April 2019 issue - Northern Connection Magazine by Northern Connection Magazine

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CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 20 YEARS

APRIL 2019

Oxford Athletic Club

The Best By Design

Also...

April Happenings 2019 Summer Camps Famous Secretaries Trivia

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

I N T H I S I SSUE

NORTHERN CONNECTION April 2019

Contents 10

Features

Kids & Education

7 What is Social Media Marketing? Heather Cherry Consulting

23 Plastic Pollution Mary, Veronika and Alexis

7 Avon Club Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary

23 Cutting Down Trees Bliss and Emma

10 Cover Story: Oxford Athletic Club – The Best By Design Janice Lane Palko

24 School Movers & Shakers

Real Estate 9 A Buyer’s Agent is Essential Vince Parrucci

2019 Wedding Guide 12 Featured Wedding Essentials Providers 17 Fit Families: Getting Fit for Your Wedding Day Joella Baker

2019 Summer Camps Guide 18 Katie’s Clay Studio 18 BC3’s 2019 Kids on Campus offers 104 Camps

27 Kiddie Academy of Wexford Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary Janice Lane Palko

Health & Wellness 30 Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) fundraiser with the Pittsburgh Steelers Footballers Basketball team

Image & Style 32 A Pretty & Practical Spring “Capsule-like” Wardrobe Kelly A. Smith

Senior Living 34 Town Crier: A Fool for April Joe Bullick 36 Happenings for Seniors

Advertorials 5

APRIL 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Get Your “ING” Back: Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

33 In Every Issue... 4 From the Publisher: Marion Piotrowski 6 Movers & Shakers 8 Mover & Shaker of the Month: North Allegheny Teachers and the NA Community Unite in the Crusade Against Autism Paula Green 9 Support Our Troops: Local Veterans Events Paula Green 33 Trivia Connection: Sensational Secretaries & Awesome Administrative Professionals Trivia Paula Green 37 Where Was I?: Sing, Sing a Song Janice Lane Palko 38 April 2019 Happenings

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

P U B LI SH E R ’S NOT ES

Welcome to the April Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

his month’s cover story is about the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford and their newly renovated and updated facility. There is so much to explore there, that it is worth taking a tour to see if this could be the facility that would fit you and your family’s needs. In this issue, we are featuring the annual Wedding Guide. Wedding planning has certainly changed from year-toyear. However, the one common thread that does not change is that the wedding day is about the couple and what they want. Each year, Northern Connection magazine, offers some options for the couple to consider while planning their special day. The goal is “Happiness is to have the couple experience a wedding day where you find it, but very rarely that will give them memories that will last a where we seek it.” lifetime. This issue also continues with a special J. Petit Senn section for summer camps and programs. There are many options to choose from, and that makes it a bit easier to find the right fit for your children. The weather is starting to get nicer, and the days are getting longer! Be sure to check out the Happenings section for activities and events that are going on in and around the area that you might want to enjoy. Enjoy reading all Northern Connection magazine’s regular columns along with our special features. This month we are very excited to celebrate 20 years of connecting you to the community! Thank you for your support over the past 20 years, and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! 4 4 4

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

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

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko

Mary Simpson

Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc.

Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Joella Baker Joe Bullick Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith

Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Keep in touch with Northern Connection on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest

Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com

Distribution

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer

Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-9402444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year. 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. 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.

APRIL 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Get Your “ING” Back Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have HOPE Dr. Shawn Richey has restored the lives of thousands of peripheral neuropathy sufferers.

Laurie P. bikING again

Stephen sleepING again

Kim F. functionING again

John B. walkING again

Donna S. livING again

Ed N. movING again

Once thought to be incurable, 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. A specialized treatment protocol utilizing brand new technologies is available at the Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH. It includes the combination of very specific, non invasive, FDA approved and painless treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Dr. Shawn’s SUPERVISED, MONITORED and IN OFFICE program has a 90 percent satisfaction rate. With the experience of seeing over 3000 patients, he is able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results.

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 marydancedin.com.

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 If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait till they get worse. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation.

Two Locations: Sewickley 2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd, Suite 207

Latrobe

Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH

1901 Ligonier Street

MaryDancedIn.com (724) 940-9000

Visit us on Facebook under Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH and join our private support group

M OV E R S & SH AKERS

Movers & Shakers Dr. Prashan Thiagarajah has joined the professional staff at Genesis Medical Associates. Dayalan & Associates Family Medicine office is in Ross Township. Dr. Prashan Heritage Valley Health Thiagarajah System’s largest medical neighborhood opened on March 4 in Center Township. The new facility is located at 79 Wagner Road behind Beaver Valley Mall and is part of a 45-acre footprint called The Bluffs at Glade Path developed by Castlebrook Development Group, LLC.

UPMC broke ground on March 14 on the new UPMC Vision and Rehabilitation Tower at UPMC Mercy, which is being designed for patients in the Pittsburgh region who need physical rehabilitation and those who have diseases of the eye or vision impairment. The facility, part of UPMC’s $2 billion investment in specialty care, is projected to open in late 2022 and will position UPMC at the global forefront of rehabilitation and ophthalmic research and care.

Memorial Park Church announced that it will participate in the Beethoven 250 Choral Festival, set for June 9-13, 2020 in Vienna, Austria. Memorial Park Church choir will perform with other singers from around the world in the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral as part of this celebration to recognize the life and musical contributions of Ludwig Van Beethoven.

One Hot Cookie recently opened at 10339 Perry Highway in Wexford. Additional locations are in Ohio. More information can be found at www.onehotcookie.com.

Brad Mar Pine Athletic Association held the Neil Walker Field Groundbreaking Ceremony on March 10 at the field adjacent to Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church 670 Pleasant Hills Road in Wexford.

CALLING ALL TRAP SHOOTERS Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp 8th Annual Trap Shoot for Heroes Saturday June 8, 2019 Northside Sportsmen’s Association 5 Stand and Skeet Field Available Benefits Wounded Veterans For more information or to register go to WHHC.org 6

APRIL 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Avon Club Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary The Avon Club celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Founded in 1944 by women whose husbands were serving in World War II, the Avon Club aided the war effort by rolling bandages, knitting sweaters and corresponding with servicemen. Over the years, this can-do spirit was directed towards civic and social projects throughout the community. It continues today as a vibrant organization of women whose vison is to make the Avonworth community the best place to live. In 2018, Avon Club members provided financial support that totaled over $20,000 to 24 organizations. For the past 25 years, they have awarded scholarships to high school senior women to continue their education. The organization supports area schools, YMCAs, parks, fire departments and Meals on Wheels. Through their fundraising efforts, they have bridged financial gaps in the community and have also provided opportunities for women to share their skills while developing lasting friendships through social activities. Their upcoming events include an Open House Celebrating their 75th Anniversary on May 11 at the Ben Avon Borough Hall; Fall Festival on Sept. 28 at Church Avenue between Dickson & Dalzell in Ben Avon and a Holiday House Tour at homes throughout Ben Avon on Dec. 7. For more info, visithttps://theavonclub.org/.

What is Social Media Marketing? By Heather Cherry Consulting

ocial media marketing (SMM) is a powerful way for businesses of all sizes to reach prospects and customers. Social media influences everything! A solid social media presence is vital to a small business’s marketing plan. Many small businesses think they’ve excelled on their own and don’t need social media. In 2019, it is estimated that there will be around 2.77 billion social media users around the globe, up from 2.46 billion in 2017, according to Statista. Other small businesses think creating social media profiles and not using them is good enough. Wrong. Being successful with social media requires more than just showing up. It must include storytelling aspects, allowing users a peak into your brand’s story; consumers want to see emotion. It must be more than just getting likes and followers but building a brand that resonates with your customer base. Social media is like orientation before the

first day of school. During orientation, you see where you’re going, meet your teachers, and adapt a sense of belonging. Social media is a casual way for customers to learn about your business, what inspires you; what differentiates you from the competition. Plus, SMM increases website traffic, builds conversions, raises brand awareness, improves communication, and more! Many businesses use social media as a customer service tool. Negative reviews (and comments) happen, and social media allows for you to resolve an issue in real-time. Does all this overwhelm you? We get it. We can help you shuffle through the possibilities and grow your business. Contact us today for a free one-hour marketing analysis. Check out our upcoming workshop! Storytelling with Social Media is scheduled for April 30, 2019, at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh, 125 E Jefferson St, Butler, PA 16001. For the first hour, we will review platforms and their purpose, (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,

Pinterest, and LinkedIn), and then we will look at ways to create engaging content, resources, and more. Bring your laptop or tablet because in the final hour we will offer live feedback on your existing platforms. Only 12 spots remain, so don’t wait to register! 4 4 4

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

M OV E R S & SH AKERS

Mover & Shaker of the Month

North Allegheny Teachers and the NA Community Unite in the Crusade Against Autism By Paula Green

uring April, we celebrate Autism Awareness Month; we often see autism represented by puzzle pieces. It is no wonder since this disorder is puzzling to both the medical profession and those who are inflicted with it. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that approximately 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Locally, there is an annual event that helps raise funds for autism awareness. An Evening for Autism was held on March 1 at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry. One hundred percent of the monies raised benefits, Autism Speaks. The fundraiser was initiated 12 years ago by North Allegheny High School teachers. Since then it expanded. “Our group started primarily as teachers and their spouses. We have evolved through the years to still have a strong NA teacher presence on the committee. Since then, it has broadened in its make up to include different occupations and organizations. We have pulled in some people with big hearts and hard work ethics that have made a difference. Our donation total is not finalized yet, but we will break another fundraiser record this with over $71,000, which is incredible. In 2008, we made $10,000, and nowhere in our wildest dreams could we have imagined raising over $407,000 for Autism Speaks,” said Mike Lyons, North Allegheny High School history teacher and co-chair of the event. An Evening for Autism has grown to be more and more successful every year and is primarily due to the generosity of our sponsors, donors and attendees. “We have many different types of revenue streams, i.e. personal donations, corporate sponsorships, raffles. The amazing part is we do not make a lot of money from the ticket sale itself. Our largest revenue comes from our headline sponsor of UPMC, UPMC Health Plan, and Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, as well as other corporate and personal sponsorships and donations. Committee members are tireless in their support for the benefit. We ask local businesses, neighbors and family members, and they open their hearts and their wallets to give. Throughout the years, I find that people are good and want to make a difference in the world, but they want to know their contributions are going to a worthwhile cause. Our supporters know who we are and how important Autism Speaks is to us. We are stronger than ever,” Mike said. Val Scolieri co-chaired this year’s benefit, and other committee members included Mike’s wife, Annmarie Lyons, and North Allegheny High School math teacher, Sharon Volpe, Paulette Bundick, Heidi Moose, Andrea Gionta and Ernie Pontiere. It was a very successful fundraiser, according to Mike, “It is an amazing experience. When you can get a group of people all pulling the rope in the same direction and no one cares who receives credit, a lot of great things can happen. I did not know many of these people 12 years ago, and now it is an honor and privilege to call them my friends. Now, our children are getting involved in the benefit and helping with solicitations or sitting in meetings. It has truly become a family affair, and that family backbone is the strength of our committee.” 4 4 4

