April 2022
CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 23 YEARS
A Glimmer of Hope teams up with 2021 NFL Hall of Famer Alan Faneca to fight Cancer Also... Play Ball with The Miracle League
Agora Cyber Charter School
TABLE OF CONTENTS
April
NORTHERN CONNECTION P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046
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NC Features 12
Play Ball! The Miracle League Prepares for Another Season of Baseball Fun Janice Lane Palko Wedding Guide April Showers Us with Some Awesome Observances Ron Eichner Home Guide Business Spotlight: Ready to UPGRADE YOUR LIFE? Weaver Homes
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Health & Wellness IFC-3 8
Kids & Education 14 16 18
ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com President & Publisher
Laura Lyn Arnold Publisher Emeritus & Contributor
Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor
Janice Lane Palko Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator
Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive
Cover Story: A Glimmer of Hope Teams Up to Help Women with Breast Cancer Janice Lane Palko Healthy Reasons to Love Spring Belinda Burchick, RPh, BParm
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Phone: 724-940-2444
School Movers & Shakers Summer Camps Agora Cyber Charter School Offers Continuous Education for PA Students Grade K-12
Mary L. Simpson Design & Production
Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc. Web Master
Swanson Publishing , LLC Core Writers
Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko
Advertorials 23
Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey
In Every Issue... 6 24 26 30 32
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Mover & Shaker of the Month: John Marshall From the Editor: The 10% Janice Lane Palko April Events Trivia Connection: EGG-citing Trivia Paula Green Support Our Troops: What’s News – Militarily Speaking Paula Green
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Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing, LLC (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 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, LLC 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.
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MOVERS & SHAKERS
MOVER & SHAKER OF THE MONTH
John Marshall Owner of John Marshall Catering By Paula Green
John Marshall of Richland Township has been running a catering business for the past 22 years, called “John Marshall Catering.” It is a full-service company based out of Gibsonia that serves southwestern Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
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ohn has been involved in the food service business for 47 years and has won numerous accolades. He loves to serve quality food and satisfy his loyal customers. John also likes to be involved in the community, and he relishes helping others. John has been a township supervisor for Richland Township for 12 years and is starting into his fourth term. John is also on the Northern Regional Police Board. He has been involved with the Guatemala Mission Group at Saint Richard Church in Gibsonia. John spends much of his time working with a local Rotary club. “I have a passion for Rotary and have been a Cranberry Township Noon Rotary Club member for 14 years. I currently hold the position of District Governor Nominee and will be District Governor in 2023-2024 in Rotary District 7280,” John said. “We, as Rotarians, do many projects in our community as well, the dog park, the Rotary Amphitheater, the Rotary Gardens, scholarships to graduating seniors, and many other activities to help our community,” John added. One project that John recently participated in was a relief mission in Kentucky. An EF-4 storm hit in December and wiped out approximately 200 miles of this region. “Aaron Sines from the Mercer Rotary and I organized a trip to the tornado-stricken area, which impacted approximately 17 Rotaries in Kentucky. We went down there to help them out and give them much-needed assistance. Our southern trip was from March 25-27. We took non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items, clothing and cleaning supplies,” John noted. In addition, to tornado-ravaged parts of the US, John is involved with assisting those in eastern Europe, and Ukraine, where the fighting continues. “I am a ShelterBox Ambassador and raise money for this disaster relief organization. We are currently raising money to purchase mattresses, blankets, personal hygiene kits and solar lights called Luminades for the Ukraine refugees. These folks need all the help they can get,” John said. In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with his four children, Jonathan, Shannon, Shavonne, and Angela, and his ten grandchildren, eight boys and two girls. n
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COVER STORY
“I joined A Glimmer of Hope because I realized that I was able to leverage being in the NFL for good.” Alan Faneca.
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A Glimmer of Hope Teams Up to Help Women With Breast Cancer By Janice Lane Palko
Someone once said that “An individual can make a difference, but a team can make a miracle.” Diana Napper, the Founder and President of A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, is one individual who has mobilized a team to offer hope and miracles for women with a breast cancer diagnosis. A Glimmer of Hope’s mission is to fund innovative programs, treatments, technology and research in order to prevent breast cancer from advancing.
