April 2020 Issue - Northern Connection Magazine

April 2020

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 21 YEARS

Health Care Evolves, So Has Encompass Health Harmarville Also...

Weddings 2020 Summer Camps What On Earth Trivia Angels By Your Side

Page 10

Ace Hardware At Home Choice Medical Chuck E. Cheese Citizens Bank CopyMax CosmoProf Dollar Bank Dunham’s Sports Edible Arrangements Fine Wine & Good Spirits Fitness 19 Gabe’s

Giant Eagle GNC Great Clips H&R Block Huntington Bank Laurie’s Hallmark Life Uniform McIntyre Beer My Eye Doctor National Tire & Battery OfficeMax Once Upon A Child Original Pancake House

PNC Stein Mart Subway Tan Seekers Nails Center Ting’s Kitchen Valley Pool & Spa Weight Watchers

McKnight Road

Route 19

To Wexford

McIntyre Square Ross Park Mall

79

I-2 To Downtown Pittsburgh

Visit our New Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection McIntyre Square McIntyre Square Drive Ross Township /Town of McCandless www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

1

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

April

Features 10 American Natural Janice Lane Palko 20 Oxford Athletic Club Welcomes New GM Carolina Quiroga Janice Lane Palko 21 Facts From the Farm Ron Eichner 22 Celebrate the ’60 World Series Win Janice Lane Palko

12

Health & Wellness 12 Cover Story: Health Care Evolves, So Has Encompass Health Harmarville Nic Lockerman 14 Medical Marijuana Provided Relief for Autism Janice Lane Palko

16 Gut Bugs – Friend or Foe?

Belinda Burchick

2020 Summer Camp Guide 23 Technology to Aid People with Autism and Their Caregivers Marianne Reid Anderson

22

Kids & Education 26 School Movers & Shakers

Weddings 2020 30 Shannopin Country Club 30 Old Economy 32 Jewelry by Alicia & Scott

Advertorials 7

30 On the Cover:

Amanda Jablonowski, RN (facing) and Outpatient Manager, Beth Stebbins, PT of Encompass Health Harmarville demonstrate use of the Rifton Tram, a device used for gravity assisted walking for patients with lower-body weakness.

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events usually featured in our Happenings and Senior Happenings have been cancelled. Therefore, we have not published those sections in the April issue. We will update our website when we learn of activities resuming. Also, it would be advisable to check with any business or organization hosting an event to make sure that it is still scheduled before venturing out.

In Every Issue...

2

4

From the Publisher

6

Movers & Shakers

8

Mover & Shaker of the Month: Angels By Your Side Help the Grief-Stricken in Our Community Janice Lane Palko

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Marion Piotrowski

18 Trivia Connection: What On Earth Trivia Paula Green

22 Support Our Troops: Wreaths Across America and VA Video Connect Paula Green

28 From the Editor: What Does 60 Look Like? Janice Lane Palko

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

3

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the April Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

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

Phone: 724-940-2444

A Letter to Our Readers,

H

ow quickly things change. Only a month ago life was so different from today. Although it may seem strange to us, we, as a country and community, have been here before. We have faced wars on our own soil and abroad; we have faced natural disasters and epidemics; we have faced economic distress and uncertainty.

Each one of those challenges seemed new and frightening to those living through them at the time, but they did live through them. And so will we.

“In the rush to return What is familiar is the American to normal, use this time Spirit of coming together, rising to to consider which parts the challenge, and overcoming. As a of normal are worth community magazine, serving you, rushing back to.” our readers and our advertisers, Dave Hollis has always been our aim, and that doesn’t change. We will continue to bring you the information you need and assist our advertisers to tell their story.

Each month, I sign off with: Together, we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work!

That is true now more than ever. We are here, we are with you, and we will continue to make our community an even more outstanding place to live and work.

Stay strong. Stay well! n

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

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Joella Baker Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

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

Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

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.

4

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

5

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Movers & Shakers The Butler VA Health Care System is pleased to announce that The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has appointed Kevin Paul Amick as the new director of their health system Amy M. Westcott

Sandra Gilmore

Elizabeth Mulvaney

The Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society honored the following women during their Geriatric Medicine Conference on March 6. Amy M. Westcott, MD, MHPE, CMD, FAAHPM, AGSF, received the Geriatric Teacher of the Year Award. Sandra Gilmore, RN, MS, was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Elizabeth A. Mulvaney, MSW, LCSW, was given the Healthcare Professional Geriatrics Teacher of the Year Award.

6

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

The Annual Kidney Gift of Life Honors was held on March 7, at Heinz Field. This year’s awardees were - Jamie R. Johnston, MD; Vincent J. Delie, Jr.; Ngoc Thai, MD, PhD; and Jill E. Kratochvil.

Legend Financial Advisors, Inc.® (Legend) is announced that Bill Knight, AWMA® (Accredited Wealth Management Advisor), PPC™ (Professional Plan Consultant) has joined the firm as an Assistant Financial Advisor.

ADVERTORIAL

Cindy P. As heard on KDKA

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!

Get Your “ING” Back!

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.

Ray B. walkING again

Betty P. livING again

Dr. Shawn’s SUPERVISED, MONITORED and IN OFFICE program has a 90 percent satisfaction rate. With the experience of seeing over 5000 patients, he is able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results.

Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: • Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs • Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands • Extreme Sensitivity to Touch • Loss of Balance or Coordination • Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles • Weakness in the Arms and Legs • Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers • Dependency on Medications

The most rewarding change is I no longer suffer from electrical shocks in my feet especially prior to and during sleep.

The anxiety caused by the anticipation of electrical shocks were horrible. Also, my numbness is gone and they are no longer freezing. I am walking, shopping, sleeping and walking bare foot again. My improvements are amazing, close to a miracle is all I can say. Fourteen years of suffering, fear of walking even in my own home, the dread of going to bed, tired of disappointing friends and family… ALL GONE!!