APRIL 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

S U PP ORT OUR T ROOPS

Local Veterans Events – A Retired Naval Officer to Speak at a Commencement, Veterans to be Honored and a New Housing Assistance for Homeless Veterans By Paula Green

a Roche College will welcome a special military guest during its graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 11. Cynthia B. Piccirilli M.D. will be the commencement speaker at the college’s graduation ceremony, which will take place at 10 a.m., in the Kerr Fitness & Sports Center. Dr. Piccirilli is a retired captain in the United States Navy and also as a former head of neurosurgery at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. She is an inaugural member of La Roche’s Distinguished Alumni Circle graduating summa cum laude in 1979. After graduation, she became a commissioned officer in the United States Navy and graduated with a doctor of medicine degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Edward F. Herbert School of Medicine. In 1995, Dr. Piccirilli became the first woman to complete training in a military neurosurgery program. In 2003, she was assigned to Okinawa, Japan, Cynthia B. Piccirilli M.D. and Landstuhl, Germany, where she provided neurosurgical care. Dr. Piccirilli was deployed to Kuwait with a Navy fleet hospital in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is an honor for La Roche to welcome her back. The Cranberry Township Veterans of Foreign War Post 879 will hold its 20th Annual Memory Ceremony at 1 p.m., on Sunday, May 26. The tribute will take place at the Veterans Memorial on North Boundary Road in Cranberry Township, near the community pool and baseball field. The ceremony will include presenting the colors, the laying of wreaths, a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps. For more information, visit http://www.vfwpost879.org/. The Veterans Leadership Program of Western PA has been assisting veterans transition back to civilian life. VLP is proud to announce a new program that will reach veterans in Butler and surrounding counties who are looking for housing. The bridge housing program has ten, one-bedroom apartments throughout Butler, Armstrong and Lawrence counties. All units will be in safe environments, conducive to recovery and affordable. These vets will also be provided with easy access to VLP, the Veterans Administration (VA), potential employers and a variety of essential social services. A service coordinator will work daily with the veterans in assisting with employment, financial literacy, utility assistance and other personal needs. After three months, VLP hopes the veteran will be ready to move out on their own, be financially secure, continue their job and continue using services VLP has to offer. If you know of a veteran who requires housing assistance, contact VLP at www.vlpwpa.org or at (412) 481-8200. 4 4 4

RE A L E S TATE

A Buyer’s Agent Is Essential By Vince Parrucci Licensed Real Estate Agent/ Realtor and Professional Real Estate Consultant

t’s spring—the time when people looking to buy a home shift into action. But before you start visiting open houses, model homes or noting “For Sale” signs in the neighborhood you desire to live in, you should consider engaging a Buyer’s Agent. Agents by default work for the seller unless you have a Buyer’s Agency Agreement in place. In addition to helping you to find a home, negotiate the purchase, acquire financing and guide you through the closing, there is another reason for engaging a Buyer’s Agent that some people may overlook: You should retain a Buyer’s Agent when you are building a new home. A Buyer’s Agent’s responsibility is to represent you. The person showing you the model home is an employee of the builder and works exclusively for them. That sales person is not representing you, nor are they looking out for your best interest. Most builders do work with real estate agents. They don’t always tell you this, but if you are considering building, you need to have an expert represent you. For example, Laura, a friend of mine, retained a Buyer’s Agent when she and her husband built a home in the area a few years ago. “Our Buyer’s Agent was extremely helpful. He was able to search the area and saved us from building next to a sanitary station that we had no idea was there,” said Laura. “Our Buyer’s Agent also looked through the contract and had the builder waive fees that they added into the contract that we didn’t notice.” A Buyer’s Agent can also act as an intermediary when things don’t go as planned. “A couple of things went wrong towards the end of the construction; our agent recognized it and was able to get money knocked off our purchase price,” said Laura. Using a Buyer’s Agent can save you money when financing. Most builders work with a preferred lender, but that lender may not be the best for you. A Buyer’s Agent can help you locate the best lender. “Our agent also accompanied us on the final walk-through and made sure everything was fine before we signed the final papers. Having a Buyer’s Agent made everything so much easier and less stressful,” said Laura. If you are building a new home, and you need a Buyer’s Agent, I can guide you through the process. 4 4 4 Considering a move? Contact Vince Parrucci, Licensed Real Estate Consultant, at: vinceparrucci@ thepreferredrealty.com, or call (724) 612-3770. In addition to being a Licensed Real Estate Agent/Realtor and Professional Real Estate Consultant, Vince Parrucci is the author of Smart Buy, Strong Sale: The Consumer’s Guide to Buying and Selling Your Next Home which is available through Amazon.com. His extensive experience includes VP of Mellon Bank, VP of Allegheny Financial Group, real estate investor, mentor and coach to thousands on investment real estate and flipping of houses and property.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

COV E R S TORY

Oxford Athletic Club THE BEST BY DESIGN By Janice Lane Palko

f you could design your ideal fitness club, what would it be like? Would it have an attractive ambiance? Would it have the latest in fitness programs, equipment and facilities? Would it have a professional, highly-trained staff? Would it be a place that you looked forward to visiting? If so, the newly renovated Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford fits the bill because it has been designed to be the best club in the area, one where it makes personal wellness a way of life—whether you are an elite athlete, a busy mom or dad, or a senior seeking to maintain an active life. Located at 100 Village Club Drive, the Oxford Athletic Club opened in 1998, and established itself as the premiere fitness

club in the area. In May of 2017, the club was put on the market and was acquired by PCG Real Estate. The new management wanted a new direction: To create a welcoming environment where people can come to eat, play, train and work to achieve their fullest potential. To enable members to do that, management believed that renovations were needed. But before surging ahead, PCG’s management turned to its clients—the people who would be coming to and using the facilities at the club—to see what they desired in their ideal club. In July 2017, several membership surveys and focus groups were conducted, and a three-phase renovation plan was developed to make Oxford Athletic Club the club of their dreams and one that fit seamlessly with whatever stage of life you are enjoy-

APRIL 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

ing. In January, Phases 1 & 2 of the renovations were finished, and the new Oxford Athletic Club debuted to the delight of its members and staff because the Oxford Athletic Club goes beyond being a gym; it is a lifestyle. The ambience is inviting with an attractive, modern, serene décor of soft grays and greens accented with color-changing LED lighting, and beckons guests to come inside to discover that the club is not just a pretty face, but the most elite club in the area for health, wellness and socialization. The upper level features a special events room that is an ideal spot for meetings, showers, birthday parties and anniversary parties. The onsite Market Café and The Terrace restaurant can provide to food to wow your guests. Bathed in natural lighting, the bright and airy room accommodates approximately 50 people and offers standard packages for your event. Need to host a meeting? The Oxford Athletic Club’s boardroom is perfect for important meetings and will certainly impress your clients. It accommodates 12 and is the perfect place for a lunch or dinner meeting and it also has access to The Terrace and Market Café. The Boardroom is the ideal place when you need privacy, and it is also professional space for meetings if you work from home and don’t have the luxury of your own conference room.

From its year-round offerings to seasonal programs, children will love coming to Oxford while you utilize our facility. Also on the upper level, there is a Youth Room where older children can challenge their fitness with Wii and Xbox competitions. It also offers a wide variety of youth programs to allow your child to learn about the equipment on the adult fitness floor as well as a wide array of other activities, including programs such as boxing, yoga and Taekwondo. Child Care is complimentary for certain amounts of time and Oxford is proud to provide only the highest quality childcare for its members. Children from 6 weeks of age-7 years old can take advantage of the club’s multiple childcare rooms, organized by infants, toddlers, Kid Zone, and Youth Zone. Oxford’s childcare experts are highly trained and certified to ensure that children have a fun and safe experience while you use our facility. If you need to do some work before your workout, bring your laptop and set up your mobile office in the WiFi lounge, which also offers private workspaces and complimentary printing capabilities. If you’re hungry, grab a ready-to-go snack in the Market Café or select a made-to-order meal. You can also enjoy the café’s infused waters or use the RFID bracelet to access the self-serve beer, wine and cider bar—the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. Take a break and stop by the Golf simulator and putting green to work on your game or visit the Pro Shop, which is stocked with all your favorite products from apparel to tennis balls. There you can get your racquet restrung or find the latest in workout wear. For a finer dining experience, The Terrace offers farm-to-table dining under the direction of Executive Chef Martin Thomas. Opening at 4 p.m. and exclusively for members of the Oxford Athletic Club, The Terrace features seasonal dinner dishes such as roasted beets & peach salad, roasted corn & crabmeat cake, chicken cacciatora, and rosemary jerk lamb chops. It’s the place to join friends, family or that special someone for a night of unforgettable food, drinks and ambiance. The lower level takes fitness training to new heights. The locker rooms have been upgraded with new electronic keypads, ensuring that your belongings are safe and protected. In addition to the new lock system, the locker rooms are equipped with

showers, a sauna and luxurious products. There’s nothing like a warm shower to recover after an invigorating workout. The Oxford Athletic Club since its founding has been synonymous with racquet sports and has seven Indoor Tennis Courts, four Outdoor Har-Tru Clay Tennis Courts and two indoor Squash and Racquetball Courts. It also welcomes Pickleball in the gymnasium. Six new studios dedicated to various fitness programs have been added, making The Oxford Athletic Club like no other in the area. The Zen room sets the mood for a diverse selection of yoga programs from Vinyasa to hot yoga. Balance is devoted to the Barre program, while the Tone room is designed for Pilates. Pulse gets you moving with Body Pump, Body Step, and Zumba. Impact features boxing and is also home to Rock Steady, a fitness program for those with Parkinson’s Disease. Reaxing equipment is found in the Thrive room and can introduce you to this program that is sweeping Europe. Ride is a state-of-theart cycling room offering Les Mill’s The Trip, which combines an immersive IMAX movie experience with spinning. The Oxford Athletic Club also has a fitness room with all new Freemotion Fitness Equipment and makes a big splash with a 25-meter Heated Outdoor Pool, baby pool, splash pad, sand volleyball court, playground and gazebo as well as a

25-yard heated indoor pool. Phase 3 of the renovation will soon commence and will overhaul the outdoor facilities and will add an Adults-Only pool and a Lazy River. A club is only as good as its staff, and Oxford Athletic Club employs professionals at all levels from chefs to trainers and coaches to housekeeping staff that keep the club pristine. The Oxford Athletic Club invites you to take a tour and see for yourself that it is the best facility for designing the life you want. 4 4 4

Located at: 100 Village Club Wexford, Pa. 15090 724-933-1911 www.oxfordathleticclub.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

2019 Northern Connection

Wedding Guide DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel PittsburghCranberry At the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Cranberry, we take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy the best day of your life. Allow us to plan your perfect day at our newly renovated venue designed with a contemporary mid-century modern flare. We have every-

thing you need in customizable packages for ceremonies, weddings, after parties, overnight accommodations, farewell brunches and all of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrations. With a grand ballroom accommodating events of 50 up to 700 guests, we are the perfect location for the most intimate of affairs or the grandest of galas. Our all-inclusive wedding packages may be custom tailored to your personal taste allowing your vision to come to life. You will work directly with our preferred vendors

APRIL 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

to choose the fresh floral centerpieces, color-coordinated napkins, chair covers, sashes and bridal cake of your dreams. Top of off your evening at Ember & Vine, woodfire oven + social bar with an impressive selection of craft beers, signature cocktails and late night bites. Learn more at doubletreewedding. com or contact our wedding coordinator at 724-778-4171 to schedule an appointment to visit our Hotel.

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Lenzner Coach Lines You’re getting married! Congratulations! It is now time for the planning to begin. A wedding means a long checklist of to-do items, and Lenzner Coach Lines would love to help take care of all your transportation needs. We offer various size vehicles for bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding party transfers and guest shuttles for your big day. Travel as a group and leave the driving to us! Plan your celebrations to include the safety of a professional driver so everyone can have fun. You can remove the stress of driving for your out-of-town guests by offering transportation from the hotel to your venue and back on your special day. Lenzner Coach Lines has been providing safe and reliable transportation in the Pittsburgh area and across the nation since the company was founded in 1939. We also offer motorcoach tours to various locations across the U.S. and Canada, and we are proud to be the transportation of choice for many local schools, universities and professional sports organizations.

