaraderie with each other and they’re happy to be given a chance to play sports and have fun together.

Autism support services are vital as well. Wesley Spectrum provides an array of behavioral health services for children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

They offer: social skills program, creative arts, parent child interaction therapy, outpatient services as well as evaluations.

According to Michelle Sloane, MSW, manager of the Resource Center at Wesley Spectrum, “Four out of our eight locations specially target ASD – these include our Bridgeville, Penn Hills, Wilkinsburg and the sooner to be open Wexford site.

The Wexford facility will be located at Marshall Crossing, 16055 Perry Highway in Wexford. It is slated to open in June.”

For information on Merck’s STIP camp, call (412) 235-5405 or email toscolanijm@upmc.edu. For information on Wesley Spectrum, call (412) 342-2270 or visit www.wesleyspectrum.org.. l l l

YMCA Summer Day Camp: Camp Rose 2016

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The Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA will be holding a summer day camp program for youth in grades K-6th grade. The program honors the mission statement of the YMCA and each day at Camp Rose is filled with fun and enriching experiences which promote skill development, self-confidence and friendship building. Some of the activities available at Camp Rose will be sports, arts and crafts, team-building, field games, recreational swimming, computer programs, and more. A weekly field trip is included. Breakfast and an afternoon snack are provided daily. The cost for Camp Rose is $175 per week. To register, visit rose.bcfymca.org. l l l

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | April 2016

Bug Bites & Protection A NOTE FROM BEVERLY CURTIS, KIDS PLUS PEDIATRICS

Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to think about protecting kids from insect bites.

Hoping your child won’t get bitten isn’t an option; protection against insect bites is a must.

So here are some tips for your next camping trip or family adventure to the park.

Tip One: Don’t dress your child like a flower or have her smelling like a rose. Insects are attracted not just to standing water, but also to bright colors, perfumes, and fragrances. Avoid wearing pinks, oranges and reds. Don’t apply perfumes, scented lotions, or bubble baths before an outing, or the bugs might think your child will be very tasty!

Tip Two: Cover what the bug sees!

Apply insect repellent on uncovered body parts. Apply to your hands, then rub your hands on your child’s face and

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hands. Avoid the eyes, and reapply up to 3 times a day. (Wash skin after your child comes inside.)

Tip Three: Don’t gob it on. (More is not better!) A light but complete coating is best. Products with 10% DEET (including brand names such as OFF, Avon Skin So Soft, and Cutter) protect for up to 3 hours. Products with picaridin, available at 7% and 15 % concentrations, need more frequent application. The higher the percentage, the more protection — though research

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shows that DEET products over 30% don’t offer any extra protection. DEET is also identified as the only insect repellent to protect against bites that cause West Nile Virus.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Do not use repellents on babies younger than 2 months of age, and use with extreme caution in older infants. If your child is younger than two months,

hats, light long sleeves, and pants may provide some protection. Don’t forget to cover the feet and hands as well if you’re in a buggy area.

Some repellents just don’t work that well and aren’t worth the money, time or effort, including: • Wristbands soaked in chemical repellents • Garlic or vitamin B1 taken by mouth • Ultrasonic devices that give off sound waves designed to keep insects away Changing your environment with backyard bug zappers or candles will not keep your child from being bitten.

Having bat houses around your yard may reduce your insect population but still is not a guarantee against a bug biting your child.

When walking in tall grasses and wooded areas, wear long-sleeved shirts that are tucked in, long pants, and hats to cover exposed skin. On your feet, wear boots, not sandals, and tuck pants into socks.

During your outing, routinely inspect your child and your kids clothing for ticks. Reinspect once you return home, or at the end of the day. Wearing light-colored clothing allows ticks to be spotted easily. Once discovered, ticks should be removed with tweezers immediately. Grasp the ticks near the head, close to the skin with tweezer, and pull firmly until the tick releases from the skin. Cleanse the skin with alcohol. Don’t use vasoline or matches or other methods to remove the tick; they may cause the tick to burrow deeper in the skin.

To use insect repellent safely, always read the label, follow all directions, and don’t ignore the precautions! Spray repellents in open areas so you don’t inhale the spray. Wash kids’ clothing exposed to repellent before wearing it again.

If your child has sensitive skin, apply to a small area and leave on for several hours, wash off and observe for 24-48 hours to see if any rashes or skin irritation occurs. Avoid this product if your child has a reaction to the product.

Don’t use products that combine DEET and sunscreen. It may be possible to overexpose your child to DEET, because the sunscreen needs to be reapplied often, and the DEET may

make the sunscreen less effective. So use two products: DEET and sunscreen.

When using both, apply sunscreen first, then repellent.

Even with all these precautions, if your child is bitten by an insect, apply a cold compress to the area right away.

Benadryl can be given to help decrease itching. It’s not unusual for the area around the bite to develop a localized reaction, usually redness surrounding the center of the bite. If swelling, redness, and tenderness persist or gets worse, call the Kids Plus office right away. Insect bites may cause an

infection of the soft tissue surrounding the bite. When this happens the skin becomes reddened, is tender, and hot to the touch. Infection needs to be evaluated and if necessary, treated promptly.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, just call our offices. We’ll be glad to offer advice or evaluate that bad bug bite!

For more information, visit Kids Plus Pediatrics at http://kidspluspgh.com. l l l Beverly Curtis is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | April 2016

Starting the Conversation

Is Legalizing Medical Marijuana a Priority?

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

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t the printing of this issue, a bill legalizing medical marijuana passed in the Pennsylvania House and was on its way to the Senate. After decades of research, the FDA has proven beyond a doubt that certain medicinal properties of the cannabis plant, when extracted, can have a tremendous positive effect on several disorders including seizures, epilepsy, and autism, among others. The chemical properties of the plant are administered clinically through pills and other pharmaceuticals.

Here’s what I don’t understand: So why is the legislature involved? Why can’t a physician who is qualified make the decision and prescribe as they do with any medication? There are certainly worse drugs available on the market that are infinitely more addictive,

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laden with opiates, and don’t effectively help anyone in anyway except to mask pain for a time but not cure what is causing the pain.

Personally, I would prefer that the legislature focus on getting drugs such as heroin off the streets and out of the schools. Creating programs and awareness to keep kids off drugs and to provide a safe environment in our schools from criminal elements.

But, as always, what do you think? Let’s continue the conversation on my blog at http:// northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson. l l l

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | April 2016

Coming Up in

May 2016

Women’s Health June 2016

Men’s Health July 2016

Annual Physicians & Specialists Issue Call Today to Advertise

724-940-2444

Sports Performance at the Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion Allegheny Health Network’s new Sports Performance program at the Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion offers an “all inclusive” experience, delivering a full range of sports performance services including physical therapy, sports-specific strength training and conditioning, speed and agility, therapeutic massage, and wellness education.

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he program is led by AHN’s director of sports performance, Frank Velasquez Jr. ATC, CSCS. Velasquez is a certified athletic trainer and a certified strength and conditioning specialist who has over 20 years of experience working with youth, high school, college and professional athletes, including 16 years in professional baseball and nine years with the Pittsburgh Pirates as their head strength and conditioning coach.

Active adults, developing youth and competing athletes of all ages and skill levels are invited and encouraged to work on their games with certified strength & conditioning specialists, and clients will also have access to a state- of- the art facility with the most specialized equipment in the region.

AHN’s Sports Performance program offers services across all aspects of your athletic journey, including: • Strength and Conditioning Services customized to the client after a thorough initial evaluation. Programs put an emphasis on building strength, speed and power, with a focus on proper form and posture.

• Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation: AHN’s physical therapists are Direct Access Certified. This means that they can see, diagnose, and treat patients without a physician’s referral (for up to 30 days).

• Specialty program offerings that include: “In-Season” Arm Care Throwing Athletes,” “Strength Training for Endurance Athletes,” “ACL Integrity Program,” and “Summer Athletic Development.”

• Wellness, including therapeutic massage, sports nutrition, and recovery.

AHN’s Sports Performance programs are backed by scientific research, time tested and proven. Designed to safely and effectively reduce the risk for injury and enhance performance! For more information on AHN Sports Performance, call 878.332.4158. l l l

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ADVERTORIAL

What Runners Need to Know About Alignment

BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF

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NORTHERN CONNECTION MAGAZINE

20,000 magazines connecting you to the community

Physicians/Healthcare Professionals Attention all health care professionals...

NC Magazine’s July 2016 issue will feature “Physician and Healthcare Professionals Guide.” Be sure to make your health care organization a part of this special issue by taking advantage of a complimentary directory listing with your ad to highlight your facilities and services!

Call early and reserve your space!

724-940-2444

ith the start of the spring weather, many people start into a running routine. When your body is in good alignment, you can prevent injuries, be more efficient, breathe better and enjoy the sport of running more.

Your Power is In Your Pelvis - The pelvis is the foundation of your body. A balanced pelvis allows for the correct distribution of weight through the hips, knees and feet. If your pelvis is misaligned (and most of ours are), it creates more stress on the joints and soft tissues. This misalignment makes you have to work harder, it’s an energy drain.

Good Posture Improves Your Breathing - Studies have shown that bad posture habits in the neck and back can significantly decrease your lung volume. Less oxygen means less muscle energy and your run feels more like a struggle.

You Can Have Great Gear and Still End up Injured Running involves a lot of repetitive movement and impact.

You might have spent hours researching shoes and gear; but if your structure is compromised, it’s not going to make a huge difference. Your body is your most essential piece of gear. If you have abnormal movement through your joints or nerves that are compromised it can affect the way your muscles fire, and affect your recovery time. Start by making your structure as stable as possible and go from there.

The Basic Toolbox – As an endurance runner, I’ve found that if you focus on the basics you can really enjoy the sport. I’ve used chiropractic to help me stay injury free for close to a decade now.

If you want to get the most out of your body and enjoy sports through your lifetime, call us for an evaluation today. We’re in your network. l l l

Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center, P.C. Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates McKnight (412) 364-9699 www.choicechiropractic.net

Like us on Facebook

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC April 2016

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Lose 30 lbs. in 30 Days up to

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as your weight loss plateaued? Do you eat right and exercise but the scale doesn’t move? Is your metabolism slowing due to middle age or over-eating? Are you having health-related issues due to your weight? Feeling aggravated, frustrated and helpless every time you get on the scale?

With Dr. Michael Vactor’s innovative weight loss program, you can lose up to 30 lbs. in 30 days and learn to keep it off, permanently.

Jen S., Pittsburgh PA Lost 47 lbs.

Tammy T., Cranberry Twp. PA Lost 48 lbs.

How it Works: Unlike other weight loss programs, Dr. Vactor’s plan focuses on losing the weight and keeping it off through a safe, healthy system that is made up of ALLNATURAL INGREDIENTS with NO STIMULANTS. The system is, quite simply, designed to increase your metabolism.

The system increases your metabolism by naturally invigorating your hypothalamus (responsible for your metabolism), without stimulants, while decreasing your hunger response.

This way, your own fat-burning engine works at its optimum performance while re-acclimating your metabolism to first lose the weight and then adjust to your new body to keep off the weight. Unlike other programs that you may have experienced, where you lose weight but then gain it all back or even more, this program focuses on first weight loss, then helping you readjust to the thinner you.

In addition, this program has consistent, predictable weight loss results where people also see a dramatic improvement in their overall HEALTH in about a month’s time.

According to Dr. Vactor, “I have seen cholesterol numbers, blood pressure and blood sugar levels return to normal in 30 days. People who follow our program as outlined get great results! But I must be straight-forward about our system. You must be dedicated, committed and want results.”

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oday marks our 14th day into our maintenance phase. We waited until now because we were interested in if we would continue to hold our weights. We are happy to report that this phase is keeping its promise just like the rest of the program. We started on December 6, my weight was 360 and Sue started at 219.

I should mention that we were off the program from December 23 to January 2. We did not pig out over the holidays but did put a couple of pounds back on. We picked up the program on the same day number that we left and continued until day 40 plus the three day transition. At that time I weighed 310 (-50) and Sue weighed 195.6 (-23.4). After 2 weeks on maintenance, my weight is 212.2 and my wife’s is 195.4. Needless to say we are both very pleased and will go back on the program next week, my goal is 270 and Sue’s is 170.

Everything with the weight loss was exactly as promised.

People could not believe that we only ate such a limited number of calories but I can definitely state that I was never hungry. We have been on almost all conceivable diets over the last 25 years and although we lost some weight it was a struggle doing so and most called for and exercise program also. Lets face it, when you are 50 to 100 lbs. over weight, exercise is not a good alternative.

We really did not have good before pictures because who wants there pictures taken when that much overweight. I don’t have good pictures showing pants size because for the past two or more years I was constantly in stretchy sweats, it was a struggle to put on socks and all my shoes were slip-ons. 3XLT shirts were tight and I had trouble sleeping and did not enjoy going to movies or sporting events because I could not fit in the seats. All of that has changed.

We can not wait till our next 40 day program is over.

Bob & Sue F., Washington PA

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and Keep it Off with Dr. Vactor’s Innovative Weight Loss Program!

Several different products come with the plan, as well as, a simple, easy-to-follow meal plan that is based on normal food that you can get anywhere and prepare easily for yourself. In addition, they supply pH-balanced, ionized drinking water which is another important part of the system.

Also, exercise is NOT required. Alternatively, the focus, is getting the weight off first, so that exercise programs will help tone and strengthen rather than contribute to the risk of over-exertion from carrying too much weight.

Who is Dr. Michael Vactor, DC? Dr. Michael Vactor is a doctor of chiropractic, and a natural healthcare advocate in the north Pittsburgh area for over fifteen years. He is also an award winning expert in weight loss management and is frequently featured on KDKA-TV, WPXI, CornerstoneTV, radio shows and other public speaking venues on health and weight-loss issues. In addition, Dr. Vactor also cares for the players, coaches and families of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ and Pirates’ organizations.

To date, 90-95% of his patients have achieved their weight loss goals. YES, 90-95% of patients have achieved their weight loss goals. Dr. Vactor is so absolutely sure of the results and outcomes of his program, that he offers a GUARANTEE of RESULTS! Dr. Vactor and his family have lived in the Cranberry and Mars area, where he is also devoted to his community and helping his patients reach their goals. Over fifteen years in this community, he would not and could not make any such guarantee claims for weight loss, if they weren’t true.

How to Get Started: If you are serious about losing up to 30 lbs. of extraneous weight, inches off your waist and, most importantly, improving your health in about a month’s time, call for a FREE, in-office review of our revolutionary weight loss system. Our office is conveniently located at 673 Castle Creek Drive Ext., Suite 106, Seven Fields, PA 16046. http://www.drvactor.com Improve your health today! Call now, at 724-742-2700.