All in the past!! A new me in 2020!! I’m already a walking advertisement. I have never been to any Doctor’s office where I felt more welcomed. It was more like family than a patient, welcomed with open arms. Everything is all up front and honest.

Everything was explained and all questions were answered. I also made lifelong friends at the office that I’m going to miss seeing on a regular basis.

Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH

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

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

Latrobe

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.

1385 Washington Rd., Suite 100

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

MaryDancedIn.com (724) 940-9000

1901 Ligonier Street

Washington, Pa

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

7

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Angels By Your Side Help the Grief-Stricken in Our Community

By Janice Lane Palko

The Greatest Good Is What We Do for One Another – Mother Teresa

T

he founding members of Angels By Your Side Pgh know what it’s like to lose someone they love and how difficult it is to function after such a great loss. Traci Kovacic, Karen Urschler, Gina Mercuri, all North Hills residents, are among the team of founding members.

“When my brother Mike died suddenly, we were devastated.

He left behind my sister-in-law, Traci, and two young children.

We remember, though, how much family and friends supported

us all through such a difficult time,” said Karen Urschler.

Through attending The Caring Place in Warrendale, which is a center designed to help grieving children and families, Traci realized that not everyone who experienced a loss had the support network she did.

Understanding that some of the day-to-day tasks can seem unbearable during this difficult time, and larger tasks seem impossible, Traci hoped to help. After some thinking, she rounded up Karen, Gina Mercuri, and other friends and family. Together they helped freshen up a new friend’s home to be put up for sale. It was then that the seed for Angels By Your Side was planted.

Joseph Guzzetti was Mike’s best friend, and he, too, passed away at a young age. His family sought to keep his memory alive by holding the annual “Race for Joe.” In 2018, the 10th year of the race, his family decided it would be the last. However, they, as well as Traci, Karen, and friends, like Mercuri, wanted to do something to continue to celebrate their loved ones memories and also find a way to help others experiencing devastating loss. Last winter, Angels By Your Side Pgh was officially born.

Angels By Your Side Pgh was created to provide assistance to families in the community who have experienced loss.

There are a bevy of tasks that may seem impossible after the death of a loved one; house cleaning, yard work, decorating for the holidays, preparing for move, and the list goes on and on. Using the funds from our first family picnic and fundraiser, Angels By Your Side has helped several area families by providing these services among others.

Angels By Your Side’s efforts are only limited by your generosity. “We raise funds through our Annual Family Picnic in April, but it has been postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. But we willingly accept donations and are eager to work with local contractors and professionals to provide services,” said Karen. “We understand what these people are going through, and we are here to help.” n

For more information on Angels By Your Side, visit the website at: www.angelsbyyoursidepgh.com 8

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

9

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Business Spotlight

By Janice Lane Palko American Natural is a place for the community to enjoy eating and fueling, conveniently and is a hybrideatery, coffee-house and corner convenience store. “Our model of convenience includes striving to meet the customer in the most convenient manner with flexible services including curbside pickup, delivery (via DoorDash*), of course in-store grab-and-go shopping, catering and dine-in (dine-in is currently closed due to COVID-19),” said Jennifer Pomerantz, Chief Executive Officer.

A

merican Natural identified that many people in the area were in search of a place, where in one stop, they could find high-quality, local products in a hurry.

“Many community members are looking to introduce or achieve more flexible eating, which may include adding in healthier alternatives, or have made lifestyle decisions around eating--be it vegetarian, vegan or keto, or have allergen consideration including gluten and dairy. Some want hearty but tasty, which we believe is best solved with quality ingredients. The on-the-go lifestyle has challenged many families to achieve taste, quality and convenience affordably. We strive to help them achieve this goal. We continue to learn and grow from our customers as to best meet their convenient eating desires,” said Ms. Pomerantz.

American Natural recently opened a new location in Cranberry, joining their five other locations: Gibsonia, Harmar, Mars, Valencia and Wexford, and plans are in the works for more locations. “Our one-stop, convenient eating experience is different from the competition both in the carefully locally crafted menu, the quality of our local coffee and teas, the unique variety of snacks and beverages, the clean and modern environment and the flexibility of the service experience—be it a curbside pickup, delivery, in-store grab-andgo shopping or dine-in,” said Ms. Pomerantz.

Unlike other convenience stores, American Natural stocks an array of products from local businesses including Mancini’s bread (Pittsburgh), Tupelo Tea (Millvale), Zeke’s Coffee (East Liberty), Ready Nutrition (Wexford), Speckled 10

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Hen Chocolates (Saxonburg), Stamoolis Brothers (Strip District) and Turner Dairy Farm to name a few. “These are great local brands, and we love to partner with them for fun ideas and events. Each of these brands were featured at our Cranberry Grand Opening with exciting samples for the community,” said Ms. Pomerantz. “Mancini’s made us a 6-foot-long bread for bread breaking which was great. Speckled Hen Chocolate Shop is actually making us something fun and special . . . stay tuned!”

In addition, American Natural has a loyalty program that offers an array of benefits for its customers including espresso and coffee rewards program, gasoline and diesel fuel rewards, and in-store purchase rewards. “We have great daily deals across our meals, snacks and beverages,” said Ms. Pomerantz.

American Natural always has its customers in mind, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a final point, as our locations fall under life-sustaining, we are open and providing an extra level of safety to all customers. In addition to curbside and delivery, we are also providing gas mitts for fueling pumps and cleaning surfaces every 20 minutes.

We are all banded together to be healthy and safe,” said Ms. Pomerantz.

More information on American Naturals’ GoNatural Rewards program, can be found by visiting their website at www.americannatural.com. n *Delivery to a service radius

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

11

COVER STORY

Health Care Evolves, So Has Encompass Health Harmarville Now with all private patient rooms.