Please call the Lenzner Coach Lines charter department today to discuss all the wonderful options we offer, and get started on making transportation one thing you don’t have to worry about! Call: 1-888-345-2436

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LNS Studio LLC

LNS Studio LLC specializes in wedding, engagement, portraiture, events, pets, and landscape photography. Owner and primary photographer, Lauren Smith, knows how to coax the best expressions from her subjects. “Most photographers tell their wedding couples to act naturally, but for many it’s not natural to be in front of a camera. I tell my brides to take a deep breath, look at their partner and think of the reasons why you’re getting married and how much you love them. Those candid moments between them are usually the favorite photographs,” said Lauren, who covers the Pittsburgh area but is willing to travel to nearby states and has her passport ready to go for those destination weddings! She loves working with clients to create their vision. “I do outdoor and urban settings

or activities that have meaning for the couple like mini-golf or biking. I also use props or furniture in an open field to make the mundane into something extraordinary,” said Lauren. She advises booking early; the sooner the better. “Many dates are popular, so it’s best to book when you have solidified a date, or for family shoots when there is a day that works for everyone being photographed,” said Lauren. For more information on LNS Studio LLC, visit: lnsstudiollc.com, facebook.com/lnsstudiollc or instagram. com/lnsstudiollc.

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

Table Talk Linens Table Talk Linens offers a wide variety of classic and trendsetting linen rentals for every budget. At Table Talk, we transform banquet tables and chairs into elegant pieces that beautifully accent any event. We invite Brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to come in for a creative consultation to achieve their desired look. Table Talk houses our linens on site at our Babcock Boulevard warehouse and show room. Because our linens arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shipped in from other states, Table Talk can be flexible to your needs right up to the moment your event begins. Table Talk Linens offers all levels of service from simply renting linens to full set up at your venue. It is our goal to make this process as

fun and creative as possible. Table Talk Linens priority is to make your event a great success while being stress-free. 412-828-5000 Check out our website at www.tabletalklinens.com Like us on Facebook @tabletalklinens Email us at info@tabletalklinens.com 3238 Babcock Blvd., Pgh, PA 15237

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Life is Too Short to Blend In Find your unique style at Jewelry by Alicia & Scott. From unique and rare gemstones and diamonds to the most classic of styles. Shop our in-stock inventory in our showroom, or make an appointment to have

a custom-design consultation. Using the most up to date tooling and technology paired with an in house bench jeweler, this husband and wife duo can tackle almost any design. Check out Jewelry by Alicia & Scott on Facebook and Instagram to see what fun projects they are currently working on. Store Info: 306 Warrendale Rd. Wexford PA 15090 724-934-6296 info@jewelrybyaliciaandscott.com www.jewelrybyaliciaandscott.com

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Windswept Entertainment & Events Windswept Entertainment & Events is dedicated to making your wedding special. Windswept helps take the worry out of event planning. Our event specialists and crew take pride in offering excellent service and ensure that your special day will run smoothly and efficiently from start to finish. Our tents are made with UV-blocking fabric. Keeping the inside cooler in the summer and warmer on colder days means you can create the exact venue you want any time of the year. With our Party CAD Design System, you will also be able to see the setup and positioning of chairs, tables

APRIL 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

and tents as well as enjoy a virtual reality walkthrough. Need an on-site consultation? Our professional event specialists can visit the event site to measure and ensure the perfect set up for your event. We can be your one-stop shop for: DJs / Bands, Fabric Draping, Lounge Furniture, Custom Lighting, Dance Floors, Tables, Linens / Sashes, Chair Coverings, Dishware, Flatware, Generators, Tents, Stages, Entertainment, Restrooms (3 or 5-unit options with flush toilets, hot running water and climate controlled) and more. Whatever you need to make your day special, Windswept Entertainment & Events has it. Our goal is to have you experience the very best in party rentals! www.WINDSWEPT.com 724539-1009.

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

The Art Expose By Janice Lane Palko When you open the door at The Art Expose, it’s like opening the lid of a treasure chest as it is filled with an abundance of beautiful and unique pieces from around the globe. Located at 120 Church Road in Wexford, it is the place to visit when you are looking for that “special something,” be it a gift, an item for the home or just to treat yourself. “We consider ourselves a bou-

APRIL 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

tique because we are small and carry niche merchandise,” said Carolyn Dorazio, owner of The Art Expose and curator of the collectible, one-of-a kind items that come from around the world. There are items from Madagascar, Australia, Italy, Cambodia, Africa to name a few and from around the U.S. There is wearable art—Secret Threads clothing from India and Rowallan handbags from Scotland as well as decorative items like prints from Italy and Quill art from Vietnam. The more you browse The Art Expose, the more you discover. If you are looking for an heirloom quality wedding gift--one that will make the bride and groom recall your good wishes on their big day--The Art Expose has it. You can choose from hand-crafted porcelain pieces, sculptures and glassware. “If you see something and you want it a bit different, I can contact the artist to have it customized and get the item usually within 5-7 days,” said Ms. Dorazio. With such a stunning array of one-of-a-kind pieces, those who have never ventured into The Art Expose may think that they only carry expensive items. “We have items ranging from the inexpensive to the pricey, but no matter what the piece is, it is special and cannot be found in a chain store,” said Ms. Dorazio, who invites anyone to discover the treasures awaiting them in Wexford. The Art Expose is open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 12-4 p.m.

Getting Fit for Your Wedding Day By Joella Baker

our wedding day is the perfect motivation to help you focus on getting fit, losing weight and making sure you fit into your dress on your special day. If you already have a great fitness and nutrition plan, then stick to it and simply make a few changes pre-wedding day. If you’re starting from scratch, below are nine tips to keep you on track as your wedding day approaches. • Start a fitness routine or add to your current routine. If you’re new to exercise, start out slowly. Ask for help and do what you can to stick to a plan. You may want to join a gym and get a personal trainer. It’s best to have someone who can hold you accountable through your fitness journey. • Start a food log. During your wedding preparation, you will be sampling foods, going to parties and celebrating a lot. It’s important to keep this under control as much as you can. When you go to sample foods, don’t eat everything, take a couple bites, and that’s it. Get a notebook and write down everything that you eat each day. • Fill up at breakfast. So many people think a granola bar, a small bowl of cereal, a piece of fruit is enough breakfast for you. It’s not! You need to fill up at breakfast. It will keep you from getting too hungry throughout the day and over-eating later. • Cut back on the alcohol. Alcohol is filled with calories, and even though you’re in celebration mode, it’s important to watch all the calories you take in. All of them. That includes the alcohol. If you do drink, sip your glass slowly and enjoy it for the flavor instead of drinking it for another purpose. • Get your rest. Getting enough sleep will keep everything in check. When you get enough rest, you make better choices in your food. When you get enough sleep, you’ll be rested enough to stick to your workout plan. Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Sticking to a schedule will allow your body the consistency it needs to be rested and stay strong. • Drink a lot of water. It will keep your body hydrated. This will help you make better choices when eating. It will also help your skin to look beautiful and glowing. • Always start your day off right. This means get up on time. Don’t hit that snooze button. Get up and exercise. Eat a great breakfast and start your day off the way you need to. • Keep a snack on hand. When you get hungry during the day, grab a healthy snack. This will keep you from getting overly hungry and binging on foods you shouldn’t eat. • Manage your stress. Easier said than done—I know. But keeping your stress levels down will also help you in being more mindful of what you’re eating. What’s a great way to relieve stress? Exercise, of course. It all comes full circle. The three main things you need are great food, lots of water and exercise, and you will be ready for your big day. So, start today. Get to the gym, meet with a personal trainer or sign-up for some great classes, strength classes and cardio. Stick to your plan. Eat smart, get a lot of sleep and always have a bottle of water with you. 4 4 4 www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

2019 Summer Camps Guide Someone once said, “My years are divided into two seasons—camp and not camp.” With summer camp season right around the corner, now is the time to find the perfect camp for your child so that they can make discoveries, make friends, and make this summer the best of their lives. Northern Connection is happy to provide information on some of the best camps in our area.

Katie’s Clay Studio Katie’s Clay Studio focuses on facilitating a summer camp that encourages the growth and development of each student as well as providing in-depth learning experiences on a wide variety of artistic tech-

niques and mediums. Sending your student (recommended ages 6-16) to our half-day, full-day, or single-day summer camp programs immerses them in a studio packed full of creative and exciting ideas that helps them develop their personal aesthetic as well as critical thinking skills and refines

motor skills. Our staff has clearances at the state and federal level and training in child development and the visual arts. Your student will be safe as they grow, learn, have fun and GET MUDDY! Katie’s Clay Studio’s fun atmosphere is perfect for all ages, backgrounds, skill levels and developmental needs. Can’t make it to camp? We are open all summer long for open studio paint your own pottery, all ages and skill levels. Visit our website for prices, dates and summer camp themes. Join us at KatiesClayStudio.com and click on the summer camp brochure to register today. Coming soon adult camp workshops in the fall!

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BC3’s 2019 Kids on Campus offers 104 camps Open house scheduled for May 22 (Butler, PA) Butler County Community College’s 21st Kids on Campus summer enrichment program for students in grades (Continued on page 20)

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kindergarten through 12 will feature a 10-year high of 68 new camps among its 104 selections and begins with an open house May 22. Kids on Campus offers four-day camps – hands-on experiences in acting, arts and crafts, athletics, cooking, gardening, sewing, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics – from June 17 through Aug. 1 on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township. New four-day Best of Kids on Campus programs, for those through eighth grade, is scheduled from Aug. 5-8. Programs are divided among those in kindergarten and first grade, second through fourth grades, fifth through eighth grades, and ninth through 12th grade. A new floral academy, for those in grades 9-12 and in which students can gain initial skills for future employment, is set from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 24-27. Morning camps are held from 9 a.m. to noon and separate afternoon camps, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Children can bring a packed lunch or purchase lunch daily for $6 at the Pioneer Café on campus. Camp costs start at $69 per student, which includes tuition and fees. Morning care is available from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for $28 weekly, and afternoon care, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for $21 weekly. Visitors can register at the open house from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 22 in the lobby of Succop Theater on BC3’s main campus. For more information or to request a registration form, call 724-2878711 Ext. 8504. 4 4 4

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

NOW HIRING!

PART-TIME PARTY COORDINATOR Generous hourly rate commensurate with experience We are seeking an energetic individual to lead our sports-themed parties for children ages 4-13. Must be available on Friday evenings and Saturdays late morning to early evening. Must have own transportation. This is great work experience for college students seeking sports-related degrees

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate and lead parties and events for groups of 10-20 children in a safe, fun and positive manner. • Interact with parents/guardians • Stage sports equipment/accessories • Light cleaning of gym floor, balcony and lobby between and after events

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• High school senior, some college preferred • One or more years of experience as youth camp counselor (party/ recreational work experience preferred) • Strong kid-friendly interpersonal skills, with ability to interact with a diverse customer base of adults • Professional work conduct

ALL EMPLOYEES MUST OBTAIN FEDERAL AND PA CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK CLEARANCES APPLICANTS MAY APPLY BY EMAILING: INFO@SPORTSANDCOURTSNORTH.COM Please include job posting title in the subject line.