If you are one of the first 25 callers to schedule your no cost/no obligation consultation and in office review, and mention you saw Dr. Vactor in the April 2016 Northern Connection, you will receive a $50 discount good towards any of his guaranteed weight loss programs. Not valid with any other offers and new patients only are eligible. n

Here is my weight loss journey…

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tried every fad diet out there and never got the results that I have with this plan!!

I was at my heaviest weight and needed to do something, my clothes weren’t fitting anymore, and I was getting depessed and mad at myself! A good friend of mine told me about Dr. Vactor and what he had did for him in his own weight loss journey. So I called and made an appt. The staff was very polite and very informative and answered all my questions and concerns. Dr Vactor was wonderful and made this plan sound so easy and explained how quickly I would see results if I followed through with it.

Well let me tell you how RIGHT he was!! My starting weight was 365 lbs and I lost 50 lbs in 42 days!!! I did 2 courses of the plan and am now down 72 lbs!!

I feel so much better health wise! No more back or knee pain anymore!! Would highly recommend this Plan to everyone!!

Thanks Dr. Vactor and Theresa!!

Bob J., McCandless PA

Guarantee can be reviewed in office prior to starting the program. Results may vary based on an individual’s health, diet, personal commitment, and adherence to the program. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

www.DrVactor.com 724-742-2700 Dr. Michael Vactor, DC

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC April 2016

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Chic

IMAGE & STYLE | April 2016

Spring Style Wish List– Top Trends

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BY KELLY SMITH

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t may sound cliché but Spring has, so suddenly, sprung! With the start of any new season, it seems as though a new set of trends is the norm. That being said, the arrival of a brand new season is always a good excuse to add to our wardrobe. For you fashion fanatics, this usually entails snagging up everything that is hot and trendy.

For most everyone else, myself included, it can be difficult to keep up with the ever changing trends season after season. It takes time, effort and not to mention, money. If any of these present a challenge, know that there are some ways to get around them. So, what is the best way to incorporate some of the new spring trends into your existing wardrobe?

For maximum style with minimum effort, the key to looking fabulous is to stick to essentials. You really only need a few top trends to stand outread on and see how you can make a splash this Spring!

Lightweight jackets Spring weather is notoriously unstable. To make it through these ups and downs, you’ll need a few good pieces to keep you warm and dry while still stylin’! One good essential to always have on hand is a denim jacket. It is one piece that truly can be worn with just about everything. Another top choice to have on hand is a classic trench. Keep in mind, this is spring so do choose a soft pastel in runway

friendly colors such as pastel pink, lavender, or hues of blue.

Maxi skirts - This is a wardrobe must have as it is the perfect transitional piece! Buy a few in different lengths and prints. This is one skirt that can be worn when the days are a bit chilly, yet can still stand up to a sweltering spring scorcher. These skirts should be your go-to bottom when you feel like looking cute and casual but don’t quite want to “slum it up” as I like to say. Pair your maxi skirt with a cute and comfy tee and ballet flats or, for dressier evenings, switch out that tee for a sexy silk blouse and a pair of sandals. Either way, you’ll be fashion forward!

Shoes /accessories – Put a little spring in your step! There are no bones about it; mules are definitely making the list this year. They’re not for everyone, but if you want versatility, then mules are for you. What other shoe can boast an open back that is easy to slip off and on? Look for styles with peep-toe, flats, heels or a wedge. I especially like the heeled

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version because you can take them from day to night so easily, if paired with the right outfit. For you accessory lovers, get a few indispensable pieces gathered up such as chokers that are graced with stones or beads, multiple cuff bracelets, as well as, ankle chains! Handbags with shoulder straps adorned in chains as well, will be everywhere so do pick up at least one this season. Fringe bags are quite the trendsetter this year as are bold colored satchels with lots of hardware like buckles and zippers.

Jeans - if you’re looking to add just a single pair of jeans to your wardrobe this season, make it the cropped flare. These are going to be every-

where this spring. Also, I’m on board with any trend that brings back the 90’s so don’t be surprised when you see all kinds of crazy flashback styles in both baggy and relaxed denim.

Washes will still range from light to the darkest indigo but always style your outfit to fit your silhouette. A good rule of thumb is, if you have to think hard about whether a style looks good on you, then it probably doesn’t to others, so stick with what works. Denim can be tricky as far as sizing so it’s always best to try before you buy.

No matter where you fall on the fashion spectrum, finding your style this Spring will be a lot easier and that is reason to celebrate the season, in style, of course! l l l

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Honor

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | April 2016

Soldiers & Sailors Inducts New Members into its Hall of Valor

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oldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. inducted its new members into its Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor on March 20.

Since 1963, the Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor at Soldiers & Sailors has recognized Pennsylvanian veterans that have received medals for bravery and heroism during times of military conflict. Soldiers & Sailors has inducted nearly 700 veterans as recipients of The Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (limited inductions also include, Airmen’s Medal, Soldier’s Medal, Coast Guard Medal and The Navy & Marine Corps Medals).

The 15 honorees who were inducted as the Class of 2016 represent four Western Pennsylvania counties, three branches of the military, and received two types of medals awarded for gallantry.

US Army Air Corps, Distinguished Flying Cross, WWII – 1st Lt. John W. Carson, 1st Lt. Richard W. Hurrell, and Sergeant Robert A. Lasto; US Army, Distinguished Flying Cross, 1st Lt. John K. McPherson (Korea); and Captain James J. Puhala (Vietnam) US Air Force, Distinguished Flying Cross –Vietnam – Captain James R. Hendrickson, Major Roy E. Sherrett and Sgt. John H. Yokobosky US Army Air Corps, Silver Star Medal, WWII – Master Sergeant Eugene F. Beistel

Bob Pirohovich BY: PAULA GREEN

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nited States Army Reserves veteran Bob Pirohovich is a member of Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post #402 in Coraopolis. Pirohovich, 88, also of Coraopolis served two tours of duty in Germany and Korea. He was in Germany when World War II was ending and he was involved in the Korean War. In his civilian life, Pirohovich was a United States postal service employee. Throughout his years of services in the military and the work he did for the USPS, he grew to appreciate others.

In 1961, Pirohovich began volunteering for the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System located on Highland Drive in East Liberty. On his days off from work, he would devote his time at the VA hospital. Like clockwork, he would spend every Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. helping multiple sclerosis patients who were unable to feed themselves. In addition, he organized bingo games, played pool with VA patients and kept them company.

Once Pirohovich retired from his postal job in 1986, he volunteered at the VA hospital’s post office. He initiated the first volunteer-run post office in the VA hospital system.

Pirohovich maintained this position for 25 years, until the Highland Drive VA shuttered its doors in 2011.

Pirohovich was also instrumental in organizing an annual two-day veteran’s bus trip for hospital patients to Gettysburg. He spent 33 years coordinating this yearly excursion which included historic tours, and meals.

“I used to work at the Post Office with Bob in Coraopolis and we are both members of VFW Post 402, he is caring person who believes in helping others. He has always been very involved with the veterans,” commented Bob Mandera.