By Nic Lockerman

As one of the nation’s leaders in rehabilitative care, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Harmarville continues to set the standard for superior care and outstanding results.

T

he hospital has had a long-standing history of being on the leading edge of rehabilitative therapy. The clinical expertise and experience of the staff, stateof-the art rehab technologies and innovation has been helping patients return to the community, safer, stronger and with an improved quality of life for many years.

“From its beginnings as Harmarville Rehabilitation in the 1950s, and through the years, ‘Harmarville Rehab’ has been honored to help its neighbors, family and friends reach their goals and return to their greatest level of independence,” said Mark Van Volkenburg, CEO. In March, Encompass Harmarville opened a new patient wing and converted to all spacious private rooms.

“The renewed unit affords our patients and their family with privacy and distance, expands the therapeu12

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

tic space and improves the overall patient experience,” said Van Volkenburg.

The inpatient rehab hospital is committed to helping all patients regain their independence after a life-changing illness or injury. Each patient’s rehab plan is based on an interdisciplinary team approach that includes physical, speech and occupational therapists, rehabilitation physicians and registered nurses, case managers, dietitians and more, combined with advanced technology and expertise.

Rehabilitation is covered in full or part by most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Encompass Harmarville has contracts with most major insurance companies and is willing to work with other companies, as needed.

Encompass Health Harmarville holds Joint

Commission Disease-Specific Certification in Stroke, Brain Injury, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Advanced Diabetes, Spinal Cord Injury and Amputee. It also treats a number of other conditions. n

Outpatient Rehabilitation

For more information or to schedule an assessment, call Encompass Health at 877-937-7342.

Encompass Health Harmarville Outpatient Rehabilitation center leads the way in providing the most comprehensive and effective outpatient rehabilitation. The outpatient center is staffed with the most experienced and professional therapists the area has to offer, and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies. Patients receive specialized programs and targeted therapies specific to their needs. Rehabilitation programs may include but are not limited to: stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedic conditions, neurological conditions, brain injury, foot / ankle injury, hand rehabilitation, amputee, arthritis, balance / vestibular, lymphedema, general reconditioning and pain. For more information or to schedule an assessment, call 412.826.2717.

Connecting patients to better care

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

13

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Medical Marijuana Provides Relief for Autism

By Janice Lane Palko Like any loving mother Jennifer Evashavik of Aspinwall would do anything to help her son, Luke, 17, who has cerebral palsy and autism, but sometimes it’s not doing something it’s finding what works. “Luke is nonverbal and two years ago, he started to suffer seizures. They were pretty frequent, and I wanted to help him,” said Jen, who is married to husband, Nick, and has another son, Ben.

A

t the same time, Luke was beginning to have intense meltdowns. “I don’t know if it was due to his age and a surge of hormones, but when he began to act out, he would scream and hurt himself. It was so frustrating because he couldn’t tell us what was wrong,” said Jen. When medical marijuana was approved for the treatment of autism in 2018, Jen quickly pursued getting a

Coming in May Women’s Issue Women in Business Women & Babies Health & Wellness

Read us online – issuu.com/northernconnectionmag Like us on Facebook – @northernconnection And Follow us on Instagram – ncmagazine Visit our website: www.northernconnectionmag.com to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected to your community!

14

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

caregiver card enabling her to obtain medical marijuana for Luke. “I think I was one of the first people to go to Solevo Wellness. I met with a pharmacist and a Pediatric Care Consultant who worked with us to find the right dosage,” said Jen. Luke was also on other medications and one of the goals was to wean him off them. “His seizures have diminished to maybe one every couple of months, which is a godsend,” said Jen. “It’s been a process trying to find the right treatment. Luke can’t swallow pills, so we give him a tincture of THC and CBD that is put under his tongue.

He also has a rescue spray that helps. I’m always emailing Solevo’s pharmacist, who has been very responsive. We’re still working to get him off the prescription medications.

We’re getting close but each time we think we’re there, he has a seizure.”

As a result of being treated with medical marijuana, Luke is doing much better academically in school too. He communicates via a spelling board. “We’ve discovered that he can do advanced math and is a speed reader,” said Jen. “We think he’s so accomplished because he’s been listening and learning his whole life.”

It’s Jen’s and her family’s hope that Luke will continue to benefit from medical marijuana and will be able to bless the world with all the gifts that are locked inside of him. n

For more information about Solevo Wellness, visit: www.solevowellness.com.

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Gut Bugs Friend or Foe?

By Belinda Burchick

What’s all the fuss lately about gut bugs, aka gut microbiome? And what is a microbiome anyway?

T

here is an entire microscopic community of bacteria, virus and fungi that live among us, on us and inside us. Because we cannot see these tiny beings, we do not think about who they are or what they do. Are they friend or foe?

Better defined, a microbiota is a diverse community of microbes living together in one environment and their genes are called a microbiome. Our body, inside and out, is home to trillions of these living microscopic organisms.

We have been able to study the DNA of the bacterial microbes and found that they are important to all of our organs, especially our gut. Since our gut is nutrient-rich, most microbes call this home, especially our large intestine. Our gut health is very important to the rest of our body, including our brain.

Balance between the good bacteria (Friend) and bad bacteria (Foe) is crucial to our quality of life.

Friend

We need our gut buddies and they need us so that we both can live a healthy life. These friendly bugs help control our body weight, mood, metabolism, cholesterol, blood sugar, calories, processing of nutrients, invasion of infectious bugs and immune regulation. They communicate with our brain and impact other parts of our body.

Foe

Our gut microbiome can become out-of-balance or experience upheaval, called dysbiosis. This mayhem can come from stress, illness, extra body weight, unhealthy diet or even an overuse of antibiotics. An imbalance may lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, anxiety, depression and many other conditions that impact both our physical and mental health.