The OLSH Campus is Alive this Summer with an Array of Camps! Students entering grades PreK-12 are invited to spend their summer exploring science, performing arts, their faith, athletics, and more at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School. The University of Notre Dame’s Center for STEM Education will once again host a camp for students in grades 6-8. This two-week Science & Engineering Camp engages students with hands-on activities, like dissections and building Rube Goldberg machines, and science investigations every day. Sports camps being offered this summer for middle school students include a soccer clinic for boys and girls, cross country training, boys and girls volleyball skills, and girls basketball skills with our WPIAL champion girls basketball coaches and players. The OLSH theatre department offers experiences for students of all ages to perform on the OLSH stage this summer, with camps for grades 2-4, 5-8, and high school students (non-OLSH students welcome!). Children ages PreK through 3rd grade are invited to join us for Creator Camp, introducing the children to God through art and His creation through art projects, activities, playtime, and prayer. Led by our talented teachers and coaches, OLSH’s summer experiences enrich students academically, athletically, artistically, and spiritually. Learn more and register at www.olsh.org/summercamp/. 4 4 4

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KIDS & E DUC ATIO N

Fifth grade social studies classes from Holy Cross Academy learned about the critical thinking skill of comparing viewpoints. The students worked with a partner to write an essay expressing their opinion of a topic. Here are two viewpoint essays written by our students:

Plastic Pollution

Cutting Down Trees

By Mary, Veronika and Alexis

By Bliss and Emma

e are writing to inform you about a problem everyone should know about â&#x20AC;&#x201C; plastic. We think plastic is bad because some animals think it is food and eat it. The plastic gets stuck in their throats and they suffocate on it. Also, people throw away plastic products that can be reused after they use it once. Plastic does not decompose, but it does break down into small pieces which end up in the ocean. Then fish take it in, so when we eat fish, we eat some plastic along with it. Did you know that there is an island made of only plastic and other waste in the Atlantic Ocean? We also understand that plastic is cheap to make, lasts a long time and makes life easier for people. Also, plastic is used in hospitals and saves lives every day. These are the two sides of plastic; the one that you choose is your decision, but we want to help the earth by not using plastic for things that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be plastic.

utting down trees has been a global issue for a very long time. As humans, we have to limit the amount of trees being cut down. Many animals, such as chipmunks, squirrels and birds are losing their homes. Chopping down trees is not only harmful to animals but people as well. The trees give off oxygen that we need to live and breathe. We know we need the wood to make furniture, pencils, paper and many other items. Unfortunately, some people waste paper or throw away furniture which wastes trees. Our earth is full of beautiful lush trees, but if we continue to cut down too many, the human race will die out and our planet will be bare. 4 4 4

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K I D S & E DUC AT ION

School Movers & Shakers Shaler Area Shaler Area announced that teacher Steve Balsomico was named semifinalist for the 2020 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Balsomico is a Japanese

Steve Balsomico

language teacher at Shaler Area High School and was chosen by the selection committee of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National State Teachers of the Year. He will now advance to the semifinalist round of the state Teacher of the Year selection process.

Shaler Area High School senior Marissa Fukas has been selected into the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s AllState Orchestra. Shaler Area High School junior Ethan Carter has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association as one of the top instrumentalists in the state by being selected for its All-State Concert Band. Shaler Area High School senior John Stanton won 1st place in High School Creative Writing in the 2019 Waldman International Arts and Writing Competition.

North Hills North Hills School District will welcome longtime McIntyre Elementary Principal Amy Mathieu as its new Director of Elementary Education on July 1. North Hills School District has appointed Michelle Spingola as the new principal for McIntyre Michelle Patrick Elementary, and Spingola Weber high school assistant principal Patrick Weber as the new Director of Athletics. They will assume their duties on July 1 at the start of the 2019-20 school year. North Hills High School senior Nickolas Bartel and freshman Kevin Tian won top honors at the Pittsburgh region’s Pennsylvania High School Speech League contest. North Hills High School’s Wind Ensemble received a national honor from the National Association for Music Education. The ensemble was chosen from among music ensembles from throughout the United States’ east coast to perform at the 2019 National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Convention in Pittsburgh in April.

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Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area School District’s executive director of Elementary Education and Instruction, Ashley Constantine, Ed.D., has been named the first-ever recipient of the Jean E. Winsand Emerging Woman in Education Award. The award is given by the Tri-State Area School Study Council and honors an exemplary emerging educational leader. Stephanie Reilly, Fox Chapel Area School District’s online learning coordinator, has been named the winner of the 2019 Carnegie Science Center’s High School Educator Award. Three Fox Chapel Area High School students were named winners in a national contest. Seniors Lauren Copeland, Alaina Kotchey, and Adina Munin received an honorable mention in C-SPAN’s 2019 StudentCam competition. Two Fox Chapel Area High School/A.W. Beattie Career Center students placed in the SkillsUSA District 8 competition. Sophomore Ashton Monroe, who is studying culinary arts, was awarded a first place in the Restaurant Service category. Senior cosmetology student Paige Shurina won third place in the Esthetics category. Two Fox Chapel Area High School students have been selected as National Honorable Mention recipients of the 2019 National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing. The students are sophomore Amulya Garimella and freshman Janise Kim. Ten Fox Chapel Area High School seniors have been designated as National Merit Finalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The finalists are - Justin Breen, Theresa Heidenreich, Rachel Himmel, Elizabeth Kaslewicz, Zachary Lakkis, Mitchell Miles, Annika Urban, Gina Wang, Landon Williams and Ziya Xu. Five Fox Chapel Area High School students placed in their events at the Pittsburgh Diocesan Qualifying Tournament for the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Championship Tournament. Team members who placed were - Rajeev Godse, Jackson Romero, Vaishavi Agrawal, Hanna Chen, and Jackson Boychuk.

Holy Cross Academy

Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights)

(Saint Sebastian School / Saint Teresa of Avila School) Principal: Kelly Klassen 412-364-7171

Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park) Principal: Margaret Ruefle M.ED.M.S. (412) 366-4455 www.alphaschool.org

Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com

Vincentian Academy (North Hills, PA)

Principal: Mrs. Rita Canton (412) 364-1616 www.vincentianacademy.org

A team of Dorseyville Middle School students placed fourth overall at the 2019 Western Pennsylvania Science Bowl. Members were Elijah Conklin, Ananth Kashyap, Arvind (Continued on page 26)

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K I D S & E DUC AT ION

Seshan, Adhitya Thirumala and Murugan Ayyanar.

Seneca Valley Fun Fore All family fun park, located in Cranberry Township, donated $2,500 to the Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF). The contribution will be used for four mini-grants that will benefit the students in three teacher classrooms at the Seneca Valley Senior High School. Seneca Valley Academy of Choice (SVAOC) dance student Veridy Treu won the highest award at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) regional ballet competition at Upper St. Clair High School. Competing against dancers from 10 other states, the Seneca Valley Senior was named the YAGP Grand Prix winner of the Senior Division. Seven Seneca Valley students placed in five different categories, including Best in Show, at the Associated Artists of Butler County (AABC) High School Student Art Show. The honorees were: Kelsey Gianfrancesco, Jessie Glatz, Amelia Reese, Max Ludwig, Owen Perdue, Danny Ledbetter and Storm Harvin.

The Seneca Valley Foundation and Mr. Randy Hart, a Seneca Valley Alumnus and retired educator, announced that five members of Seneca Valley School District’s elementary and secondary staff have been named minigrants winners. Mini-grant winners are: Jamie Badaracco, Rebecca Finch, Steve Fortunato, Tim Kamnikar and Andra Titus.

Mars Area

North Allegheny

Richard Schoeffel, Mars Area High School Student Council advisor, was named the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils (PASC) Region A High School Advisor of the Year.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has named two seniors at North Allegheny Senior High School as Christopher Luke 2019 Coca-Cola Lee Turkovich Scholars, awarding them each a $20,000 college scholarship. They are Christopher Lee and Luke Turkovich.

Richard Schoeffel

Shady Side Academy

Members of the Mars Area High School Boys Basketball Team pose for a picture with their first-place trophy after winning the 2018-2019 WPIAL Class 5A Boys Basketball Championship Title. Members of Mars Area High School’s Interact Club and Key Club raised more than $900 to benefit Special Olympics Pennsylvania as part of the annual Pittsburgh Polar Plunge, held Feb. 22 at Heinz Field. Mars Area High School seniors Megan Hooper, Jack Ramsey and Nicholas Rupnow were named Commended Students in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Mars Area Elementary School, working in partnership with the Mars Area Centennial School FOR (Friends of Rachel) Club, collected 4,250 pairs of shoes as part of Shoe Drive fundraiser, held Feb. 4-15. Students at Mars Area School District’s three elementary schools raised a combined $16,987 to benefit the American Heart Association as part of a “Hearts for Heroes” fundraiser, held in February. Mars Area Primary Center (K-1) raised $3,807; Mars Area Elementary School (2-4), $12,935, and Mars Area Centennial School (5-6), $245 for the cause. Mars Area Elementary School students Camden Carrabba and Abigail Schirato were named winners in the 20182019 PLCB Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest.

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Four Shady Side Academy seniors were named finalists in the 64th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The SSA finalists are Oliver Henry, Nicholas Lauer, Walter Navid and Amanda Zeng.

St. Joseph Saint Joseph High School announced the 2019 Spirit of Saint Joseph Award recipients: Rev. Paul G. Henne, posthumously; Thomas Octave; John W. Regoli, Jr. ’82, posthumously; The Scott Sisters, CSJ (Sr. Eileen ’47, posthumously; Sr. Jeanne ’49; Sr. Rosaleen ’51); Jane Thimons ’70.

Eden Christian Academy

Students from Eden Christian Academy (Eden) won the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division (PBA/YLD) Mock Trial Competition for Region 1 (Allegheny County). The team advanced to the State Championship in Harrisburg. The students are coached by Aubrey Smith, an associate at Dingess, Foster, Luciana, Davidson and Chleboski LLP (DFL Legal), who competed as a member of the school’s first mock trial team in 2007.

Blessed Francis Seelos In February, sixteen Blessed Francis Seelos Academy students competed at Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest. Seventh grader Alex Brown was one of five students chosen

as a finalist in the Monologues Lower Division (grades 4-7) category. Eighth graders Bella White, Lauren Rajasenan, and Caroline Marschke received an Honorable Mention in the Upper Scene (grades 8-12) category.

Butler Catholic

Kiddie Academy of Wexford Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary By Janice Lane Palko Ten Butler Catholic School students participated in The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS). Eight students received first place awards: Joshua Kelly, Aaron Short, Milan DeNicola, Michaela Peratt, Azriella Marra, Montana Geibel, Leah Zagurskie and Wyatt Kos. Second place awards: Bridget Preston and Noah Lynd. Aaron Short and Milan DeNicola received a perfect score of 5.0. Aaron also received the Director’s Award for Junior High Computer Science, and Milan received the Ernst P. Hall Award for Junior High Ecology. Students and teachers at Butler Catholic School received a handcrafted bookmark or “kindness card” thanks to their very kind third grade classmate and student, Alexa Coyle, and Dakota and Alexa Coyle Jade McElravy, the two sisters behind the Pass on the Smile Project.