Northern Connection magazine salutes U.S. Army veteran Bob Pirohovich for his years of service in the U.S. military and his prevailing commitment to those who served. l l l

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US Army, Silver Star Medal, WWII – 1st Sgt. George G. Fontanesi, Technician 4th Grade Loren E. Hodgkiss, Corporal Woodall I. Marsh, 1st Lt. Byron F. Smith, and PFC Richard L. Leo (Vietnam) US Marine Corps, Silver Star Medal, WWII – PFC Dominic Ranieri Soldiers & Sailors is accepting applications for the Class of 2017. To qualify, a member of the armed forces must have been born in Pennsylvania or enlisted or lived most of their life in the Commonwealth and received one of the aforementioned medals. Soldiers & Sailors accepts nominations all year and will accept nominations for next year’s induction class through February 1, 2017. For information about nominations, contact Tim Neff at (412) 621-4253 ext. 219 or visit http://www.soldiersandsailorshall.org/ veteran-hall-of-valor.html. l l l

Seniors SENIOR LIVING | April 2016

Town Crier

Springing into April

BY JOE BULLICK

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i April, the fourth month of the year! The Latin word “aperire” means “to open or bud,” it gives April its name. This time of the year, we see spring festivals around the world. Since medieval times, dairy farmers have known they could make the finest cheese from the milk of cows that grazed on April’s verdant pastures.

I hope you have adjusted to daylight-savings time which occurred in mid-March. It takes about one week for our circadian rhythms to adjust to the one hour time loss.

Don’t forget that during this time, bears are awakening from their winter slumber and they have a fierce appetite.

If you bring in your bird feeders, be sure to give them a good washing with a one part chlorine bleach solution to nine parts warm water. Remember to keep trash cans tightly covered in the spring and summer to cut down on flies around the house.

Mom always got ready for our garden in April. We had a hot bed; we would start our tomato plant seeds six to eight weeks before the last frost. Our house was a busy place in April. We would do our spring cleaning by washing the windows and cleaning the carpets.

Mom would make her own wood polish. We owned a blacksmith shop, so we always had rusted nails, and other rusted metal parts. We would dump them into an old bucket in the blacksmith shop. We would then add one quart white vinegar and one quart water and let the rusted parts soak in this mixture for several weeks. We would discard the metal pieces, and then we used the remaining solution and a soft cloth to polish and restore dried out wooden furniture.

Mid-April is a great time to go walking through the woods in search of wildflowers, what joy this often brings.

Boy, am I glad baseball has season is starting. The Pirates’ schedule this year opens on Apr. 3 and concludes on Oct. 2. The Pirates will wear yellow 1979 throwback jerseys on home Sunday games, replacing the 1971 black uniforms. This year, several former MLB baseball players will have their numbers retired by their teams. Jerseys will be retired for – Peter Rose (#14 – Cincinnati Reds); Ken Griffey, Jr. (#24 – Seattle Mariners); Wade Boggs (#26 – Boston Red Sox) and Mike Piazza (#31 – NY Mets). So pick your favorite players and follow them throughout the baseball season.

One player I followed was Ted Williams. He was the first player to hit .400, since Bill Terry did it in 1930. Williams

played for the Boston Red Sox and in one a big game; he had six hits in a double-header, which put his average at .406. With over 600 baseball players in the league, no one has done it since.

There are some notable April songs – April Love, April in Paris, and April Showers. In the movie realm, the following movies are opening this April: The Jungle Book, Hardcore Henry and Barbershop. How about those famous people born in April such as - Spencer Tracy (Apr. 5, 1900); Jazz singer, and Billy Holiday (Apr. 7, 1915). An April event to remember occurred on Apr. 12, 1955, that’s when Jonas Salk released the results of the polio vaccine field trials.

To all of you Aries and Taurus folks have a Happy Birthday! Well God Bless, and enjoy April. I leave you with this – “When I rest, I rust.” – German proverb l l l

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Happenings for Seniors

Forgotten Tales of Pittsburgh, 2:30 p.m. Apr. 19, Strabane

Lighthouse Pointe Village. Call (412) 781-2707; Apr. 21, Hampton Fields Village. Call (412) 492-8448.

Orchard Hill Church, Brandt School Rd. For adults ages 55+ gather for music, inspirational speakers, and outreach projects.

For details, (724) 935-5555 or orchardhillchurch.com.

Happenings for Seniors

Senior Meetings

Volunteer Opportunities:

Free Services for Seniors through North Hills Community

AARP #2991, meeting, noon, 3rd Thursday of every month

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit Hospice

Trails Village. Call (724) 225-4100.

Kennywood, a Century of Change, 2:30 p.m., Apr. 19,

Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an in-home registration visit.

(Apr. 21), at Northmont Presbyterian Church at Perry Highway and Perrymont, in McCandless. A small luncheon is offered for a nominal fee. Visitors and prospective members are welcome.

Home Instead Senior Care® is offering a unique approach to

1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. Call (724) 816-4977 for info and programs.

help area families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available for families at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com.

McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals

to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkley Hills, Swan Acres & part of McCandless Twp. Call (412) 487-4088.

North Hills Community Outreach invites volunteers to

conduct Safety for Seniors checks, 10 a.m., Apr. 30, NHCO Community Room, Ferguson Rd., Hampton. Required registration. Call Cathy, at (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring – An Hour a Week Can

Change a Child’s Life. For adults 50 & over become a tutor.

Training sessions held on the fifth floor of the Duquesne Light Building. Call (412) 393-7648 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

Senior Olympics of Western PA state qualifier for the

National Senior Games in women’s 3x3 basketball. The qualifier will be held Apr. 9, at Slippery Rock University. Senior Games will be this summer in Birmingham, Ala. For info, call (724) 445-9997 or email carol8@zoominternet.net or www. seniorolympicswpa.weebly.com.

UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-324-5523.

Cranberry Senior Citizens Club for residents 55+ meets at

2nd Act, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 2nd Thurs., runs thru May 12,

patients. For details, call (412) 367-3685.

North Hills Community Outreach’s Faith in Action pro-

gram is seeking Senior Companion volunteers. Contact Nancy, at (412) 307-0069 or nljones@nhco.org.

North Hills Community Outreach’s Free Rides for Seniors

the month (Apr. 18) at West View Fire Hall, Perry Hwy next to the VFW. All are welcome.

shuttles, funded by St. Margaret Foundation are seeking volunteer ride-along dispatchers. The shuttle operates weekdays in the lower Freeport Rd. area. Contact Kerry at (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org.

Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet at 7 p.m., every 1st

North Hills Community Outreach needs volunteers for their

Gateway North Chapter of AARP meets the 3rd Monday of

Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room. Call (724) 776-9274.

Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group

meets every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. of each month 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. of every month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon. of each month 1-2:30 p.m. Call (724) 444-0064.

Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. Call (412) 741-4900 or visit http:// www.ccgf.org.

Tax Preparation AARP Tax Prep for Senior Citizens, 9 a.m.-noon, runs thru

Apr. 14, Northland Library. First-come, first served basis, signup sheet in the lower lobby starting at 7:30 a.m. Call, (412) 366-8100.

Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. For details, call Suzie, at (412) 337-6731.

Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/Widowers over

50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300.

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 3 p.m., the 1st Mon., of

every month, and 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.

Entertainment & Social Hampton Township Swing Into Spring Senior Citizens Breakfast, 8:15-10 a.m., Apr. 8, Hampton Middle School.

Breakfast prepared by student. Entertainment from the Middle School Jazz Band. Required reservations, call (412) 492-6355.

Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh Summerfest, 2 p.m., Apr. 8, Sherwood Oaks, Call 1-800-642-2217.

Pittsburgh Doo Wop Band, 2:30 p.m., Apr. 7, Hampton Fields Village. Call (412) 492-8448.

Salute to the Great American Song Book, 2:30 p.m., Apr. 5, Lighthouse Pointe Village. Call (412) 781-2707. Apr. 20, Beatty Pointe Village. Call (412) 374-9000.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame, 2 p.m., Apr. 19, Sherwood Oaks, Call 1-800-642-2217.