Since we do not know exactly the right balance of good vs. bad gut bugs, we should focus on our daily lifestyle, such as, eating healthy and gut-friendly foods, being active, getting sleep and minimizing stress.

It is important to eat a variety of foods, especially foods high in fiber, such as, whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Fiber is not digested so it ends up being broken down in the large intestines, which helps our gut buddies flourish. This is a good thing!

16

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Just some ways that may keep our gut buddies happy: • Enhance Fiber intake • Eat more prebiotic foods (i.e., bananas, asparagus, garlic, onions, oats, apples) • Eat more whole grains • Eat more legumes, nuts, seeds • Eat more vegetables and fruit • Eat fermented foods (i.e., yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kefir) • Eat foods rich in polyphenols (i.e., olive oil, grapes, green tea, pecans, dark chocolate) • Take a probiotic supplement to restore gut health • Limit use of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, which may increase blood sugar by stimulating the growth of bad bacteria • Only take antibiotics when necessary, and read labels for antibiotic use in animal foods, because they kill both good and bad bacteria in our gut • Limit consumption of processed foods, high saturated fats, animal protein, food additives, fried foods, artificial ingredients, and processed sugars To help prevent the risk of obesity, diabetes, cancer, mind health disorders, and other ailments, we should add more fiber and beneficial carbs, such as barley and oats, to our daily routine.

Overall, eat a variety of healthy and gut-friendly foods to promote a diverse gut microbiome, so that we can live in harmony with our tiny friends.

Be good to your gut buddies and they will be good to you. I will do the same! n Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states.

Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

17

TRIVIA CONNECTION

What on Earth?

Earthly Titles Trivia

By Paula Green

18

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Get set to don those thinking caps, because it’s time to get a little trivial...

1. She was the author of the 1931 novel, The Good Earth?

2. Name the 70s R&B, soul, disco band that was founded and led by Maurice White.

3. In 1982, David Bowie sang the holiday hit Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy. Name the famous crooner who accompanied him in this song.

4. He portrayed circus manager Brad Braden in Cecil B. DeMille’s film The Greatest Show on Earth.

5. Carole King sang this worldly song on her 1971 Tapestry album.

6. Name the actress who starred in 1951 classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still.

7. Which rock band released the tune Salt of the Earth in 1968?

8. Jessica Alba, Sofia Vergara and Sarah Jessica Parker starred in this 2013 animated adventure comedy film.

9. In October 1954, this group released the song Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine).

10. This singer/actress sang the holiday song, Santa Baby. Ironically she passed away on Christmas Day in 2008.

11. The 1993 Vietnam film Heaven & Earth starred Tommy Lee Jones and Debbie Reynolds. Who wrote and directed it?

12. Name the trendy footwear that became popular in the 1970s.

13. Which actress portrayed Remy in the 1974 disaster flick Earthquake?

14. We see these critters come out in the rain; they also make good fishing bait.

15. This real-life father and son, portray a father and son in the 2013 movie After Earth.

Sources: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/earth-day, https://www.ranker. com/list/the-best-songs-with-earth-in-the-title/ranker-music, https://www.imdb. com/search/keyword/?keywords=planet-in-title, ranker.com/list-best-movies-withearth-in-the-title, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthBound, Answers: 1. Pearl S. Buck 2. Earth, Wind & Fire 3. Bing Crosby 4. Charlton Heston 5. I Feel the Earth Move 6. Patricia Neal 7. The Rolling Stones 8. Escape from Planet Earth 9. The Penguins 10. Eartha Kitt 11. Oliver Stone 12. earth shoes 13. Ava Gardner 14. earthworms 15. Will and Jaden Smith

O

n April 22, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This environmental celebration was founded in 1970 as a day of education about environmental issues. The commemoration is a global celebration that sometimes extends into Earth Week, a full seven days of events focused on green living.

Senator Gaylord Nelson was the founder of this annual event.

Earth Day began as a “national teach-in on the environment” and was held on April 22 to maximize the number of students that could be reached on university campuses. By raising public awareness of pollution, Nelson hoped to bring environmental causes into the national spotlight. In honor of this semi-centennial anniversary, we are going to focus on “earthly titles.”

In the music realm, we’ve danced or listened to – Back to Earth, Earth Anthem, Earth Blues, Down to Earth, Earth Song, The Greatest Love on Earth, Heaven on Earth, Heaven Is a Place on Earth, Let There Be Peace on Earth, Mother Earth, Night on Earth, Not of This Earth, Planet Earth, Promise the Earth, Revolution Earth, and When the Earth Moves Again.

We got the popcorn ready as we watched the films – Battlefield Earth, Earth: vs. the Flying Saucers, Earthly Possessions, Escape from Planet Earth, Here on Earth, Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Man Who Fell To Earth, Not of This Earth, The Smallest Show on Earth, The Quiet Earth and When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth. Lastly, we have the battle of the sexes with the films – The Last Guy on Earth, The Last Man on Earth and Last Woman on Earth.

If you are a bookworm, you’d enjoy – The Greatest Love on Earth; Inherit the Earth; Mother Earth, Father Sky; Pillar of Earth and To the Ends of the Earth. On television, there was the show Earth: The Final Conflict, which ran from 1997-2002. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus billed their shows as the, “Greatest Show on Earth!”

When you’re feeling mellow, then wear “earth tones,” which refer to any color containing some brown. An EarthCam is a network of live-streaming webcams for tourism and entertainment. EarthBound is a role-playing video game published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. EarthLink, which was established in 1994, is an American internet service provider.