Holy Cross Academy Seventh grader Caileigh Duffy earned Honorable Mention for her short story entry “Saving Color” from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. During their Valentine’s Party, seventh graders filled 175 snack bags with donated items. The bags contained a heartwarming message of support and were delivered to Catholic Charities for distribution to clients at its warming stations. The kids included a small prayer card that they wrote. They continued their service by filling lunch bags for St. Mary’s Red Door Ministry to the Homeless. The students donated their own money to fund the sandwich making. The Junior Varsity A Girls basketball team finished as section champions with an undefeated season: Sarah Bertocchi, Sara Daeschner, Morgan Duty, Josephine Fontana, Grace Kosylo,

or 10 years, Kiddie Academy of Wexford has been providing a safe, nurturing environment for children where learning takes place through play. “At Kiddie Academy children also learn how to make friends, keep friendships, share and compromise, collaborate and communicate with others while filling their day with fun,” said Mona Bhatia, Director/Owner. “Our Life Essentials curriculum helps to build strong foundations with lifelong skills.” Academically, Kiddie Academy offers 11 individualized classrooms based on age and the ability to support a child’s growth. “As on-site owners, we work diligently along with our management team toward improving the center with updated technological enhancements, keeping the center looking clean and pristine and creating a safe and nurturing environment for children and employees,” said Ms. Bhatia. Kiddie Academy of Wexford is a secure facility; the center has many security cameras installed both inside the facility and outside on the facility grounds to ensure the safety of everyone. However, Kiddie Academy keeps an open-door policy for parents. “We believe that it is important for parents/guardians to feel as though they can come back at any time of the day to visit their children even if it is for a quick hello or to enjoy lunch with them,” said Ms. Bhatia. Children at Kiddie Academy can enjoy a breakfast every morning, a hot lunch and an afternoon snack while practicing their skills in family-style dining. The center regularly involves itself in community and center-wide events including a “Story Time Live,” a Halloween parade and show, a Fourth of July parade and many classroom performances throughout the year for parents and guardians to enjoy. “We also pride ourselves on our ability to provide our teachers with continuous early childhood education, which allows teachers to continue to grow as an educator and to bring these skills back into their classroom,” said Ms. Bhatia. For example, Kiddie Academy of Wexford is integrating STEM and STEAM into the curriculum by providing children with opportunities everyday inside the classroom that include hands-on learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics as well as the arts by using the many classroom tools and materials that are available. “In addition to the STEM/STEAM activities in the classroom that correspond with our curriculum, the children also get a chance to visit our school-age/resource room a few times a month to engage in STEAM activities that reflect common interests and center-wide themes,” said Ms. Bhatia. Kiddie Academy’s teachers are well-equipped with childhood experience, and its lead teachers in each room hold a degree in early childhood or elementary education. “In addition to these certifications, our teachers are enrolled in continuous teacher trainings in the area of early childhood education. Most importantly, they have passion to be with children,” said Ms. Bhatia, who says one of the greatest joys of celebrating 10 years in the community is to “have employees and parents with us since the beginning and to run into some of the past students in our community and see how they have grown!” 4 4 4

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K I D S & E DUC AT ION

Leah Larson, Camryn Loskot, Lyndsay Luff, Rory O’Connell, Taylor Phillips and Grace Zickefoose. The Junior Varsity Boys basketball team also made it to the playoffs: Declan Bartholomew, Joshua Brown, Wyatt Burkhart, Ethan Guszczynski, Grayson Lang, Perry Meenan, Nathan Melendez, Chad Minton, Jack Ryan and Owen Tonery. HCA hosted its second annual developmental basketball tournament. Fourth grade girls champions are Alessandra Colasante, Addison Crummie, Keira Duffy, Gianna Fuller, Jayna Miller, Madison Pullen, Anna Tilley, Lily Zickefoose, Naudia Zotter and coaches Laurie Miller and Annie Zickefoose.

Fourth grade boys champions are Jackson Long, Cooper Ravenstahl, Nick Ricciardelli, Nathan Schanbacher, Evan Stanton, Dominic Vallecorsa, Dylan Wrabley, Ricky Zilaitis and coaches Jim Long and Christian Wrabley. Third grade boys champions are Tylor Andrighetti, Carson Eckert, Austin Ellis, Aiden Guszczynski, Joshua Lu, Cole Miller, Jared Nastal, Rodrigo Perez-Vasquez, Anthony Spagnolo and coaches Mike Eckert and Casey Ellis.

La Roche College La Roche College performing arts students Kyra Bracey and Renee Simeone received partial scholarships for intensive study at Martha Graham Dance School in New York City.

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St. Vincent College Saint Vincent College has placed fifteenth in a ranking of the top Christian colleges and universities in the United States by the educational website Study.com. Teams from Norwin High School won first and third place, while a team from Greensburg Salem High School placed second, at the 13th Annual Engineering Bridge Competition on March 11, in the Fred M. Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College.

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H E A LT H & WEL L NESS

Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) fundraiser with the Pittsburgh Steelers Footballers Basketball team

he Pittsburgh Steelers Footballers Basketball team will be playing at La Roche College’s Kerr Fitness & Sports Center on Friday, April 26, at 8:00 p.m. in a Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) fundraiser. They are raising money on behalf of two Hampton residents: Nick Vizzoca and Sam Triulzi. Nick is President and CEO of VCS, has been nominated for LLS man of the year and is a pediatric Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. Sam is a Hampton High School junior who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia after being diagnosed in May of 2018. We hear his last treatment was Monday, March 18. They have selected to work with LLS because blood cancer research can be the gateway to curing other cancers. Their research has led to groundbreaking treatments -- such as chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplantation – that are vital to treating blood cancers and many other forms of cancer. Game event tickets are $7. You can get them at the door, but to guarantee a ticket, please call La Roche at 412 536-1044. The Steelers will sign autographs at half time. If you can’t make the game, you can still support LLS by donating on-line at this secure website: https://pages.mwoy.org/wpa/pgh19/lhayward 4 4 4

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IM AGE & S T Y LE

A Pretty & Practical Spring “Capsule-like” Wardrobe By Kelly A. Smith

n the very first day that really feels like spring, most women will be out and about in their breeziest, brightest and coolest spring essentials, dainty dresses, beautiful blouses and, not to mention, statement making skirts and shorts that really proclaim, “spring is here!” I once read that we typically only use about 25 percent of the clothes we buy and store in our closet. That’s a pretty striking statistic to hear until I realized that I am definitely one of those offenders. You know the drill. You stand and stare into your closet that is stuffed with a smorgasbord of “nothing to wear.” You buy up all kinds of trendy pieces that are eventually relegated to the back of the drawer or even worse, get donated with the tags still attached. Do you ever find yourself circling back to the same pieces that give you the same look day after day? Yep, I’m one of those girls. To get a minimalist or capsule-like wardrobe means that you’ll need to do a purge. I don’t like the idea of being quite that limited, so I’m not talking about ditching every piece you own and starting from scratch

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but, a good overhaul will be needed to maintain a functional and fashionable spring capsule-like wardrobe. Read on for some easy spring clothes-chucking tips. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY — We all love a good bargain. Cute and trendy means nothing if it can’t make it through a dozen washings. It’s far better to invest in a few good pieces that you can find on sale rather than buy up the lot of “new, fashion-forward spring essentials,” especially if you want it to work in your wardrobe next spring and the one after that, and so on. Remember, these are staple pieces that should always be in your wardrobe so you may as well buy the good stuff. Not only will well-made clothing feel better, but they will fit better. If you think about it, wouldn’t you rather invest in a few quality (staple) items that stay a staple of your wardrobe for a few years rather than replace them several times in a season? FLATTERING FIT — Jeans and slacks can be the hardest to fit. Pants that sit too low can create the muffin top look; jeans that fit too tight in the thighs or derriere just result in the stuffed sausage effect. No one wants to feel like they should drop weight to fit into a pair of pants, so you need to find the right fit by shopping outside of your comfort zone. This means trying other stores than your usual go-to and actually taking the time to try on several pairs to find your perfect fit. VERSATILITY MATTERS — Do make sure that if you buy an impulse or trendy item that it can be paired up with several other items that you already have. Make sure that your pieces can be interchanged with casual and business wear. For example, if you are buying a blouse for a particular pair of jeans, can it also be worn tucked into a dress skirt? Can the sleeves be buttoned or rolled up? What about layering? Is it a neutral color that will match one or two printed pieces? These are just some things to consider when trying to make a minimal wardrobe work for you. COLOR CORRECT — Know what colors look best on you. This will really go a long way when selecting your pieces and how to best interchange them. I like to keep a good chunk of my wardrobe in the neutral palettes, the blacks, whites, tans and then add splashes of color to those. Try to keep your higher quality items that we touched on earlier, in the neutral color zones and use those as your building blocks of your capsule wardrobe. If you try to buy up all the cute floral or printed blouses or skirts first, you’ll end up with a lot of mismatched items that will not harmonize together, and you’ll be right back where you startedlooking at a closet full of nothing to wear. ACCESSORIES GALORE — Buying up loads of accessories is a modest way to boost your attire in any season, but spring accessories can be the easiest of all seasons. Anything that has a floral print or bright color can be added with ease to create a pleasantly pleasing spring wardrobe. Scarves are always a timeless favorite that pack a punch of color on a top, but as a trendy alternative, try adding a hair-tie scarf to a long side braid. And, they’re not just for long hair- you can easily top off a short ‘do with a cute headband scarf that will stay in place all day. Want another easy way to add some spring style to your ensemble? Try adding simple costume jewelry such as stackable bangles in sparkly spring colors or a pair of charming bauble earrings. Additionally, a pair of sandals can add a cool vibe to a plain T-shirt and jeans combo. Limiting the amount of clothes that you buy and keep means more functionality to your ensembles and reduces the amount of time that you stand around hovering in front of your closet uttering that you have nothing to wear. It also means no more buyer’s remorse splurges so nothing will sit and collect dust. There is no right or wrong number of pieces to transition to a capsule-like wardrobe, but do take into consideration your ability to mix, match and style yourself daily when choosing your items. Here’s to springing into spring with (practical) style! 4 4 4

TRIVIA CO N N E CTIO N

Sensational Secretaries & Awesome Administrative Professionals Trivia By Paula Green 1. In an episode of Seinfeld, this character had a bit part on Murphy Brown as her new secretary, Steven Snell. 2. Lucy Carmichael was a secretary in the show The Lucy Show. Name her cranky banker boss. 3. Name the actress who played Jane Hathaway in The Beverly Hillbillies. 4. Carol Burnett portrayed secretary Mrs. Wiggins in her variety show. Who played her boss? 5. Allyce Beasley starred as a rhyming, love-struck receptionist Agnes DiPesto in this TV series. 6. Name the character that Melanie Griffith portrayed in the film Working Girl? 7. In the James Bond movies, M’s secretary is ______________? 8. She played secretary, Marion Crane, in the movie Psycho, and met an eerie fate. 9. Dolores Landingham was the executive secretary to the President of the U.S. in this TV show. 10. She portrayed Oscar Madison’s secretary, Myrna Turner, in the show The Odd Couple. 11. Gwyneth Paltrow was an executive assistant, Pepper Potts, in this 2008 flick. 12. Megan Mullally played personal assistant Karen Walker in this comedy series. 13. This actress was junior assistant Andrea “Andy” Sachs in the movie The Devil Wears Prada. 14. Maggie Gyllenhaal portrayed the character Lee Holloway in this 2002 film. 15. Gary Walsh is a personal aide in this HBO series. Sources: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/administrative-professionals-day, https://corporate.hallmark.com/holidays-occasions/administrative-professionals-day/, https://www.metv.com/lists/8-fictional-secretaries, https://www.pastemagazine.com, http://parade.com/7832/iraphael/14-famous-fictional-secretaries, underscoopfire.com/ admin/.