Seminars Anticipating the Future: Pittsburgh, 11 a.m., Apr. 12,

Cumberland Woods Village. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup. com.

Brain Health Retreat, 1-5 p.m., Apr. 28, Cumberland Woods Village. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com.

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senior programs. Contact Patti, at (412) 408-3830 ext. 3204.

Open Your Heart to a Senior Volunteer Orientations,

6 p.m., Apr. 14, Shaler North Hills Library. Register at (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org; 2:30 p.m., Apr. 20, AGHSuburban Campus, Bellevue. Register at (412) 307-0069 x3313 or clpshirer@nhco.org.

Pittsburgh Friendship Group is looking for volunteers to help visually impaired seniors. No experience is necessary. Call (724) 444-0064.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program assists

those who have difficulty with financial affairs. To register, call (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.

Volunteers are needed for Birthday Visit for Seniors,

1:30-3 p.m., Apr. 23. Program is a part of United Way’s Open Your Heart to a Senior Initiative. Register at uwac.org.

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Homes

HOME & GARDEN | April 2016

Lending is Changing – and this time it is GOOD NEWS!!

BY JACQUELYN BRINKER

It is great to be back with Northern Connection with some good news!

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ending had changed seven or eight years, and like all things, the pendulum has begun to move in a more favorable direction.

Since the financial crisis in 2008, the industry has seen very little flexibility in terms of qualifying potential borrowers and those interested in refinancing for mortgages innumerable controls were put in place by the government (and rightfully so) to avoid the incredible disaster the country suffered. Today,

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there are lenders who are able to offer more products to the consumer and thereby allowing many who would not be able to purchase a home the ability to do so.

It should be noted that lenders are still under strict government control. The qualified mortgage (meaning a traditional product where the lender must meet the criteria enforced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) is alive and well and the mainstay of the real estate and mortgage industries. The options for those who cannot qualify under these circumstances may include a balloon mortgage (example would be a mortgage where the loan must be paid off or refinanced at a specified time in the future such as 15 years) which is not under the auspices of the CFPB. I recently encountered a self employed borrower who, like most, writes off a good bit of income. The individual had outstanding credit, but under the enacted “ability to repay rule,” simply did not qualify. In researching options, we did find a program that permits calculating income based on deposits in the individual’s bank account. This is an outstanding option for those who may otherwise not be able to purchase – however, interest rates are higher than those loans that are under the watchful eye of the controlling bodies.

Remember that the best way to know if you are in a position to buy or refinance is to contact a licensed loan officer. We stand ready to help you in your mortgage pursuit – because even after all these years, your home loan STILL matters. l l l

P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.

Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes

Penny Ann Erbe

Enrolled Agent Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner

412-487-1009

4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC April 2016

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Events HAPPENINGS | April 2016

April 2016

Happenings

North Happening

Tuesday

Monday

North Hills Community Outreach Workable Services in Bellevue, 1-5 p.m.

Chisel and Chips Carvers of North Pittsburgh meetings, meets 6:30-10 p.m.,

the 2nd Monday of every month, Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. Call (724) 940-0034.

Greater Cranberry Barbershop Chorus,

meets every Monday at 7 p.m., Mars Alliance Church, Rt. 228. Visit Bogmeisters.com.

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 3rd Monday of every month 7 p.m., Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Free & open to the public. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m. Mondays, Apr. 4, The Walk; Apr. 11, He Named Me Malala; Apr. 18, Bridges of Spies; Apr. 25, The Martian; 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Self-Care for Women, eight-week support

group for women struggling with stress and depression, 6-8 p.m., Mon. Scholarship available. Call (412) 366-1300.

every Tues., at NHCO AGH-Suburban. For an appt., call (412) 904-5993.

North Pittsburgh Mother of Multiples

meeting, 7:30 p.m., 3rd Tues., of the month, North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. Visit www.facebook.com/ NPMOMS.

Sanctuary for Teens, eight-week group

Friday

Christy House in Sewickley, the lunch

room is open on Fridays. Homemade food and kid’s menu available, corner of Frederick & Walnut. RSVP for reservations (412) 741-5960. Visit The Needles Eye & Earthly Treasure. Visit http://www.ststephenschurch. net/christy-house.

Arts & Entertainment

for teens with depression & anxiety meets 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Self-Care after Divorce, ten-week educational group for coping after divorce, 6-7:30 p.m., Anchorpoint.

Scholarships available. Call (412) 366-1300.

Home is Where the Art Is Art Show, 6-9

Wednesday

Wagner and Buster Maxwell, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 2; Pure Gold, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 30. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegacylineup.com.

Custodial Grandparents Group, a support group for individuals raising grandchildren, 12:30-2:30, Weds., Anchorpoint. Call (412) 366-1300.

Thursday Cranberry Women’s Club, meets 7 p.m.

the 2nd Thurs of the month, Cranberry Library Meeting Room. Contact Sandy, (724) 7791854.

p.m., Apr. 8, Point Park University. Sponsored

by Operation Safety Net & Point Park University. For details, visit www.pmhs.org.

Legacy Theatres shows: Rat Pack with Bo

Health & Wellness Dance Fitness, 9 a.m., Sat., Lighthouse

Foundation, 1302 E. Cruikshank (Rt. 8), Butler.

Bring pantry items for the food bank in lieu of class fee. Contact heather.simplynatural@ gmail.com.

Lupus Foundation: Luncheon & Fashion

grams and volunteer opportunities. Call (412) 487-6316 opt. 1 x3112 or JLKissel@nhco.org.

North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m.

every Tues & Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway.

Call, (412) 366-7477 or www.northhillsfoodbank.com. Donations always welcome.

Walk, raise funds for NHCO in the

Highmark Walk, May 14. Register at walkforahealthycommunity.org. For info, call (412) 408-3830 or mschristina@nhco.org.

Support Groups Anchorpoint: Siblings Support Group, 1— Week group for kids 8-12, 4:30 p.m., Mon., & Life Skills Group, 4:30. Tues., Anchorpoint.

Call (412) 366-1300.

Bereavement Support Group, Beyond

Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary. Call (412) 748-6640.

Bereavement Support Group (for widows/

Pittsburgh Rock ‘N Roll Legends Awards,

Hills, 10-11:30 a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. Call Heritage Hospice (724) 334-6600.

Senior Olympics of Western PA are seeking individuals age 45 or older to join their athletic competition. A qualifier will be held Apr. 9. For details, call (724) 445-9997 or www.seniorolympicswpa.weebly.com.

Tai Chi Exercise for Beginners, 7-10 p.m., May 13, Orchard Hill, Wexford. For details, visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Zumba Fitness, 9:30 a.m. Mon., & 6:45

p.m., Thurs, Woodland Valley Church, 225 Crowe Ave., Mars. Try a free class! Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Zumba Fitness, 6:00 p.m., Sats, North Way

widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed. Hosted by St. Sebastian Parish, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300.

Bereavement Support Group in the North

Breast Cancer Support Groups, 5:30-7

p.m., 3rd Mon., AGH Hospital; 7-8:30 p.m.,1st & 3rd Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry; 6-7:30 p.m., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion, Wexford. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., every Wed., of

the month, (Apr. 20 - Next Steps for Women After Leaving a Treatment Facility) Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Phone, (412) 748-5120 or Bridge2Hope.org.

General Cancer Center Support Groups,

Christian Community, 12121 Perry Hwy., Wexford. Suggested $5 donation to benefit the food pantry Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

5-6 p.m., 4th Mon., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion; 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd & 4th Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students.

Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center.

Register at (412) 622-1212.

Outreach

Grief Support Group for widows and

Community Auto (a program of North

Hills Community Outreach) is accepting old vehicles. Call (724) 443-8300 or www.communityauto.org.

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt.

Royal Blvd. in Allison Park is a donation site for non-perishable groceries for North

NC April 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

North Hills Community Outreach Speakers are available regarding their pro-

Show, Apr. 2, Eleven Contemporary Kitchen, 1150 Smallman St., Spring Education Program, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Apr. 16, Grand Concourse Restaurant, Station Square. Visit lupuspa.org.

Apr. 28, Stage AE on the North Shore.

Sponsored by UPMC CancerCenter and UPMC Health Plan. Money raised benefits the Cancer Caring Center. Call (412) 622-1212 or info@cancercaring.org.

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Hills Community Outreach for its three food pantries. Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org.

widowers over fifty, 2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., of the month, St. Sebastian Parish, 311 Siebert Rd. Visit http://www.saintsebastianparish.org/

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

Announcing St. Barnabas Founder’s Day 2016

A

rare opportunity for you to be part of a special interview with Paul O’Neill. He led an aluminum company to unprecedented growth, served as the 72nd United States Secretary of the Treasury and researched aid to Africa with U2 rock star, Bono.

Have fun as you join celebrities, prominent business people and community leaders. An evening honoring Paul H. O’Neill, former chairman and CEO of Alcoa and chairman of the RAND Corporation. He was also appointed Secretary of the Treasury under President George W. Bush. O’Neill will receive the prestigious Hance Award, given each year to an outstanding American by St. Barnabas.

The 116th Founder’s Day celebration will be held on April 28, Marriott Pittsburgh North, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township.

Have your photo taken with Mr. O’Neill at the 5:30 p.m. VIP Photo Reception followed by a 6 p.m. Silent Auction Reception and Wine Cellar Lottery. The Awards Dinner (tables of 10) begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $300 per person for the Awards Dinner. VIP Photo Reception tickets are an additional $500.

For tickets or more information, call 724-625-3770 or visit www.StBarnabasCharities.com. Proceeds benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which supports nursing home patients who cannot afford their care. Have fun and support a great charity! http://www.stbarnabashealthsystem.com/founders-day/

MISS Foundation (Mothers in Sympathy and Support) for

those grieving the loss of a child – includes miscarriages, still birth and prematurity. Meetings held 7:30 p.m., 1st Tues of the month, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cumberland Rd., McCandless. For info, contact Laurie.Jackson@missfoundation. org.

S.P.I.N. For Single Moms: 6-7:30 p.m., 4th Monday of the Month in Bellevue. For details, call (412) 366-1300.

Women’s Self Care Support Group, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Sats., Anchorpoint Counseling. Call (412) 366-1300, ext. 129.

Counseling Ask the Attorney, free legal consultation for low-income families. Held 7 p.m., the 3rd Wed, Apr. 20, NHCO North Boroughs. Call (412) 408-3830 or hzgibbs@nhco.org.

Berkley Hills Lutheran Church is offering it Stephen

Ministry Program for people experiencing grief, divorce, cancer, illnesses, job loss, loss of home, military deployment & other life struggles. Free & confidential program for people of any faith. Call (412) 486-4010 or www.bhlc.org.

Group Services, Intensive Outpatient Program, 5:30-8:30 p.m., M,W, Th.,Therapy Group 6-8 p.m., Tues., Family Only Group 7:30-9:00 p.m., 2nd Tues, Psycho-educational Support Group 7-9 p.m., 4th Mon. Contact Anita at (412) 215-7967, pened1@aol.com, or www.anitasinicropemaier.com.

Tax Preparation United Way Money in Your Pocket Tax Prep at NHCO’s Bellevue/North Boroughs. Income eligibility requirements.

Appointments required, call 2-1-1.

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Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters Club meets at noon

every Mon., Pella Windows Training Center, 230 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale. Visit http://cranberryhighnoon.toastmastersclubs.org/.

Criders Corner Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 12 p.m., Thur., Apr. 14 & 28, The Sports Grille, 1294 Freedom Rd. Call Jan at (412) 366-1600.

North Allegheny Special Ed. Parent Networking Math

Training for Parents, 9:30 a.m., Apr. 4, at central Administration Office Board Room. For details, visit http://www.nasepng.org/.

North Allegheny Special Ed. Parent Networking meet-

ing, 9:30 a.m., Apr. 8, at NA High School Baierl Center, Ponce Room. NASD Inclusion Facilitators will give an Independence Initiative Update. Visit http://www.nasepng.org/.

North Hills Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 9 a.m., Apr. 1 & 15, Eat N’ Park, Rt. 8 & Saxonburg Blvd, Etna.

Call Pat at (412) 486-8938.

Sarver Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets,

UPMC Honored Six Centenarians at Cumberland Crossings Manor

U

PMC celebrated the 100 plus-year lives of six residents of Cumberland Crossings Manor, a UPMC Senior Community.

• Reba Robert and Marion Gearinger, each 100 years old • Angela Talak and Esther Hannan, each 101 years old • Mary Bonfield, age 102 • Agnes Fox, age 103 Family, friends and Cumberland Crossings residents and staff honored the lives of these women with music, sweets and treats on Saturday, Feb. 20. With a combined 607 years of life and experiences, these extraordinary women have stories to tell and advice to share. More Americans than ever are living to 100 and beyond, providing special reasons to celebrate.

Cumberland Crossings is located at 9350 Babcock Blvd. in McCandless Township.

11:30 a.m., Thur., Apr. 7 & 21, Savor in Sarver, 123 Malone Drive. Call Michele at (724) 353-2431.

Western PA Professional Business Association Network Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Tuesdays, King’s Restaurant, Rt. 8,

Gibsonia. Call Mary Ann, at (724) 935-2221 or www.wpabusiness.com.

Wexford Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets,

8 a.m., Tues., Apr. 12 & 26, Atria’s Restaurant, Wexford. Call Judith, at (412) 848-7986.

Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive

North Hills Community Outreach Volunteer Orientations,

10 a.m., Apr. 14, NHCO Allison Park, 10 a.m., May 12, NHCO in Millvale. Call (412) 408-3830 ext. 3210 or hzgibbs@nhco.org.

Seeking hospice volunteers...if you can find the time to sit

with hospice patients we would love to have you. Call Bethany Hospice, at (412) 921-2209.

Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah Street on the Southside. Help make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.

For details, call (412) 381-0277 or www.EmmausPgh.org.

Volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students

Networking

cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Interested volunteers call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon.stalter@cancer.org.

AM Spirit Cranberry Chapter, a business networking group,

Concession Volunteers needed for the 2016 U.S. Open,

Volunteer Tutors Needed for children struggling with school work. Call Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, (412) 366-1300 or www.anchorpointcounselingministry.org.

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteer for their patients.

School

meets 7:15 a.m. every Wed, at North Park Deckhouse, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Glen at (412) 916-8699.

AM Spirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, a business networking group, meets 8 a.m. every Thurs, at Panera Bread, Cranberry.

Call Glen at (412) 916-8699.

AM Spirit Wexford Chapter, a business networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village.

Call Glen at (412) 916-8699.

Cranberry Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 7:30 a.m., Thurs., Apr. 7 & 21, Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church, Cranberry Twp. Call Chris at (412) 7359494.

June 13-19, Oakmont Country Club. Contact Shelly at (Lupus Foundation) 800-800-5776 or mtonti@lupuspa.org. Anchorpoint needs concession volunteers. Call (412) 366-1300.

Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart!

Call (412) 367-3685.

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students on basic literacy skills, 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutor training provided. Call (412) 393-7600 or http://www.gplc.org/become-a-volunteer.cfm.

Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with Provide vision– Give hope. Call (724) 553-3114 or www.mission-vision.org.

on basic literacy skills. 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutoring training provided. Call Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, (412) 393-7600 or http://www.gplc.org/become-a-volunteer.cfm.

CCAC North Campus Spring Job Fair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Apr. 6.

For info, (412) 369-3674.

Cinderella, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 7-9 & 14-16. Children’s perfor-

mance 7 p.m., Apr. 13, senior citizen matinee, 1:30 p.m. Apr. 16, North Hills High School auditorium. For info, call (412) 3181438 or email zimmermanm@nhsd.net.

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Events HAPPENINGS | April 2016

Drug Awareness Forum, 7 p.m., Apr. 19, Fox Chapel Area

High School. Speaker: Debra Kehoe, executive director of the Alliance for Safe & Drug-Free Children.

Seminars, Workshops, Courses & Conferences

Laboring for Lupus, Apr. 9, Renaissance-Pittsburgh Hotel, 6th

Fox Chapel High School Government is collecting items

Dyslexia Association Conference, Apr. 9, Monroeville

Sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters. For info, call (724) 843-4600 x32.

for gently used women’s and children’s pajamas, and gently used & new IPods. The drives run thru Apr. 8. For info, visit fcasd.edu.

Convention Center. Guest speaker Nelson Lauver. To register visit, http://www.pbida.org/conferences/pittsburgh-regionconference.

Fox Chapel High School Talent Show, 7 p.m., Apr. 7, in the

Education Seminar sponsored by the Lupus Foundation,

La Roche College Global Development & Humanitarian Aid Training, May 16-27. Visit laroch.edu/humanitarian to

Legacy Theatre Seminars: 11 a.m., Apr. 12, Anticipating the

school auditorium. Open to the public, tickets sold at the door.

apply by Apr. 20.

Mars Elementary School Science Fair, 5-8 p.m., Apr. 5, Mars Area High School. For info, call (724) 625-4589.

Open House for high school students and their families, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Apr. 9, La Roche College, Kerr Fitness Center, McCandless. For info, call (412) 536-1272 or admissions@ laroche.edu.

Parenting with Identity in Mind, 7-9 p.m., Apr. 5, Shady Side Academy, 423 Fox Chapel Rd., for details, visit www.

ShadySideAcademy.org/ParentEducation.

Pittsburgh Catholic School Chess Invitational, 10 a.m.-

12:45 p.m., Apr. 23, Aquinas Academy. For details, call (724) 444-0722 x17 or http://www.aquinasacademy-pittsburgh.org/ events/ChessInvitational.php.

Shaler Elementary Run for Titan Trail 5K/1Mile Walk & Tot Run, 9 a.m., Apr. 9, Millvale Riverfront Park and Three Rivers Heritage Trail. For details, visit www.sasd.k12.pa.us.

8:30 a.m., Apr. 16, Grand Concourse Restaurant, Station Square. For info, visit www.lupuspa.org.

St. For details, visit www.scwfoundation.net.

Tasting & Tapas, 6-9 p.m., Apr. 22, Beaver Train Station.

Verland State-of-the-Heart® 5K Race/Walk, Apr. 24, Schenley Park Oval. For details, visit www.verland.org.

Walk, raise funds for NHCO in the Highmark Walk, May 14.

Register at walkforahealthycommunity.org. For info, call Maria at (412) 408-3830 or mschristina@nhco.org.

Future: Pittsburgh Architecture in the 20th Century, Apr. 28, Brain Health Retreat, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless Twp. Call, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.

Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter of the Regional Trail

Musculoskeletal Health: How you fit into the big picture, 8:30

Young Professionals Committee Hosting DePaul SPEAKeasy, 6:30-9:30 p.m., May 19, at the Union Project.

a.m.-1 p.m., Apr. 9, Cumberland Woods in McCandless. Call (412) 367-5814 ext. 186.

Teen driver safety FOCUS program is being offer thru

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and The Allstate Foundation. For schools interested, call (412) 692-8229 or www.chp.edu/CHP/street+and+off-road+for+parents.

Worried about the New SAT? Total Learning Center is offering practice testing free of charge, 11 a.m., 1st Saturday of every month, 12051 Perry Hwy., Wexford. Call (724) 940-1090 or success@totallearningcenter.com.

Corporation 5K/10K Run & 2 Mile Fun Walk, May 14. Preregister by Apr. 14. For details, visit www.bikewytc.org.

Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Benefits the DePaul School for Hearing & Speech. Visit www.depaulhearingandspeech.org for details.

Veterans North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m., 2nd Mon., of the month, Quilt Company, Middle Rd., Allison Park. Call (412) 487-9532 or www.qovf.org.

Pennsylvania Community-Based Programs Awarded VA

Retreats & Camps

Grants to Support Disabled Veterans in Adaptive Sports at Slippery Rock University. Visit www.va.gov/adaptivesports.

Discovering the Enneagram for Spiritual Growth, 4 p.m.,

Veterans Discover HOPE Here-Career, 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:45

Apr. 14 until 4 p.m., Apr. 16, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Dr. Sponsored by Mercy Parish Nurse and Health Ministry Program. Register by Apr. 4. Call (412) 2327151 or ParishNurse@pmhs.org.

p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 779-8323, discoverhopehere@ gmail.com or www.discoverhopehere.com.

GreenEAcademy Lego & Robotic camps, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.,

Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. Visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_Physically_ Active.asp.

Mon-Fri, June & July, at Alpha School, 9000 Babcock Blvd. For grades 2 thru 7. Visit www.greeneacademy.net/

National Aviary has Summer Camps available June-Aug.

Veterans Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-5:30 p.m., VA

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group,

For details, call (412) 323-7235 or www.aviary.org.

10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call 800-362-8262 ext. 2498.

Stem Adventure Day Camp, dates in June & July, Camp

“Veteran X” mental health & substance abuse recovery

Guyasuta. Call (412) 782-2669 or www.CampGuyasuta.org.

Fundraiser & 5K Race/Walks Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation Walk, June

4, Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park. Celebration of 125th anniversary of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC. Visit www. givetochildrens.org/walk.

Knights of Columbus All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner, 4-7 p.m., Apr. 9, St. Catherine of Sweden Church Hall, 2554 Wildwood Rd. Free will offering accepted. Proceeds benefit local charities.

program for vets meets 6 p.m., every Mon., at VA Butler Healthcare, Room 213, East South (ES), 325 N. Castle Rd., Butler. Visit http://www.butler.va.gov/.

Dancing & Singing Country Knight Line Dancers host a line dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person. Call, Janine (412) 931-6971 or janine.beley@gmail.com.

Dance Before the Lord: A History of Gospel Music and Liturgical Dance, 7 p.m., Apr. 1, Zappala College Center Square, La Roche College. Call (412) 536-1216 or rita. yeasted@laroche.edu.

Handicapable Square Dancing, 7-8 p.m., weekly on

Thursdays, Dorseyville Alliance Church, 3703 Saxonburg Blvd.

For ages 16 & older. Register at (412) 915-8486 or (724) 4432616 or beatty3@consolidated.net.

North Star Kids performance troupe is scheduling audi-

tions by appt. for singers and dancers in grades 2-7, St. John Lutheran Church, 311 Cumberland Rd., McCandless. Call backs, Apr. 10. For info, call (412) 366-6610 or email nskdirector@ yahoo.com.