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n 1994, Diana became that individual making a difference by pledging to honor the wishes of her best friend, Carol Jo Weiss Friedman, who lost her battle with breast cancer four years prior. Diana, a wife and mother of four children, promised Carol Jo that she would pursue her dream as a jewelry designer and open a jewelry business that would fund a hospice in Carol Jo’s name. Diana fulfilled that promise and more. As the years passed, Diana realized that her mission was to create a means to support those diagnosed with breast cancer, and A Glimmer of Hope Foundation was born. The nonprofit remains a grass-roots organization with a team of 50 volunteers committed to the fight against breast cancer through cancer research and programs, and most importantly, studies in pre-
menopausal breast cancer, as breast cancer in younger women tends to be more aggressive. To do that work, requires funding and help. A Glimmer of Hope’s primary fundraiser, The Bid for Hope will be held on May 14, at Eddie Merlot’s, 4 Gateway Center, in downtown Pittsburgh from 7-11 p.m. This is the Bid for Hope’s 19th year, and it will be especially celebratory as this year’s event is dedicated to former Pittsburgh Steeler and Class of 2021 NFL Hall of Fame inductee, Alan Faneca. He will be honored for being such an outstanding athlete, and he, as well as wife, Julie, and family will be feted for being such tireless advocates for A Glimmer of Hope (Continued on page 10) www.northernconnectionmag.com | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
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and for making such a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Attendees can mix, meet and mingle with the local celebrities and past players as well as bid on auction items and enjoy heavy hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails. “I joined A Glimmer of Hope because I realized that I was able to leverage being in the NFL for good,” said Faneca. “My wife, Julie, and I started discussing things we could do, and then we met Diana.” During the 19 years Faneca has been a supporter of A Glimmer of Hope, he’s been a jack-of-all-trades. “I guess that I have been a little bit of everything over the years. I’ve sold tickets, loaded trucks, cleaned up, shook hands, smiled for pictures, given autographs, and been a spokesperson. Julie and I have been hands-on in anything we have been a part of, and we’ve always been thinking and looking for ways to help out in different and new ways,” said Faneca. Currently, the head football coach at his daughter’s high school, Faneca marvels at how much A Glimmer of Hope has grown over the years. “It has been great to see how much Diana has been able to grow Glimmer and the wide reach it now has over Pittsburgh and really the entire breast cancer research community. The most gratifying is seeing all of the great things that Diana has been able to do and the people’s lives that she has affected and made better,” Faneca said. A Glimmer of Hope has raised more than $6 million in support of breast cancer research in Pittsburgh. And not only do the women diagnosed with breast cancer benefit from A Glimmer of Hope, but also our community, our medical community and our scientific community as well. “I cannot thank A Glimmer of Hope Foundation enough for their sustained seed funding,” said Vera S. Donnenberg, Ph.D., F.C.P., Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers Research, who recently received two large grants from the Department of Defense that aim to develop our understanding of how hormonally positive (HR+) and triple negative breast cancer metastasizes into the chest cavity/ pleural space. “Once HR+ breast cancer metastasizes to the pleural space, it becomes more aggressive and resistant to therapy,” said Dr. Donnenberg. “We are hoping to find a way to block the interaction between tumor and the environment within the chest cavity, and we hope to find treatments that can be delivered
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directly into this environment to inhibit tumor growth while at the same time supporting local and systemic immune responses and decreasing systemic toxicities.” A Glimmer of Hope provided her with funds to conduct preliminary studies to generate convincing data for the grant applications that were submitted to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program in Breast Cancer (CDMRP BCRP). “The Glimmer of Hope supported studies acted as a springboard and allowed me to generate compelling applications that once completed will generate critical understanding on how breast cancer spreads into the chest cavity and will also provide much needed leads for less toxic and more effective therapeutic interventions,” said Dr. Donnenberg. Breast cancer surgeons are also a part of A Glimmer of Hope’s team, and Emilia J. Diego, M.D., Surgical Oncology Specialist, co-director of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital’s breast cancer program and section chief of breast surgery for Magee and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, knows well how clinical studies, science and technology have revolutionized the treatment for breast cancer patients. “It used to be that a diagnosis of breast cancer meant an expected decreases in survival, but that is no longer the case,” said Dr. Diego, whose own mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Today, women have many choices. No longer do we automatically do radical breast surgery or throw the kitchen sink at the cancer with large doses of radiation or intense chemotherapy.” One of the trends in breast cancer care Dr. Diego emphasized is toward a de-escalation of treatment. “Every patient is different and with the medical advances in treatment, specifi-
cally immunotherapy, we can tailor treatment for each individual, and in some case, we are discovering some breast cancers that are slow-growing and are managed with minimal care. We are pushing the envelope every day, and I think A Glimmer of Hope is aptly named because today, more than ever, a diagnosis of breast cancer is no longer a death sentence. Every day we’re getting closer to a cure.” Also on the Glimmer of Hope team is Christie Hilton, D.O., who is the director of A Glimmer of Hope Metastatic Breast Cancer Clinic at AGH, and the breast cancer medical oncol-
ogy lead physician for the AHN Cancer Institute. In October 2020, A Glimmer of Hope opened A Glimmer of Hope Metastatic Breast Cancer Clinic at AGH. The center is dedicated to treating patients with metastatic breast cancer. Many patients with metastatic breast cancer can live years and even decades with new treatments for their disease; however, in 2022, metastatic breast cancer remains incurable. “The GOH Metastatic Breast Cancer Clinic at AGH is a comprehensive program that centralizes the care for metastatic breast cancer patients,” said Dr. Hilton. “One goal of the clinic is designed to decrease waiting room time by coordinating multiple physician appointments, radiology appointments and multidisciplinary appointments into one appointment, allowing these women to spend more time being wives, mothers, daughters, friends and employees and less time as patients in an office,” said Dr. Hilton.