Answers: 1. Kramer 2. Mr. Mooney 3. Nancy Culp 4. Tim Conway 5. Moonlighting 6. Tess McGill 7. Miss (Jane) Moneypenny 8. Janet Leigh 9. The West Wing 10. Penny Marshall 11. Iron Man 12. Will & Grace 13. Anne Hathaway 14. Secretary 15. Veep

uring World War II, the United States had an increased need for skilled administrative personnel. The National Secretaries Association was formed to recognize the contributions of administrative staff. National Secretaries Week was first observed the week of June 1-7, 1952. Wednesday, June 4, 1952, was designated the first National Secretaries Day. In 1955, the National Secretaries Association changed the dates to the current celebration of the last full week of April. The name of the observance was changed to Professional Secretaries Day/Week in 1981, when the National Secretaries Association became Professional Secretaries International (PSI). In 1998, the organization’s name was changed to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). In 2000, the IAAP designated the holiday as Administrative Professionals Day/Week. This year’s observance is Wednesday, April 24. In honor of this celebration, we’re going to look at secretaries/administrative professionals in films and on television. The TV show that had a revolving secretary’s seat was Murphy Brown. It aired from 1988 through 1998 and, in that ten-year span, we saw 93 secretaries. Don Draper had numerous secretaries as well, in the show Mad Men. Jane Hathaway in The Beverly Hillbillies put up with her unscrupulous banker boss, Milburn Drysdale. Actress Loni Anderson portrayed the secretary Jennifer Marlowe in WKRP in Cincinnati. Carol Kester kept things together when she worked with her psychologist boss Bob in The Bob Newhart Show. Della Street assisted Perry Mason. Jane Krakowski portrayed office assistant Elaine Vassal in Ally McBeal. Pam Beesley was the receptionist in The Office. April Ludgate was an intern turned assistant in Parks & Recreation. There are also male assistants – Jonathan on 30 Rock and Waylon Smithers from The Simpsons. In the movie realm, who could forget Dolly Parton’s performance as Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5? Annie Potts played frustrated secretary Janine Melnitz in Ghostbusters. Grace Wheelberg is Principal Rooney’s righthand gal in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Since we’ve dictated our thoughts on fictional secretaries, we must now assist you with this administrative query. Get set to don those thinking caps, because it’s time to get a little trivial….

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

S E N IO R LIVI NG

Town Crier

A Fool for April By Joe Bullick

re you an April fool? In France they call gullible people April fish because of the saying, “April fish are easily caught.” The Latin word aperire, meaning “to open” gives this month its name. It’s an appropriate name because buds begin to open, windows are opened to let in the fresh air and people open their doors and emerge after winter. From Passover to Easter to spring festivals, this is a season of the year focusing on the renewal of life. Author Hal Borland said that “April is a promise that May is bound to keep.” For my mother, Easter Sunday was one of her favorite days of the year. Easter is the oldest and most important celebration of the Western Christian year, and it celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jews celebrate Passover during the month too. Baseball is back in action in April and we also have the beautiful National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. If you like wildflowers, an excursion to Raccoon Creek State Park is in order. The park has the state’s largest collection of wildflowers. If you’re sweet on maple syrup, the Meyersdale Maple Festival is a must. The Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous takes place in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. As a young boy, I always welcomed the longer hours of daylight and sunshine. Every year when spring came, my mother would pick three things that she wanted to see before she died. I do that today. I want to pay my respect at the Flight 93 Memorial, drink a beer at the Yuengling Brewery, and see the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania from Leonard Harrison Park. Why don’t you pick three things this spring and see how many you can check off your list? God bless. I leave you with this::

“Spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil.” — Bishop Reginald Heber

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2019

SE N I OR LIV ING

Happenings for Seniors Collections North Hills Community Outreach is collecting safety items for seniors. For details, visit nhco.org or call Cathy, at (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Entertainment Fox Chapel Area School District senior citizens are invited to the

spring musical dress rehearsal of Les Misérables School Edition, 3:45 p.m., Mar. 12, in the Fox Chapel Area High School auditorium, 611 Field Club Road in O’Hara Township. Refreshments served at 3 p.m., in the auditorium lobby. Free senior citizens age 60 & older. Reservations are requested; call (412) 967-2410.

Health & Wellness Free Services for Seniors through

North Hills Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. Call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an inhome registration visit.

Healthy Start Café, 8:45 a.m.,

every Mon & Thurs, St. John Lutheran Church of Highland, 311 Cumberland Rd. Presented by Lutheran SeniorLife & St. John Lutheran Church of Highland. Call (412) 364-1606 or (412) 307-1797.

North Hill Community Outreach provides Safety Checks for Seniors. Interested seniors who reside in northern Allegheny County should email Cathy at clpschirer@nhco.org or call (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Pennsylvania consumers are

encouraged to sign up for a new text alert system through his Bureau of Consumer Protection to raise their awareness on how to avoid becoming a scam victim. For info, visit https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/ consumer-alerts/

Luncheon Fox Chapel Area School District senior citizens’ luncheon, 11 a.m.,

Apr. 6, Fox Chapel Area High School cafeteria. Guests should enter the back of the building. Space is limited, call Carol at (412) 967-2410.

Meals on Wheels McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkeley Hills, Swan Acres, McCandless, Shaler & Hampton Townships. Call (412) 487-4088.

North Country Meal on Wheels

provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound & disabled. Services Marshall, Pine, Richland, Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, parts of McCandless, West Deer, Cranberry, Adams, Seven Fields, Mars & Valencia. Call (724) 9351877.

Medical North Hills Community Outreach

offers free medication safety screenings for seniors living in northern Allegheny County, north of the city of Pittsburgh. For details contact, Cathy at (412) 307-0069, ext. 3313.

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

Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. from 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon., 1-2:30 p.m., at Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church, Sangree Rd., Ross. Call (724) 4440064.

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

AARP 2991, Perrymont North meets

at noon, the 3rd Thurs. of each month, Sept. thru May, Northmont Church on Perry Hwy. Lunch is served for a nominal fee followed by a business meeting and an activity. Trips are offered. Membership is limited. Call (412) 366-5942 for info.

Cranberry Township 55+ Club

meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. The club features activities, social events and local trips. For info, call Bill at (724) 776-1933.

Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet

at 7 p.m., every 1st Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room. Call (724) 816-2159.

Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group meets every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every

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last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.

Volunteer Opportunities Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit Hospice patients. Call (412) 367-3685.

Lighthouse Foundation is looking

Stay in Touch with Your Community!

for volunteers to help in the food pantry for prep and packing, distribution, & greeters. For details, contact Lee Ann at (724)586-5554.

Deadline for submissions is by the 12th of the month.

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors

with disabilities with yard tasks. Visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org.

North Hills Community Outreach

Social Groups Amazing Singles, for singles in the

Pittsburgh region, visit, http://www. amazingsingles.com/pittsburgh.html.

AUP Club, have fun & meet new people with the Association of University People/AUP. We are looking for single, 4-year college graduates over 50 to join us for monthly dinners, meet at various social spots, gatherings and Scrabble. For info, call (412) 734-8445 or visit us at www.aupsinglespittsburgh.org.

Catholic Alumni Club of Pittsburgh, has dances, retreats and plays various sports and other great events. Visit their website http:// www.cacpittsburgh.org/.

Visit Pittsburgh Events & Festivals

Senior Meetings

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 2 p.m., the

lists upcoming events for singles, kids, and married folks. It enlightens Pittsburghers on dining, shopping and recreational events. Go to http:// www.visitpittsburgh.com/eventsfestivals.

Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10

a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. Call Suzie, at (724) 799-7049.

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.

Home Instead Senior Care®

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

needs volunteer dispatchers for their senior shuttles. For info, contact Kerry at kkmulhern@nhco.org or (412) 449-0151.

North Hills Community Outreach

urgently needs volunteers in the upper Route 28 corridor to help seniors. Visit http://nhco.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-helpseniors/. For details, call Kerry, (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org.

Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program

seeks volunteers (50+) to tutor in Pittsburgh & Woodland Hills School Districts in grades K-4. Trainings are held at the Duquesne Light Building downtown Pittsburgh. For info or to register, contact John at OASIS at (412) 393-7648 or jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

UPMC Passavant Auxiliary Membership Opportunities,

are you looking for an opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join UPMC Passavant Auxiliary’s tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept.-June) at 10 a.m. New members welcome. For info, contact Alice at (412) 7486640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program assists those

who have difficulty with financial affairs. Register at (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.

Tax Prep AARP Tax Prep, 9 a.m.-noon, Tues & Thurs., thru Apr. 11, Northland Library. Must call & register, (412) 366-8100 x113.

WHE RE WA S I?

Sing, Sing a Song! By Janice Lane Palko

y husband received the book, Thanks A Lot Mr. Kibblewhite, the Roger Daltrey biography, for Christmas, and I promptly snatched it and read it. Daltrey, if you don’t know, is the lead singer of The Who, arguably one of the best rock groups of all time, up there with the likes of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. One of the things that stood out in this book for me was how Daltrey said that the happiest time in his life was when he was working as a teen as a “tea boy,” as a teen kind of “gofer” in an asbestos shed. Even though the job was tedious he recounts: “We sang all day, every day. We used to drive the guv’nor mad. He wouldn’t let us have a radio, and I’m glad he didn’t because then we wouldn’t have sung. I can’t tell you what a difference that made.” He goes onto say that one of the tragedies of modern life is that no one sings together anymore. “In those days, everyone did,” he said. “You’d be walking down the road and people would be singing on buildings sites, at roadworks, in garages, everywhere. When you’re singing, you’re happy. Singing changes your brain. It reduces cortisol and increases the release of endorphins and oxytocin. Some people have to take drugs to do that.” Something as simple as singing collectively stands out as the hap-

piest time in his life for a man who is a rock god and has performed for million and has earned millions along the way. But I believe him. I thought it was very corny when I was a kid, and we’d be at my Grandma’s on Sunday night and Sing Along With Mitch came on television and my grandma, parents, uncles and aunts would sing along to the bouncing ball to songs like By the Light of the Silvery Moon, You Are My Sunshine and Show Me the Way to Go Home. But now as I look back on it, what a marvelous thing that was. Unlike Karaoke, where only one person is the star, everyone joined in together, and it gave us a collective culture. I learned songs that I doubt my children know. (Although my granddaughter demands that You Are My Sunshine be sung before her bedtime!) I’ve found as I’ve traveled that singing cultures seem to know how to enjoy life more. When we went to Hawaii in the 1980s, we were made to sing all the time to songs like the Huke Lau, Don Ho’s classic Tiny Bubbles and the Hawaiian Wedding Song. In Italy, the Italians entertained us with opera and made us chime in with That’s Amore and Funiculi Funicula. In Ireland, they love to sing in the pubs and on tour buses, and a trip there is not complete if you haven’t sung along to Danny Boy, Galway Bay, or Tura Lura Lura. As much as I despised Mitch Miller back in the ‘60s, I realized that I learned a lot of those sing-along songs from that show. With so much division, stress and hate in the world, maybe it’s time we start singing together again. It’s good for the attitude, it’s good for your health, and it’s good for society. 4 4 4

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April 2019

Happenings Arts & Entertainment Beaver Valley Artist’s Exhibition, runs thru Apr. 11, at the Merrick Art Gallery at 1100 5th Ave., New Brighton. Features the works of Kim Freithaler.

Children’s Heritage Day, 1-4 p.m.,

May 5, Depreciation Lands Museum in Hampton Twp. For info, email DLMuseum@gmail.com or call (412) 486-0563.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m.,

Apr. 1, Mary Poppins Returns; Apr. 8, Green Book (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.); Apr. 15, Second Act; Apr. 22, Moonstruck, Apr. 29, Welcome to Marwen, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www. thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Legacy Theatres shows: 2 p.m. &

7:30 p.m., Apr. 13, Jersey Season Tribute; 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Apr. 27, Shadows of the 60s: A Tribute to Motown’s Super Groups, 7:30 p.m., May 18, Branson On the Road, June 8, Johnny Angel and the Halos, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/productions.

New Light Art Show presented

by Cranberry Artists Network, runs thru Apr. 15, in the main lobby of the Cranberry Township Municipal Building. For details, visit www.cranberryartistsnetwork.com.

Bereavement Support Bereavement Support Group,

Beyond Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center,

APRIL 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary. Call (412) 748-6640.

Camps

Bereavement Support Group in

Fox Chapel Area School District STEAM Summer Camps, Jun.