Since we have provided you with some celestial names, we must now “unearth” this-worldly query.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

19

Oxford Athletic Club Welcomes New GM Carolina Quiroga

O

By Janice Lane Palko

n February 3, the Oxford Athletic Club, Wexford, welcomed a new General Manager, Carolina Quiroga, who brings 15 years of experience in the fitness industry to the club. “Previously, I oversaw the grand opening of the Chelsea Piers fitness club in Stamford, Connecticut, and have worked at Life Time and New York Health and Racquet Club in New York City,” said Carolina, who is married and has an eight-month-old baby boy.

“The fitness industry is incredibly small, and when a recruiter presented the opportunity at the Oxford Athletic Club to me, I was impressed. It’s one of the nicest clubs I’ve ever visited,” said Carolina, who plans to build on the fantastic foundation of facilities and programs already existing there. “I want to take the Oxford Athletic Club to the next level,” she said.

Located at 100 Village Club Drive, the Oxford Athletic Club opened in 1998 and recently instituted $13 million in renovations. Carolina said that they are still tweaking things. “We are currently in the process of upgrading the locker rooms and revamping the restaurant so that it is more welcoming for the entire family,” said Carolina, who has assumed the leadership at the Oxford Athletic Club during a trying time. “Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, all fitness clubs were advised to close by the Allegheny County Health Department, and we will be closed until at least April 30.”

Although the Oxford Athletic Club is not open to guests or members at this time, that doesn’t mean that Carolina and her team at the club area idle. “Our vision is to make the club a destination for families, a place where everyone is active,” said Carolina.

To continue to serve members during the closure, the club has created its own YouTube channel with Workouts On Demand, and will also introduce Les Mills fitness classes with over 800+ programs. “Our fitness programming is science-based, and the science links to results. We have something for everyone at the Oxford Athletic club from racquetball, squash, tennis, swimming and summer camps for kids,” said Carolina, who agreed that Pittsburgh’s climate is similar to the New York City areas, except for one thing—sunshine. “It’s not as sunny here,” said Carolina, “but that is what I came here to bring to the club!”

For more information on the Oxford Athletic Club, visit: https://www.oxfordathleticclub.com/ also, follow their YouTube channel for workouts from your favorite instructors. n

20

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

N C F E AT U R E

Facts from the Farm

H

By Ron Eichner

i, folks! I am finishing this series of columns by explaining why all of the nutritional benefits of our vegetables, fruits and grains start with the soils the crops are grown in.

It’s important to understand that minerals and trace elements are needed for both humans and livestock to work properly for growth, development and for overall optimum health. Minerals are required in different amounts, but they are all essential.

When humans or livestock lack minerals, those minerals cannot be simulated in the foods they eat or in additional supplements that they can take. Mineral deficiencies can lead to a variety of health issues and problems.

There are 21 essential minerals required by the human body.

They are called essential because the body cannot produce them and without them, you can become seriously ill. It’s important to note that no one mineral is used in isolation by the body. All minerals interact with other minerals, vitamins and enzymes. There also are 16 trace minerals or elements required by the human body.

Mineral concentration of any food truly depends on the soils in which the crops are grown. Soil depletions, supported by modern intensive agricultural methods, have stripped increasing amounts of nutrients from the soils of croplands and orchards across the country. As it has been verified by research, modern agricultural methods have yielded vegetables, fruits and grains that are nutritionally less healthy. Therefore, the key to healthier crops is healthier soil. However, it doesn’t mean that they should be avoided. There still are some nutritional values, even if it is not optimum. This is why I express, “If you want to eat nutritionally smart, the crops have to be grown nutritionally smart, and it starts with the soil.”

It is also the same with the livestock produced for meat consumption and laying hens producing eggs. As with humans, you also need a balanced nutritional diet for livestock. Our poultry feed programs for our chickens and turkeys are all natural, vegetable based and supplemented with vitamins, trace elements and essential oils, along with several pre- and pro-biotics.

Have no fear. If you want an inexpensive recipe for 84 minerals and trace elements that can help to balance your body at the cellular levels, just stop by our farm market for our high energy eggs and seasonal vegetables.

The pushback is interesting regarding the apparent historical declines in the mineral nutrients of vegetables, fruits and grains.

It has been allegedly due to soil mineral depletion by agriculture, and it has triggered critical reviews. The experts say that genetically modified (GMO) crops are just the outcome of modern agriculture and those same experts feel that the benefits of having

increased yields to supply food for the expanding world population outweigh the decline of nutritional quality of the soils and crops. This is, in my opinion, a way to try and rationalize a failing agricultural model which has been accepted by many farmers across the country for decades.

I am, however, proud to continue our natural farming practices that have been used for generations on our family farm and hopefully long into the future. The path you choose to healthy eating may lead you to our family farm. We hope it does, and be sure to bring a friend and be a friend to Eichner’s Whole Farm at 285 Richard Road in Wexford and get the “rest of the story!” n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

21

N C F E AT U R E

SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS

Wreaths Across America Rolls Into a Local Middle School & Butler VA Connects With Vets Via Their Video Connect

Celebrate the ’60 World Series Win

By Janice Lane Palko

Y

ou could say Wayne Stewart has sports in his blood. Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Donora, the hometown of Stan Musial, he was also a high school Ken Griffey, Sr. & Wayne Stewart classmate and baseball teammate of Ken Griffey Sr. He began writing magazine and newspaper stories in 1978 for local papers and national magazines such as Baseball Digest, Beckett Publications, and USA Today/Baseball Weekly and has sold about 500 stories to magazines.

In 1988, he turned his attention to writing books.

“I have now written 35 books for publishers such as McGraw-Hill, Triumph, and Rowman & Littlefield on baseball, football, and basketball, including a book which focused on great football players (especially quarterbacks) from western Pennsylvania,” said Wayne, who resides in Cleveland.