“When you start something as a passion and not a business, people sense that and want to help.” Diana Napper “Another very important goal of the clinic is to expand awareness and complete early and ongoing screening for clinical trial eligibility for this fragile population. Many women living with metastatic breast cancer will exhaust all available standard of care treatment options during the course of their illness despite being fit enough for further treatment. Clinical trial enrollment earlier in the course of metastatic breast cancer has the potential to optimize outcomes and is an important part of the clinic,” said Dr. Hilton. A Glimmer of Hope also provides integrative services such as acupuncture treatments and massage therapy, which are provided free-of-charge to patients which patients note can help with side effects of treatment. “I always describe the Metastatic Breast Cancer Center as a fluid clinic,” said Dr. Hilton. “We are always trying new things and working to make the clinic better and more efficient. The feedback from patients who are a part of the clinic has been overwhelmingly positive. A Glimmer of Hope makes this clinic possible, and I am fortunate to witness the positive impact A Glimmer of Hope has made in patients’ lives,” said Dr. Hilton. At AHN, A Glimmer of Hope is also funding research toward understanding the immune response to metastatic breast cancer. Led by Patrick Wagner, M.D., Director of AHN Cancer Institute Division of Complex General Surgical Oncology, the research is aimed at eventually delivering less toxic therapeutic options and better outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Diana Napper credits all those on her team—from staff, to volunteers, to medical professionals—for allowing A Glimmer of Hope to grow and help so many women. “When you start something as a passion and not a business, people sense that and want to help. We receive so much support because we are transparent about what we do, focus on making a difference right here at home, have no large staff and we put the money we receive to good work that makes a difference for breast cancer patients.” “Pittsburgh is a smaller city,” she continued, “but we have a big medical scene here. Our small-town mentality shows in how much support A Glimmer of Hope receives, and it allows our medical community to take ownership of the research and provide treatment from some of the finest medical professionals, who not only are remarkable caregivers but also truly care about people.” n
For more information on A Glimmer of Hope or this year’s Bid for Hope, visit the website at:
www.symbolofthecure.com.
Photos courtesy of Gary Yon from Bid for Hope 2019.
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NC FEATURE
The Miracle League Prepares for Another Season of Baseball Fun By Janice Lane Palko After not playing in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and playing the 2021 season while wearing masks and social distancing, The Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania is pumped for the upcoming baseball season, the league’s 14th year. .