Saturday Singles Dance, for ages 40+, 8 p.m. to midnight,

Apr. 2, Black & Gold Penguins/Pirates Party; Apr. 23, Perfect Pair Mix & Match Ice-Breaking Singles Dance with gift cards & prizes, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m. Call, (724) 316-5029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.

Yes, You Can Dance! (YYCD) is a special needs ballroom

program for teens (16+). Participants meet one hour on Sundays at DancExplosion Arts Center in the North Hills or Steel City Ballroom in the South Hills. Participants are paired (Continued on page 50)

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NC April 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC April 2016

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Events HAPPENINGS | April 2016

Dr. Shawn Richey Expands Peripheral Neuropathy Practice to Latrobe

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with a trained volunteer dance mentor. Call (412) 999-3998 or info@yesyoucandance.org.

Community Events

r. Shawn Richey of Chiropractic Family Health Center has been helping area residents who suffer from severe hand or foot pain due to peripheral neuropathy for three years. Over the years, Dr. Richey’s program has a 91 percent success rate in helping sufferers feel 75-100 percent better.

Afternoon Tea, 1:30-3:30 p.m., May 1, St. Ferdinard Church,

The specialized treatment protocol offered by Dr. Shawn Richey at the Chiropractic Family Health Center includes up to 9 different specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms, offering hope for many more to live a more pain-free and enjoyable life.

Dr., Cranberry. Sponsored by the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. Free admission, open to the public. For info, visit PghNorthChamber.com.

With Dr. Shawn Richey’s neuropathy treatment protocol, patients no longer need to suffer with the pain and symptoms that have restricted their lives.

p.m., Apr. 21, Chadwick in Wexford. Purchase tickets by Apr. 8. Call (412) 487-6316, opt. 1 ext. 3111 or nhco.org/2016neighborhood-block-party.

The program identifies the cause and enables nerve endings to regenerate and heal rather than remain damaged. As the treatments repair the nerve endings, pain is reduced, and patients regain balance and coordination.

“Quilt in a Day” program, 10-noon, May 31, Stewart Hall,

Chiropractic Family Health Center now has offices in both Sewickley at 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 and Latrobe at 1901 Ligonier Street.

p.m., Apr. 10, American Legion in Zelienople. For info call, (724) 4730990 or info@parentintoto.org or www.zelienoplerotary. org.

“Our second location in Latrobe will be much more convenient for all our patients in Westmoreland County to receive their treatments and enable us to help additional sufferers of peripheral neuropathy, in both regions,” explains Dr. Shawn.

For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com. l l l

Oldenski Hall. Required reservations by Apr. 26. Call (724) 779-3986.

Business Expo, 3-7 p.m., Apr. 4, DoubleTree, Sheraton

North Hills Community Outreach Block Party, 5:30-8:30

Harmony Museum. Reservations recommended. Call (724) 4527341 or harmonymuseum.org.

Rotary Pancake Breakfast Benefits Parents in Toto, 8 a.m.-1

Spring Treasure Hunt, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Apr. 2, Parkwood

Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd. Vendors needed.

Call Elaine, at (412) 486-8755 or www.parkwoodchurch.org.

Festivals, Fairs & Fashion Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, June 10-12, Coopers

Lake Campground. For info, call (724) 256-4050 or visit www.

BantamJeepFestival.com.

Food Bank’s Feed More Festival, July 17, at Stage AE on

the North Shore. For details, visit www.pittsburghfoodbank. org.

Spring Job & Career Fair, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Apr. 20, Butler Days Inn. For info, call (724) 431-4030.

UPMC BodyChangers Spring Fashion Show, 6-10 p.m., Apr. 9, Herberman Conference Center, UPMC Cancer Pavilion. To RSVP, contact 855-263-9244 or BodyChangers@upmc.edu.

Environmental & Gardening Glade Run Spring Gardening Symposium, Garden to Plate,

8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Apr. 2, Glade Run, Zelienople. Required registration, call (724) 452-4453 x1277 or www.gladerun.org.

Great American Cleanup of PA, Mar. 1-May 31. For details, visit gacofpa.org.

Greybrooke Garden Club meeting, 9:30 a.m., Apr. 13,

Parkwood Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd. For info, call Barbro at (412) 296-0538.

Ingomar Garden Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., May 7, corner of

Ingomar Rd. & Rt. 19 (by Bruster’s). Perennials, annuals, hanging baskets & vegetables. For info, visit http://www.ingomargarden-club.com/

North Hills Community Outreach is seeking individuals

or garden groups to grow seedlings for transplanting in their organic garden. For details, call (412) 307-0069 x3311 or nhcogardens.squarespace.com.

Shaler Garden Club 63rd Annual Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-noon,

May 7, Kiwanis Park, 399 Wetzel Rd., Glenshaw. Perennials, annuals, bake sale, flea market. For details, visit www.shalergardenclub.org.

Golf Play Mini-Golf w/friends, raise funds for NHCO and fami-

lies in need, 5 p.m., May 12, RMU’s Island Sports Complex.

Register online at nhco.org/2016-minimasters-registration or call Nancy at (412) 307-0069 x2211.

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MEMORABLE MOMENTS | April 2016

St. Ursula 4 Man Golf Scramble, 1:30 p.m., Apr. 29,

Pittsburgh North Golf Club. For info, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1670427539911375/.

Verland Golf Tournament, June 6, Siliciano Golf Tournament at Green Oaks CC. For details, visit verland.org.

Library Northland Library Events: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder, 7 p.m., Apr. 14; Bring it North: Passavant Hospital’s Journey of Service, 10 a.m. or 7 p.m., Apr. 25; Downsizing, Organizing, Moving Seminar, 7 p.m., Apr. 28; Coin Appraisal Fair, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Apr. 30; Spring Book Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., May 6 & 7; 1-4 p.m., May 8 ($5 bag sale). Call (412) 366-8100 x103 or www.northlandlibrary.org.

Vincentian Academy celebrated Lunar New Year, Feb. 9-19. Twenty of the students currently enrolled at Vincentian are from China and Korea.

The theme to mark the beginning of the New Year was a dress down day where students wore red, blue or gold. Red and gold are traditional Chinese colors and blue represents Korean culture. Signs adorn the school; the Vincentian Academy lobby ceiling was decorated for Chinese New Year. There was also a snack table in the cafeteria featuring Chinese and Korean snacks.

Shaler North Hills Library Spring Book Sale, Apr. 22-24,

1822 Mt. Royal Blvd. Volunteers are needed for set-up, sorting, baggers, bake sale, & clean-up. Contact Sharon at (412) 486-0211.

Saint Ursula Catholic Schools Week was a great success. The week was filled with educational and fun events. On Feb. 1, the students were visited by Hampton, Shaler and Carnegie firefighters. The kids were able to ask questions, tour the firetrucks and inspect their gear. The school also had an ice cream social in their cafeteria.

Memories Diva Runway Show

C

ommunity College of Allegheny County North Campus assisted the Woodlands Foundation with their Diva Runway Show. The event was held Jan. 30 at the Woodlands Activities Center. CCAC North student athletes from the basketball, cross country, golf and ice hockey teams assisted with the set-up, hair and make-up preparations and escorting the divas ages seven to 15 as they strutted their stuff on the runway.

Emcee for the event was Amy Marcinkiewicz from Channel 11 News. There was a special guest appearance by Miss Wheelchair America 2012, Josie Badger. l l l

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