A prolific writer, Wayne has three new books out: 1960 When the Pirates Had Them All the Way, The Colorful Characters of Baseball: Wits, Flakes and Clown and Name that Ballplayer: The Ultimate Baseball Quiz Book. This Pirates book commemorates the 1960 World Series. “The Pirates book marks the 60th anniversary of that fantastic season. I got to interview most of the living Pirates who shared great stories and insights about that magical season and the wildest, most lopsided World Series ever. So the book has exclusive material (some controversial such as the issue of the season’s MVP voting) from Cy Young winner Vern Law, MVP Dick Groat, Roy Face, Bill Virdon, Bob Skinner, Hal Smith, Dick Schofield, Bob Oldis, and Bob Friend not long before he passed away. Plus, the book contains material from many other players of the day including Ralph Terry who gave up the Maz home run and Series MVP Bobby Richardson.

The book can be purchased on Amazon. n

22

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

By Paula Green

W

reaths Across America (WAA) was founded in 1992 by an enthusiastic group of volunteers.

With a trailer full of wreaths, the crew decorated the gravesites of fallen soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery. Since its inception, WAA has now become a national organization with over 1,200 participating locations.

The volunteers are all focused on the mission to Remember – Honor and – Teach.

WAA is committed to teaching younger generations about the value of their freedoms. They also demonstrate the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms. The organization offers learning tools, interactive media projects and opportunities for youth groups to participate in the events. One of those educational tools is a mobile education exhibit.

A Ryan Glover Middle School student (RGMS) Elise Ketler was instrumental in having the WWA unit visit her school, which is part of the Seneca Valley School District. The eighthgrader has been fundraising with this military organization for the past two years. The WWA unit rolled into the secondary elementary campus on March 10, thanks to Elise’s perseverance. For more information on WWA, visit https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/.

Another military service that is being lauded is video technology, which can be found at the Butler VA Health Care System in Butler. This health system’s primary care providers and mental health professionals are trained to deliver telehealth services to a Veteran’s home. If the vets cannot attend an appointment in person, they are given the option to utilize VA Video Connect (VVA) to provide virtual care.

What makes this system even more unique is any Veteran who lives in the United States is eligible to use virtual care.

VA Video Connect can be used on almost any computer, tablet or mobile phone with an internet connection, a web camera and a microphone. VA Video Connect uses encryption to ensure privacy in each session. Virtual care is personalized, safe and effective, and there are no co-payments associated with VVC appointments. For more information on VVC or to download the app, visit the VA mobile app store: https://mobile. va.gov/app/va-video-connect. n

2020 Summer Camp Guide Technology to Aid People with Autism and their Caregivers

By Marianne Reid Anderson

P

ersonally, I believe that the best technology is the type of technology that helps people. The following technology focuses on helping people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the incredible caregivers who

dedicate their lives to helping those with special needs. This technology is known as “assistive devices” or “assistive technology” (AT), it can be “high-tech” or “low-tech” and can range from specialized hardware and medical equipment

to software services such as help with communication skills, social skills, daily living skills, job skills and more: ABLEDATA – This website gives people the ability to search for impar(Continued on page 24)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

23

tial information about assistive technology. You can search by product name, product maker or by category such as communication. In the case of communication skills, AbleData has a plethora of products to assist writing and speech and includes devices designed for “augmentative and alternative communication” (ACC). To learn more, visit https://abledata.acl.gov/products-bycategory.

ACCOMMODATION IDEAS FOR THOSE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER – This website is published by the Job Accommodation Center.

They include information to assist and provide guidance to employers who have personnel with an autism spectrum disorder and want or need to make the workplace more accommodating for these employees. To learn more, visit https://askjan.org/disabilities/Autism-Spectrum.cfm.

APPYAUTISM – This website enables people to search through over 400 applications and software that are available for Windows and Mac computers and iOS and Androids phones. The search function enables users of the site to search based on various criteria such as category, age and more. This site is an excellent way to begin finding out what apps and software are available and even contains a tutorial on the best way to use their search engine for particular needs, such as communication or social skills. To learn more, visit http://www.appyautism.com/en/. One such application that they list is “Life Skills Winner” that helps teach 10 different life skills such as hand washing, brushing teeth and making a sandwich.

To learn more, visit http://www.appyautism.com/en/app/life-skills-winner/.

It is my hope that the above information is only a beginning to help create awareness of the technological tools available. To learn more about these and other assistive technologies, visit the Illinois University Library at https://guides.library.illinois.edu/ autismspectrumdisorders. n Marianne Reid Anderson is a freelance, high-tech writer. Her background and published works can be found on LinkedIn or through her website at www.maritom.com.

24

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

25

K I D S & E D U C AT I O N

School Movers & Shakers Holy Cross Academy Holy Cross Academy eighth grader David Thomas won First Place in the Biology section and was the overall David competition winner Thomas at the North Catholic Science Competition for Middle School Students. As the overall winner, he won a $3500 scholarship for his freshman year. He also received the Robert Alan Williams award for scientific exploration and design.

Holy Cross Academy eighth grader Caileigh Duffy has been named an Outstanding Student in Catholic Schools by the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Seventh and eighth grade Holy Cross Academy students participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of

Science regionals. First place winners were - Ricky Harless, Emily Koman, Ethan Lu, Olivia Marche, Anna Simmons, David Thomas, and Brady Wolf. Second place winners were - Caileigh Duffy, Alexander Maletestenic, Jack Ryan, Ian Stanton, and Joanie Zilaitis. First place winners will compete at the state level in May. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade Holy Cross Academy students participated in the 2019-2020 Forensics finals: John Giunta and Rory O’Connell: first place each; Sara Daeschner, Alexandra Meissner and Jenna Nastal: second place each. David Cobbey, Ricky Harless, Veronika Harless, Robert Joyce, Ben Sibenac and Joanie Zilaitis were selected by audition for the Diocesan Honors Band.

ers participated in the Annual Fuzzy Slipper campaign that benefits the kids at Children’s Hospital. Fourth grade students made “treat bags” and care packages for the families of Hearth, a support service for women and children in Shaler. First grade students made valentines for Meals on Wheels clients. Students in Kindergarten through fifth grade enjoyed a “Night in Paris” at the Father daughter, Grandfathergranddaughter dance.