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he Miracle League program offers children and adults with special needs, individuals starting from the age of 5 and up, to learn and play the fundamentals of baseball. The Miracle League field, located at Graham Park in Cranberry Twp., is a specially designed turf field that can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, mobility devices– all players can be successful at the field. “We are excited to get back to normal after having to cancel the season in 2020 and playing an abbreviated season last year,” said Kevin Delaney, Miracle League Vice President and League Coordinator. “We will still be mindful of cleaning equipment, etc., but we are not mandating masks. We believe parents know their child best, and some players have breathing issues. Families are excited too. We are already getting calls about registering for the new season.” The new season will begin in mid-May and includes eight games, concluding in mid-July. Registration will begin on April 1 and those interested in playing can go the Miracle League website and sign up ahead of time. An email will be sent out when registration opens as a reminder. “The registration fee is $45 per player and that covers the eight-game season,” said Delaney, “but no child will be turned away because of an inability to pay. We have scholarships to help with that.” Each player receives a team shirt and cap. The fun is for everyone. “We have several divisions of play includ-
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ing the non-competitive Miracle Division for children 5 to 17 years of age. The competitive Youth Division for those 6 and older, and the non-competitive Adult Division for those 18 or older,” said Mike Sherry, President and Founder of the league. “Children and adults with special needs of any ability are able to play,” said Sherry. “No matter what. We have a division for you.” “Our adult league is for anyone 18 and older,” said Chris Sherry, Co-Founder and Adult League Coordinator. “We play our games during the week in the evening, and not only do we play teams within the Miracle League, but we play several other group homes in the area such as the Maguire Home and the Meraky Allegheny Valley School.” “But whatever division, whatever the reason for participating whether it is as a player or volunteer, the objective is for the players to have fun!” said Mike Sherry. “We’re working for smiles and there’s always an abundance of them at our games!” There is no restriction on who can play as the Miracle League field is adaptive for those using wheelchairs or walkers. “We go out of our way to accommodate any player. We have adaptive equipment such as beeper balls for those who are visually impaired and devices for those who can’t swing a bat. I encourage anyone to come out and give it a try,” said Chris Sherry, who also noted that the Adult League players sometimes play under the lights. “When I turn those lights on, it’s always a thrill!”
“I believe that the field itself is magic!” said Miracle League board member Carol Kolling. “When community members come to see their children play at one of the other fields or people are running or walking, they always stop to watch the game with a smile.” Each year about 200-250 players participate in the league in the eight-week spring season and the six-week fall ball season. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the league, and each player is assigned a Buddy to help them on the field. Youth volunteers can be 12-17 years old, and adult volunteers are age 18 and up. “We have never put a cap on how many volunteers we take,” said Delaney, who encourages anyone so inclined to give being a volunteer a try. “Volunteers are always needed.” “Our volunteers are amazing! Being a Buddy allows them to understand that having a disability does not make you different; it makes you human! When I watch the parents sit on the bench and enjoy the game, I can see the joy in their eyes and happiness in their hearts,” said Kolling. There are other opportunities off the field for volunteers. “We always look for announcers. The players love hearing their names being broadcast over the loudspeaker,” said Mike Sherry. “For our volunteers, many return year after year because they can feel this impact too. It’s very rewarding to give up an hour or two of your weekend to see a field full of players having a great time,” said Fred Roberts, Board Member. The Miracle League promotes friendships and social interaction with peers, as well as physical activity and a spirit of encouragement. It also helps to develop relationships with coaches and members of the extended community. Pirates Charities are enthusiastic supporters of The Miracle League. “Chairman, Bob Nutting, was instrumental in building the region’s first ever Miracle League field in Cranberry Township,” said Madison Connelly, Manager of Pirates Charities. “Since then, Bob has been excited to find new ways to support our local Miracle Leagues, which have since expanded to eight in the Pittsburgh region and one in Bradenton.” “Of all the major leagues in our culture and sports programs provided through schools and towns, baseball is pretty unique. We see it on TV. Siblings play Little League or in high school. When we recall our own youth and playtime, baseball (and indirectly kickball) was probably the first game we learned. The rules are simple, and it probably wasn’t the first time you used skills like running, throwing or catching. The ubiquity of baseball and low threshold to play makes easy to adapt for players with disabilities,” said Roberts. While the Miracle League relies on volunteers, it also relies of the support of the community, especially for financial support. Seneca Valley School District has stepped up to the plate as a major supporter of the Miracle League, hosting a Raiderthon the past seven years. “Our Student Council wanted to raise money for Miracle League because it was important to support a local organization,” said Rebecca Beer, Seneca Valley School District Teacher and Senior High Student Council Advisor, who oversees the district’s Raiderthon. “We host the Raiderthon event to raise money for Miracle League because we believe that all students deserve an opportunity to play team sports. It’s an important part of life that so many people take for granted. Our students recognize the value that it holds and wanted to give to this cause and raise recognition for it,” said Beer. The 8th Annual Raiderthon is scheduled for April 1 from 5-9 p.m.