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

17-21, for 1st-9th grades. Innovative & engaging camps incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. For details, visit www.fcasd.edu.

Grief Support Group for widows

Glade Run Specialized Camps for

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

children with autism spectrum disorders, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Mon- Fri., Jun. 17-28 & July 29-Aug. 9. To register visit, www.gladerun.org or (724) 452-4453.

Pittsburgh L.A.M.P.S. is for those

Shady Side Academy’s summer programs for kids entering grades

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. Contact Laurie. Jackson@missfoundation.org.

PK-9, from June 10 thru Aug. 9. Open to kids from any school & include day camps, sports camps, arts camps, STEM camps, & summer school classes. To register, visit www.shadysideacademy.org/summer or call (412) 447-2230.

Cancer Support 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., 2nd & 4th Wed., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Cancer Caring Center free exercise programs for cancer patients, 7:30-8:30 p.m. every Wed., Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA; 9:30-10:30 a.m., every Sat., Sewickley YMCA. Registration is required, call (412) 622-1212.

Cancer Support Groups at Our Clubhouse,

6:30-8 p.m., 1st Tues, Breast Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer Groups; 6-8 p.m., 2nd Tues, Multiple Myeloma; 6-8 p.m., 3rd Tues, Living Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer; 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd Thurs., Pancreatic Cancer Group, 2816 Smallman St., Pgh. Call (412) 338-1919 to register.

General Cancer Center Support Groups,

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) 6221212.

Metastatic Cancer Support Group, 5-6:30

p.m., 1st Thur. of each month, UPMC Passavant Hospital-McCandless. For cancer patients and survivors with metastatic disease. Caregivers are welcomed. No cost to attend. Led by Wendy Myers, MSW, LSW. Free parking & light refreshments. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. New members register at (412) 622-1212.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC)

“Teal Hearts Network” meets 6-8 p.m., the 3rd Monday of every month at the Cancer Caring Center. This network group is for ovarian cancer survivors. For info, visit http://ovarian.org/component/events/event/483.

Classes Spinning Classes, Learn to Spin with the Spinning Wheel, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Apr. 13; Learn to Spin with a Drop Spindle, 9:30-noon, Apr. 27, Depreciation Land Museum, Hampton. For info, email DLMuseum@gmail.com or call (412) 486-0563.

College Butler County Community College (BC3) free

certificate program provides training for entry-level health care jobs. For info, email kelly.mckissick@ bc3.edu or call (724) 287-8711, ext. 8171.

CCAC Job Fairs: 9:30 a.m., Apr. 3, North

Campus; Apr. 4, Boyce Campus. For details, visit www.ccac.edu.

Gerrymandering 101: 7-9 p.m., May 14, La Roche College, Zappala College Center (Ryan Room) 9000 Babcock Blvd. Raise the public’s awareness of redistricting reform. Seating is limited,register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gerrymandering101-tickets-56933854692

La Roche College will offer summer courses

at a reduced tuition rate starting May 27. For details, visit www.laroche.edu/summer or call the Registrar’s Office at (412)536-1083 or registrar@ laroche.edu

Counseling Ask the Attorney sessions for low-income fami-

lies, free legal consultation for noncriminal issues for families in need at North Hills Community Outreach locations at 7 p.m. the 3rd Wed of each month (except Dec.) Sessions: Apr. 17, Allison Park, May 15, North Boroughs. Preregister by contacting Jackie at jmboggs@nhco.org or (412) 408-3830 x 3217.

Ask the Financial Advisor, free second opinions

on 401Ks, social security & other financial related matters. Contact Kevin, at klingenfelser@cfnmail. com or (412) 605-7900.

Dancing Events

Little Sisters of the Poor to Hold Rummage Sale

Butler County Orchestra “Dance with Butler County Celebrities” doors open 5 p.m., dance, 6 p.m., show starts 7 p.m., May 11, Crystal Room at the Days Inn Butler. For information or to purchase tickets call (724) 504.6161 or email DanceCelebrities@zoominternet.net.

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.

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

midnight, Apr. 13, Pens/Pirates Black & Gold Party, Apr. 27, Perfect Pair Mix & Match Ice-Breaking Singles Dance Event. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m., West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Call (724) 3165029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.

Environmental Guardian Storage three-hour Shred-It events

at 15 of their locations, including several north of Pittsburgh, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Apr. 11-13. For times and locations, visit https://www.guardianstorage. com/shred/.

Township of Pine Recycling Event, 10 a.m.-1

p.m., May 4, at the Municipal Building Parking Lot, 230 Pearce Mill Rd. For details, visit www.twp.pine. pa.us or call (724) 625-1591.

Western PA Mushroom Club meetings, 7 p.m.,

Apr. 16, May 21, Jun. 18, Jul. 16, Aug. 20 & Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Beechwood Farms auditorium. For info, visit wpamushroomclub.org or email cs4wpmc@gmail.com.

Fundraisers Hope Grows: Tee Time Golf Classic, 9 a.m., May 13; A Victorian Tea, noon-2:30 p.m. May 19, both events held at Montour Heights Country Club. For info, contact https://hopegrows.net/.

North Hills Community Outreach Loaded Baked Potato Bar, 4:30-7:00 p.m., Apr. 12., St.

Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd. Dinner includes baked potatoes w/multiple toppings on a self-serve bar, drink & dessert.Pay-whatyou-can donation. Proceeds support NHCO. Take out is available. Call (412) 487-6316 opt 1.

Parents in Toto Dining to Donate, 11 a.m.-11

p.m., Apr. 24 at Primanti’s in Cranberry. Help support Parents in Toto Autism Resource Center. RSVP at groupraise.com.

he Little Sisters of the Poor are having a rummage sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Apr. 11-13, at their Home, 1028 Benton Ave. in Brighton Heights. Sale includes: clothing, furniture, household items, jewelry, books and assorted items. Saturday is the bag sale. All proceeds benefit the elderly residents living at the home. For information, contact the home at (412) 307-1100. 4 4 4

Parents in Toto 4th Annual Toto on Display, 5-8 p.m., Apr. 26, 143 S. Main St. Zelienople. For info, visit ParentsInToto.org.

Zachary’s Wish, 1-6 p.m., Apr. 7, Jergel’s

Rhythm Grille in Warrendale. Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish. For tickets, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/zacharys-wish-for-make-a-wishtickets-56003127863.

Zelienople Historical Society Events: Spring

Tea, April 13; Garden Talk & Brunch, May 4. For info, visit https://www.zeliehistory.org/ or call (724) 452-9457.

Gardening Longvue Acres Garden Club, 7:30 p.m., Apr.

23, Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Highway in McCandless. Program: Pond & Pond Gardens in Containers. For info, contact: longvueacresgardenclub1950@gmail.com.

NHCO’s organic garden needs volunteers for

the Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden, a program of North Hills Community Outreach. Volunteer hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mon-Thurs., Apr.-Oct. There is an apiary on the property. For info, contact Alyssa at aacrawford@nhco.org or (412) 307-0069 x 3311. (Continued on page 40)

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

May 4, at Kiwanis Park on Wetzel Road, Glenshaw. Perennials, herbs, vegetables, houseplants, Mothers’ Day potted arrangements & bulbs. Prize baskets, bake sale & flea market. Face painting & crafts for kids. Free. Come rain or shine.

Golf Lighthouse Foundation Golf Outing, noon,

July 15, at Butler Country Club. Open to men and women of all skill levels, both foursomes & individual golfers. Early bird pricing for foursomes who register before May 31. For info or to register visit www.thelighthousepa.org/golf-outing or call (724) 586-5554.

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Golf Outing, May 13, Treesdale Golf & Country Club.

For info, visit https://www.pghnorthchamber.com/.

Parkinson’s Exercise programs are available at

the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford. For details, visit http://www.oxfordathleticclub.com/knockingout-parkinsons-with-the-newest-programs-at-oxford/ or call (724) 933-1911.

Revelations Fitness® Fusion (cardio, strength

& flexibility) classes, 9:30 a.m., Mon; 6:30 p.m., Thurs., 2 p.m., Sundays, Get Moving for those with special needs, Woodland Valley Church, Mars; 6:30 p.m., Tues., Revelations Fitness® Fusion, North Way Christian Community. Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Tai Chi Classes, gentle martial art that provides

health benefits, 12:30 p.m., Tues., at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., corner of Rochester Rd., Franklin Park. Visit www.stbrendans. org or call (412) 364-5974.

Take Care of Bullying Workshops are available.

For details, visit http://www.takecareofbullying.com/.

Health & Wellness First Place 4 Health is a Christian Bible-based

weight loss group that meets 6:15-7:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 536 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. Call (412) 487-4819.

Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh (MOMPGH) is

seeking 1,500 volunteers to assist with a free dental clinic taking place July 26-27, at PPG Paints Arena. Help is also needed for set up on July 25. To learn more and to register as a volunteer, log on to http://www.mompgh.org/volunteer/.

Historical Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table

meeting, 7 p.m., Apr. 15, at Hampton Township Community Center, 1301 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Presentation Calamity in Charlottesville. Lecture is free and open to the public.

Library Northland Library, Great Read Trivia Night, 6:30

p.m., Apr. 4; Perennials in the Garden, 7 p.m., Apr. 11; Genealogy Lock-In, 6:30- 10 p.m., Apr. 26; Coin

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Appraisal Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Apr. 27. For info, visit www.northlandlibrary.org or (412) 366-8100.

Moms Single Moms CARE Group facilitated by

Anchorpoint Ministry, meets 6-8 p.m., 1st & 3rd Weds., at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 2262 Rochester Rd. For info, call Anchorpoint, at (412) 366-1300.

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.

Networking Amity Lodge #45 affiliated with Italian Sons &

Daughters of America is welcoming new members. Meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of the month with a social & refreshments. If interested, call Joanne at (724) 443-8303.

AmSpirit Business Connections, Business Link Referral Based Networking group, meets

12:00 p.m. every Wed, January only: Walnut Grill Wexford; Feb. thru Dec. at Wildwood Golf Club, Allison Park. Info/RSVP Adam at adam@navageinsurance.com.

AmSpirit Business Connections, Cranberry Referral Based Networking group meets 7:15

am every Wed., North Park Lounge, Cranberry Twp. Info/RSVP Mike Hall at rentit@general-rental-center. com.

AmSpirit Business Connections, Pittsburgh North Referral Based Networking group meets 8:00 a.m. every Thurs., Sports Grill Cranberry Twp. Info/RSVP Brian at pfisteradjusting@gmail.com.

Sales Saint Aloysius Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

AmSpirit Business Connections, Wexford Referral Based Networking group meets 8:15 am every Wed, at Walnut Grill, Wexford. Info/RSVP Jen at jnodonnell86@yahoo.com.

Sat., Apr. 6, and noon-3:30 p.m., Apr. 7, 3610 Mt. Troy Rd., Reserve Twp. New & used treasures in 18 rooms & 3 garages. Clothing, linens, floral, crafts, furniture, electronics, toys & other quality pieces. Hot food & bakery items in the cafeteria.

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Business After Hours Showcase, 5-7 p.m., Apr. 18, Embers

Jephthah Chapter 73’s Mobile Market, Outdoor Flea Market, Trunk Sale, 8:30 a.m.-2

& Vine, 910 Sheraton Drive, Mars. For info, visit https://www.pghnorthchamber.com/.

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.

Outreach Donate your vehicle to NHCO’s Transportation

Assistance program. Free pickup or towing and hassle-free donation process. For details, visit nhco. org/donate/donate-car or (412) 408-3830 x3225.

Knitters needed to join the Busy Hands Group at The Olive Branch Fair Trade Store and Missions. The group meets 9:15-11:15 a.m., 1st & 3rd Monday of the month, at 11160 Perry Highway in Wexford. Bring your needles! For info, call (724) 799-8700.