Blessed Francis Seelos

Holy Cross Academy fifth grad-

The first grade students at Blessed Francis Seelos Academy in Wexford practiced their reading skills with Clair, a four-year-old border collie and canine pet of the school’s Reading Specialist, Patricia Hirsh.

Clair is part of the Therapy Dogs International Program, “Tail Waggin Tutors.”

Aquinas Academy The Aquinas Academy High School Girls› Basketball team, #9 seed, won their first-round game on Feb. 18 over #8 seed Monessen in a game for the ages, to advance to the second round of the WPIAL Class 1A Girls Basketball playoffs.

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Vincentian Academy Vincentian Academy (VA) Parents registered an official Association, the Vincentian Academy Education Association (VAEA), with plans to soon be recognized with 501 (c)(3) non-profit status. The VAEA is working with experts to secure a facility that is fully capable of providing students and faculty with the space necessary to continue the Catholic school in Pittsburgh’s North Hills.

Shady Side Academy State Representative and Speaker of the PA House Mike Turzai visited Blessed Francis Seelos Academy on Feb. 20 to present “How a Bill Becomes a Law” to social studies classes. He explained the different chambers of the state legislature and how a bill passes through each legislative branch to the fourth grade. He guided the students to try and pass their own “law” in the classroom as an example.

26

Aquinas Academy’s First Tech Challenge “FTC” robotics team qualified for and competed in the Pennsylvania State Competition. The following students competed: Andy D’Angelo, Theresa Gates, Grant Kearcher, Sabrina Knox, Benjamin Stalder, Celina Whitmer and DJ Whitmer.

Shady Side Academy senior Talia Busquets is a co-author of the medical research paper Impact of Detecting Talia Occult Pathologic Busquets Nodal Disease During Resection for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, which was recently published in the academic journal Clinical Lung Cancer.

Shady Side Academy announced the appointment of Trixie Sabundayo as the Academy’s next head of the Senior School, effective July 1.

Trixie Sabundayo

Enrichment Center of W Pa Four students from The Enrichment Center of Western Pennsylvania in Baden were recognized for their work in The Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest. Barb O’Baker from the Kushkushkee Trail chapter presented the awards.

Winners were - Ezra Hess (8th grade); Mustafa Ahmed (6th grade); Nolan Curran (high school winner);

Emaan Ashfaq (7th grade). Mustafa Ahmed has also won the Pennsylvania level and will be honored in Washington, D.C. this June. His entry is now being judged at the Regional level. Teacher, Mrs. Ruth Butler, has been honored at the March meeting of the DAR at the Treesdale Country Club for her work with students throughout the years.

Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area School District interscholastic strength and conditioning head coach and Fox Chapel Area High School teacher Brandon Peifer has been named the 2020 State Coach of the Year by the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA).

Fox Chapel Area School District elementary instrumental music teacher Dennis Emert has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) James R. Stewart Distinguished Service Award.

Dennis Emert

their outstanding service to the citizens of the Zelienople area.

Seneca Valley seniors Nishant Jayachandran, Olivia Schultheis and Sean Scott, have been named finalists in the 65th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program held by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that a team of students from the Seneca Valley School District has been selected as the PennDOT District 10 winner for its third Innovations Challenge. Team members include - Ty Brinkley, Darius Zalnasky, Sydney McMurray, Brady McConnell and Kathleen Monahan.

Mars Area Members of Mars Area High School’s Interact Club and Key Club raised $2,240 to benefit Special Olympics Pennsylvania as part of the annual Pittsburgh Polar Plunge, held Feb. 29 at Heinz Field.

The Fox Chapel Area Board of School Directors has appointed Sharpsburg resident Amy Cooper to fill the unexpired term of Lisa Rutkowski in Region I.

Mars Area High School junior Chloe Milliron was selected for a 2020 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards’ Certificate of Excellence.

Eight Fox Chapel Area High School students qualified for the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Championship Tournament. Boomba Nishikawa and Ian Mackey-Piccolo won first place. Rajeev Godse and Jackson Romero won second place. Hanna Chen, Hannah Jahnke, Dawson Krisky and Marie Romero won third place. All eight of these students have advanced to represent the Pittsburgh Diocese at the Grand National Championship Tournament to be held in Chicago Memorial Day weekend.

Mars Area High School junior Morgan Kivlan is appearing in the newly released Netflix series, “I Am Not Okay with This.”

A team of Dorseyville Middle School students recently placed third at the 2020 Western Pennsylvania Science Bowl Middle School Competition. The team included eighth graders Shriya Krishnamurthy, Lakshanya Rajaganapathi, Parv Tahiliani, and Adhitya Thirumala; and seventh grader Murugan Ayyanar. The team was awarded Polaroid Cubes and $500 for the DMS science department.

Seneca Valley Seneca Valley’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Raider Battalion recently received the 2019-2020 “Heart of a Lion” award from the Zelienople chapter of the Lions Club for

Morgan

Kivlan Mars Area Centennial School fifthgrader Anya Ignatuk was named the winner of the school’s Read Across America Week Poster Contest.

Mars Area Centennial School sixth-grader Mia Gratton qualified to compete in the USA Weightlifting 2020 National Youth Championships.

La Roche University La Roche Distinguished Alumnus Anthony Battaglia ’95, M.S., BSN, RN, made a substantial gift to La Roche University’s Many Faces, One Vision campaign for the construction of a clinical simulation center.