All students and community members are invited to attend with a $5 ticket. Tickets are available for 7th-12th grade students during lunches and community members in the Senior High athletic office. “Students are encouraged to fundraise leading up to the event by giving to our GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/svsd-2022-raiderthon),” said Beer. “During the Raiderthon, the SVSHS lobby and hallways are set-up like a carnival with face painting, balloon artists, an escape room, corn hole, spike ball, and more. The auditorium will have karaoke with a DJ for $1/song and a line dance every hour. The gym will have dodgeball, big ball volleyball, and other activities for grades 9-12. Concessions such as pizza, pretzels, Dilly Bars, Marburger’s drinks, and more will be available. There will be a 50/50 and raffle baskets. Events and refreshments are for a cash only fee, with all money going to Miracle League,” said Beer. To date, Seneca Valley has raised nearly $100,000 for the Miracle League. If you can’t participate in the Raiderthon, you can donate to the Miracle League through the league’s website at: https://www.mlswpa. org/donate. For anyone considering playing or volunteering, you are guaranteed a good time. “You can’t help but be impacted by what is happening on and off the Miracle League Field. There isn’t a player, parent, or volunteer that doesn’t have a smile on their face when they are at the Miracle League Field. The Miracle League is at the core of what the Cranberry Community is all about. Caring, Sharing, Helping Others and Leaving no one behind is what makes this a great community,” said Board Member Dick Hadley. “You won’t be disappointed if you choose to serve as a coach, a buddy, or announcer; you will find the experience awesome and rewarding. You will be another smiling face who is putting smiles on the faces of those with special needs and will become a very special person serving a very special cause. See you at the field!” For more information on The Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania or to register to play or volunteer, visit: www.mlswpa.org/. n
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KIDS & EDUCATION
School Movers & Shakers ECWPA High School Enrichment Center of Western Pennsylvania student Esther Hess won the Pennsylvania level of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Annual Essay Contest and the Division level (the Eastern States). Her entry was submitted by the Kushkushkee Trail Chapter of the DAR. Her entry will now move on to the National level of the contest. Pictured is Esther and her teacher, Mrs. Ruth Butler.
Aquinas Academy Four Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh senior athletes signed National Letters of Intent to participate in collegiate sports. Mara Brak Franciscan University (tennis), Elizabeth Hardy - The College of Wooster (lacrosse), Elizabeth Russell - Denison University (basketball) and Emma Queen - Bates College (field hockey and ice hockey).
Pine-Richland Pine-Richland/Mars Area U.S. Air Force JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp) Drill Team competed in the AFJROTC Tecumseh Drill Meet, held March 12. The JROTC earned first place in the Varsity Armed Drill Team category and second place in the Female Color Guard category.
Mars Area Mars Area Middle School eighthgrader Julian Coquelet competed in the Tri-Bowl “Presidents” academic competition, held March 1 at Grove City College. Coquelet earned second place overall in the
Julian Coquelet
Middle Division (Grades 7-8) and went undefeated in the second round of the competition. Members of Mars Area Middle School Hockey Team #2 celebrate after winning the 2022 Scholastic League 12U A Championship. Mars Area Elementary School STEAM teacher Colleen Hinrichsen was named an inaugural Allegheny County Intermediate Unit (AIU3) transformED Teaching Fellow.
Colleen Hinrichsen
The Mars Third Grade Youth Basketball Team took first place in the McDowell March Madness Tournament, held March 4-6 at McDowell High School (in Erie).
Seneca Valley The Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF) was named a 2022 Community Champion Distinguished Honoree by the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. The Seneca Valley School Board approved an agreement with Care Solace, an online resource that helps individuals find mental health care providers and substance use treat-
ment centers 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and 365 days per year. Seneca Valley Senior Daniel Spear has been named a finalist in the 67th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program held by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
Fox Chapel A team of Fox Chapel Area High School students won first place in the 2022 Pittsburgh Brain Bee. The students are: Prajval Sreenivas, Omar Al-Bataineh, Murugan Ayyanar, Etash Jhanji, and Arnim Kuchhal. Additionally, Prajval won third place in the individual portion of the competition. Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore Eliza Davis was named a national winner in The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America Essay Contest. Eliza is one of only 50 winners from across the Eliza Davis nation and one of only three winners from Pennsylvania. Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore Sophia Rike received an honorable mention in the 28th Annual Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest. Sophia was recognized for her portrayal of Rosalind from As You Like It. Fox Chapel Area High School junior Zachary Sullivan was selected to attend the 2022 Disney Dreamers Academy. As a winner, Zachary received an all-expenses paid trip to attend the Disney Dreamers Academy at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida March 3-6. Six Fairview Elementary School students
Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights) Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com
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placed in the top 10 as part of the 2022 Children’s Choice Awards “Battle of the Books” competition, sponsored by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and the Allegheny County Library Association. Fairview Elementary School winners were: Salam Saidi, Aarya Senn, Catherine Carlson, Elisabeth Lange, Eleanor McCall and Naomi Thorne. Two teams of Fox Chapel Area School District Fairview Elementary students tied for first place in the grades four and five division of the 2022 Science Bowl. Winners were: Bettis Bierenbaum, Elisabeth Lange, Salam Saidi, Glenn Story, Alejandro Torres-Smalley, Linden Trac, Maya Vyas, and Om Vemulapalli.