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt. Royal Blvd.

in Allison Park is a donation site for non-perishable groceries for North Hills Community Outreach for its three food pantries. Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org.

North Hills Community Outreach provides

grants. Applicants must reside in or attend college or post-secondary trade school in northern Allegheny County north of the city of Pittsburgh and demonstrate financial need. For info, visit nhco.org/ get-help/college-scholarships or contact Jackie at (412) 408-3830 x3217.

North Hills Community Outreach’s Pathways program offers goal-setting help for those who are

struggling. Call Abby at North Boroughs (412) 3070069; Nicole in Millvale (412) 408-3830 or Shela in McKees Rocks (412) 331-1685 x233.

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.

UPMC Passavant Auxiliary Membership Opportunities, are you looking for an opportunity

for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join UPMC Passavant Auxiliary’s tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept.-June) at 10 a.m. New members welcome. For info, contact Alice at (412) 748-6640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu.

Runs, Walks & Races Brendan’s Boots, the hiking group of St.

Brendan’s Episcopal Church, hits the trail every three weeks. Group meets at 10 a.m. & each hike is followed by lunch. Visit stbrendans.org or (412) 364-5974.

Great Allegheny Passage 5K/10K Run & 2-Mile Fun Walk, May 11 in West Newton. For details,

p.m., May 4, Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center parking lot. Shop for used goods, sports gear, antiques, furniture, jewelry, kid’s items & more. $20 per vehicle. Reserve your spot by calling, Carol at (412) 487-4358.

Schools Saint Joseph High School spring musical, In the Heights, 7 p.m., Apr. 4-6 & 2 p.m., Apr. 7, at the Casino Theater. Tickets $10, purchase online, https://www.onthestage.com/show/saint-josephhigh-school/in-the-heights-6062 or visit www. SaintJosephHS.com.

Shows

Wine Tasting and Fine Art Show & Sale At Hiland Church Opening Event Party Wine Tasting and Paired Appetizers Cork Pull Raffle, Music Tickets $25 Friday, April 26 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm Open Gallery - Free Admission: Saturday, April 27 • 11:00am - 2:00pm Sunday, April 28 • 11:00am - 2:00pm Featuring over 150 pieces of art in our 3000 sq foot Fellowship Hall. Paintings as well as sculpture and woodwork. Buy Tickets via PayPal at www.hilandchurch.org or call 412 364 9000 Hiland Presbyterian Church 845 Perry Hwy, Pgh Pa 15229

Butler County Home Show, Apr. 5-7, semi-

nars and demonstrations at the Family Sports Center. Free admission. For details, visit ButlerCountyHomeShow.com.

Social Afternoon Tea, 1:30-3:30 p.m., May 5, in Oldenski Hall at St. Ferdinand Church on Rochester Road, Cranberry Twp. Enjoy scones, tea sandwiches, desserts & various teas. Basket raffles, 50/50 raffle & door prizes. Adults $17; children 4-10 $6; children 3 & under free. For reservations, call Mary Lou at (724) 625-3388.

Spiritual Sealarks Women’s Group Meeting, 1 p.m., Apr. 10, at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road, Allison Park. Provides Christian fellowship & social activity for women alone: widowed, divorced or never married. For additional information, call (412) 487-7194.

Support Groups

Brain Tumor Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m., 3rd

Thurs., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. 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 p.m., every Wed., of the

month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, at Cumberland Woods Village, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Visit bridge2hope.org, or call (412) 748-5120. bridge2hope.org.

Chronic Warriors Support Group, held 7 p.m.,

Fridays: Apr. 5, May 10, Jun. 7 & Jul. 5, Ridgewood Church. For info, email Brenna.pugliese@gmail.com or call (412) 260-6808.

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous, 10:30 a.m.,

Tues., Prayer Room of Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Rd., McCandless. For info, call Jane at (412) 951-9517.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 a.m., Tues., at St.

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every

Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. For info, visit www.stbrendans.org or call (412) 364-5974.

3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

Amputee Support Group, 4-5:30 p.m., 3rd Wed.

Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m., Weds, at St.

of every month, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley, 3rd Floor Boardroom, 303 Camp Meeting Rd., Sewickley. For info, call Michelle at (412) 749-2388.

Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. For info, visit www.stbrendans.org or call (412) 951-9157.

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group, noon-

each month, Rose E. Schneider YMCA. For details, contact Dale at (724) 591-8121 or d.reckless@mrsphysicaltherapy.com.

1:15 p.m., 3rd Weds., HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Sewickley, 3rd Floor Board Room. For info, call Michelle at (412) 749-2388.

Brain Injury Support Group, Mind Matters,

7-9 p.m., every 3rd Thurs., of the month, Butler Memorial Hospital, East Brady St. in the Dimmick Center. Call (724) 283-6666.

Parkinson’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Tues of

Parkinson’s Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m., last

Wed of each month, HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd. Contact Jessica, at (412) 828-1300 x7710. (Continued on page 42)

visit www.bikewytc.org.

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Stroke Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m., once a month on Weds., HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd., For info, contact Valerie at (412) 826-2784 or valerie.bucek@healthsouth.com.

Tax Preparation AARP Tax Prep, 9 a.m.-noon, Tues & Thurs., thru

Apr. 11, at Northland Library. Call (412) 366-8100 x113 to register for your appointment.

North Hills Community Outreach Free Tax Preparation for low-income families thru the

United Way’s helpline. Appointments can be made by calling, 2-1-1.

in Adaptive Sports at Slippery Rock University. Visit www.va.gov/adaptivesports.

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group, 10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler

VA Butler Healthcare Flu Vaccination Clinics to Veterans at the main campus, Community-Based

“Veteran X” mental health & substance abuse

Outpatient Clinics, and other community locations this fall. For a list of date and times, call (724) 2874781 or 1-800-362-8262.

VA Butler Healthcare’s Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Program now offers Veterans the opportunity to work one-on-one with a personal trainer in its Wellness Center at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center. For info, visit https://www. butler.va.gov/services/Health_and_Wellness.asp or call, 878-271-6484.

Veterans Breakfast Club Meetings, held every

Veterans

month throughout the Pittsburgh region. For details, visit http://veteransbreakfastclub.com/.

Healthcare. Call 800-362-8262 ext. 2498.

recovery 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/.

Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volun-

teers to drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Call (412) 9191100 or emailsharon.stalter@cancer.org.

ESL Conversation Friends, which teaches

everyday language skills to immigrants meets at 10 a.m., Tues. & Thurs., and 7 p.m. Weds, at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., Franklin Park. New students & volunteer tutors are welcome. Visit stbrendans.org or (412) 364-5974.

Butler VA Healthcare Fall Flu Clinics for veter-

Veterans Discover HOPE Here-Career, 3rd

Cranberry Township Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 879 Memorial Day Ceremony, 1

Veterans Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-

p.m., Sunday May 26, at Veterans Memorial in Cranberry Townships North Boundary Park near the community pool and baseball field.

5:30 p.m., VA Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. Visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_Physically_ Active.asp.

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.

North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m.,

Veteran HOPE, support group for women Veterans

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers for their

ans are being held various times in October. For a list of times and dates, visit https://www.butler. va.gov/features/Free_Flu_Shots_for_Veterans.asp

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 Grants to Support Disabled Veterans

Wed., 6:30-8:45 p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 779-8323, discoverhopehere@gmail.com or www.discoverhopehere.com.

recovering from mental illness, meet 6-8 p.m., every Tues., VA Butler Healthcare, Room 217WS, Building 1. Call (724) 996—8892 or (724) 285-2756 or butlerva.gov.

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Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council volunteer

patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! Call (412) 367-3685.

Lighthouse Foundation is looking for individuals or groups to do local food donation pick-ups, help

with food pantry distributions & special projects, and office assistant work. For details, call (724) 586-5554.

Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with Provide

vision–Give hope. Call (724) 553-3114 or www.missionvision.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.

Tutoring volunteers needed for Anchorpoint’s Tutoring

Mentoring Program. For details, call (412) 366-1300 x123.

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. Call (412) 381-0277 or www.EmmausPgh.org.

Workshop Autism Connection Workshops: 6-8 p.m., Apr. 10,

Manifestation of Disability & IEP; 6-7:30 p.m., Apr. 17, Preparing for College, 35 Wilson St., Suite 101, 15223. For info, visit https://autismofpa.org/.

Divorce Workshop for Women, 8:30 a.m.-12:30

p.m., Apr. 13, at Medallion Wealth Management, 2605 Nicholson Road #2103, Franklin Park. Explore the legal, financial, & emotional issues of divorce. Pre-registration is required by April 11. Call (724) 493-9695.

International Dyslexia Association Writing Matters Workshop, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Apr. 13, at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 E. Waterfront, Homestead. For details, visit padyslexiaida.org.

Living a Stress-Free Life Workshop, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Apr. 13, Pittsburgh Psychotherapy Associates, 9401 McKnight Rd. For info, visit pghpsychotherapy.com or call (412) 367-0575.

Y-Stars Drumming Class

pecial needs individuals 14 and over are welcome to join the Y-Stars social group at the Baierl YMCA in Franklin Park. The group meets Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Recently, they added “drumming instruction” led by former North Allegheny music teacher, Pat Bauer. “When I teach this course, I use several different types of drums, which include the tongue drum, the djembe, a bougarabou, the Kpanlogo and the Tubano,” said Bauer. In addition to the drums, Bauer uses small instruments that the students enjoy. “We play with wood blocks, shakers, tambourines and thunder tubes. We also used Boomwhackers, which are pitched plastic tubes that correspond to the notes of the C major scale,” Bauer added. Bauer taught at NA for 33 years and in Wood County, West Virginia, for two 1/2 years. She also studied Drum Circle Facilitation, and currently works with drum circles for people on the spectrum, both at the Y and with Steamworks Creative. Additionally, there is a Drum Circle in Harmony, called Harmony Drum and Dance, which is open to everyone, on the First Thursday of each month in the Center of Harmony. For more information on the Y-Stars, call (724) 934-9622. 4 4 4

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The Catholic Community of Wexford 2019 Lenten and Easter Triduum Liturgical Schedule Sacrament of Penance

Wednesday, April 10 “The Light Is On For You” 6:00 p.m. at both parishes

Communal Services

Thursday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. Saint Alexis Monday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. Saint Alphonsus

Stations of the Cross

Fridays - 2:00 p.m. Saint Alphonsus 7:00 p.m. Saint Alexis Palm Sunday, April 14 Anticipated Mass Saturday, April 13, 4:00 p.m. Saint Alexis Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m. (with procession), 11:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 9:45 a.m. (with procession), 5:00 p.m. Saint Alexis

Easter Triduum

Holy Thursday, April 18 Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m. Saint Alexis

Good Friday, April 19

12 noon Stations of the Cross 1:00 p.m. Reflections on the Glorious Mysteries 2:00 p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross (All events held at Saint Alphonsus)

Holy Saturday, April 20

11:00 a.m. Blessing of food baskets at Saint Alexis 8:30 p.m. Easter Vigil at Saint Alphonsus

Easter Sunday Masses, April 21 8:00 a.m. Saint Alexis 9:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 10:00 a.m. Saint Alexis 11:30 a.m. Saint Alphonsus 12:00 p.m. Saint Alexis *no 5:00 p.m. Mass

For more information, visit www.stalexis.org or www.saintalphonsuswexford.org

Saint Alexis

10090 Old Perry Hwy Wexford, PA 15090 724.935.4343

Saint Alphonsus 201 Church Road Wexford, PA 15090 724.935.1151

APRIL 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Worship at a local church this Easter Season!