The largest outright gift from a La Roche graduate in the institution’s history, it will allow students, including those in the university’s new Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN) program, to study their craft in The Anthony J. Battaglia Clinical Simulation Center, which will open on April 17.

Nicole Gable, director of study abroad at La Roche University, has received a Fulbright International Education Administrators Seminar Award to Taiwan for two weeks this spring.

Holy Cross Academy (Ross Twp)

(Saint Sebastian School / Saint Teresa of Avila School) Principal: Mrs. Patricia Osekowski (412) 364-7171

Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park)

Principal: Margaret Ruefle, M.ED.M.S. (412) 366-4455 www.alphaschool.org

Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights) Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com

St. Gregory Catholic School (Zelienople) (724) 452-9731 Principle: Mrs. Erin Harris www.stgregzelie.org

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

27

FROM THE EDITOR

What Does

60 Look Like?

By Janice Lane Palko

I

turn 60 this month. I had to go back and look at those digits and ponder them after I typed them. They look so foreign. Me 60? Recently when people have learned that I was coming up on a milestone birthday, several have kindly quipped, “You don’t look 60!” But after the third person told me that, I thought, Well, what exactly does 60 look like?

When I was a kid, 60 looked ancient. That was my grandparents’ age. When I went to work, and a I was PYT (Pretty Young Thing), 60 looked like those old ladies in cardigan sweaters on the executive floor. Now, that I’ve arrived at 60, it doesn’t seem that old. Here’s a little secret for all those not yet 60, it’s not that bad. Sure, I’m not as svelte or supple as I used to be, but on the inside, I feel the same as I did when I was 16--only a whole lot smarter. I know a lot more; I figured a lot more things out; I’ve achieved a lot more; and I’ve come to learn what is important in life. I think you spend the first 20 years of your life becoming you and then

28

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

the next 40 creating and living your life—getting married, having children, building a career-- and then all of a sudden you’re rounding the bend and sliding into third at 60.

If I could go back now and visit my 20-year-old self, I think young me would be delighted and relieved as to how I have ended up. I’ve been blessed with so much and by so many people, it’s hard to mourn the passing of the years.

As I mentioned in a previous column, I was fortunate to go on a Mediterranean cruise (before the Corona virus hit), and the ship was primarily filled with passengers who were 50 and up, and let me tell you, they were having the time of their lives. Sure, there were a lot of people on canes or were wearing knee braces or didn’t exactly look like Sports Illustrated swimsuit models, but they were enjoying themselves, with a sense of they had nothing left to prove.

They’ve married, had children, had careers, faced obstacles, become grandparents and survived. There’s no time to look back only time to enjoy the here and now and make the most of what’s left of your life.

Last summer, my granddaughter Sadie, who was three at the time was over at my house, and she was playing at me feet. I was wearing shorts, and she looked at my right calf that has a varicose vein that runs down the inside like a lightning bolt, leaving a constellation of three clusters of spider veins. She touched one of the spider veins and smiled up at me. “Grandma,” she said, “I really like the blue spots on your leg. They’re beautiful.”

I chuckled. Only a three-year-old could think a spider vein beautiful. “Why, thank you,” I said.

What does 60 look like?

A lot like a varicose veins. In one sense it’s an unmistakable sign of advancing age, and on the other it’s simply beautiful. n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

29

WEDDINGS 2020 Newly rennovated Ballroom at Shannopin Country Club

Weddings2020 Old Economy Village

Shannopin Country Club

ifferent areas of Old Economy Village are available to rent for various functions such as weddings, birthday parties, office functions, corporate meetings and photography sessions. Enjoy the good feelings of the past by booking your function at Old Economy Village today. Contact the Friends of Old Economy Village to make your reservation.

Old Economy’s beautiful historic gardens fill more than two acres brimming with colorful 19th century flowers. Formal pathways, a stone pavilion and seasonal flowering hedges are among the striking features that offer a lovely background for your intimate ceremony and memorable photos. Garden wedding events are scheduled from mid-April through mid-October.

Please call ahead for pricing on site rentals. Due to the popularity of Old Economy Village weddings and photography sessions, we recommend scheduling at least six months in advance. For more information, call (724) 266-4500 x113, or e-mail: c-kkarczew@pa.gov. n

One of Pittsburgh’s best kept secrets

D

30

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

S

hannopin Country Club is a beautiful private club and wedding venue in the Pittsburgh area. Our talented staff is dedicated to bringing the details of your vision together to create an event that is as unique as your relationship. While the club is steeped in a rich 100-year-old history, Shannopin boasts a newly renovated Ballroom that combines a touch of elegance with its historical charm. We are proud to be considered one of Pittsburgh’s best kept secrets!

Able to hold up to 225 people, couples can use both indoor and outdoor facilities for their special day. The lush green hills surrounding the venue are ideal for pictures or a tranquil outdoor ceremony. Whether you are dancing in the Ballroom or relaxing out on the Patio, you can also enjoy a magnificent backdrop of the city skyline. For more information, visit the website at: www.shannopincc.com or call (412) 761-2900. n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

31

Jewelry by Alicia & Scott

L

et’s be honest.

Planning the perfect ring for the prefect proposal can be downright intimidating. Trying to determine what properties of a diamond best fit your needs while scrutinizing the perfect setting can make your head spin!

At Jewelry by Alicia & Scott, we put your mind at ease during this very important and big purchase. We consult with each client explaining how to grade a diamond and how to know what aspects are most important for your achieved look.

With our 20+ plus years in custom-jewelry design and manufacturing, we can suggest a setting that is already in our inventory, or we can create a custom work of art through CAD design. Don’t think of us as just jewelers; think of us as your personal jewelry stylist and consultant.

To see more of our work and to read reviews, visit us at facebook.com/jewelrybyaliciaandscott or instagram.com/jewelrybyaands/ n

32

APRIL 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2020

33