La Roche University In collaboration with award-winning underwater filmmaker Ziggy Livnat, La Roche University film major Camila Casas recently released Blue-less, a short film promoting the protection of oceans from plastic.
BC3 A Butler County Community College student, who while living in Nicaragua, helped to create an association that assists the deaf and their families. And a recent graduate who overcame comKeily Tinoco munication difficulties to teach university hockey club players to skate will receive a full-tuition scholarship toward completing a bachelor’s degree at a Pennsylvania public four-year institution of their choice. The awardees are Keily Ian Moore Tinoco, 19, of Cranberry Township, and Ian Moore, 19, of Butler. Butler County Community College faculty member Tricia Pritchard has been hired to lead a Butler County Growth Collaborative initiative intended to address a workTricia force shortage by providing trainPritchard ing to residents who face barriers to employment and by creating a countywide culture of empowerment.
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SUMMERCAMPS SUMMER CAMPS2022
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KIDS & EDUCATION
Agora Cyber Charter School Offers Continuous Education for PA Students Grade K-12 Agora Cyber Charter School, an online public school established in 2005, has delivered an uninterrupted education to Pennsylvania students grades kindergarten through 12th for the last 16 years. The continuous educational choices begin with kindergarten and extend to graduation from the 12th grade. Agora Stands Alone
A rigorous curriculum is delivered to all Agora students in real-time by PA-certified teachers. Live classroom instruction provides students with an engaging education, while going to public school in the safety and comfort of their homes. Deciding which educational opportunity best fits a child’s needs is crucial, and Agora has spent over 16 years ensuring their online educational model allows each student’s needs to be met. Agora teachers incorporate a variety of options to differentiate and work with the range of skill levels that exist within the classroom. We believe that a student succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school—one that thrives on communication. It is Agora’s vision to assist students to reach their highest potential. Agora’s enrichment programs span throughout all grades with the National Honor Society chapters available for grades 5 to 12. Elementary and Middle School have Advanced Learners Programs, High School has 18 AP courses and 14 honor courses. Agora’s student-driven programs and curriculums are designed to provide all students with the best educational options which will meet their individual needs. Twenty-eight percent of Agora students have an IEP. Upon enrollment the student’s IEP is immediately implemented, a review of the special education documents and
curriculum-based measures are then completed, following those processes a meeting with the family is conducted and the IEP is adapted to cyber education. Specially designed instruction and a standards-based curriculum are delivered by qualified staff to meet the educational, emotional, and physical needs of all students. Unique to Agora are the 83 family coaches who are the first point of contact to welcome the families to Agora and cyber education. We refer to the family coaches as boots on the ground, as they are regionally located throughout the state. They are the liaison between the school and the family and provide an extra layer of support to the student for a successful educational experience. The family coach also organizes social opportunities for the students, both virtually and in-person. Sixteen years of perfecting cyber education has allowed Agora to offer robust schooling to any child in Pennsylvania who desires it, no matter the circumstances. Upon enrollment, each student receives a laptop, printer and all resource materials needed for online success. It takes a village to educate a student, at Agora from your first contact with the Enrollment Concierge, to the orientation and school advisers, principals, teachers, family coaches, they all rally around your student with you, as an essential support, for a successful cyber education. n
Register to attend a live Virtual Open House and meet live with staff who will walk you through an overview of Agora and answer your questions at agora.org or call us directly at 844-462-4672. 18
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Elementary School
Elementary school principal Jansen Hornbake states “Agora’s elementary program builds a strong foundation of skills as students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. The students develop a deep conceptual understanding of math skills that lay the groundwork to success in their later years of schooling. Students who begin their journey here at Agora shine as this learning progression continues through each school year.” Students in kindergarten through grade 2 will be assigned one teacher for all core subjects. However, in grades 3 to 5, students will work with a team of teachers who each teach a specific core subject. Agora elementary teachers use their talents to develop and execute engaging, academically challenging lessons to meet the diverse needs of the learners in the classroom. Agora teachers and staff work alongside students and Learning Coaches to develop warm, caring learning environments where students can take academic risks in a safe space. It is our goal each day to help students achieve their potential.
Middle School
Agora’s middle school is the grade span in which youngsters are most transformed throughout their academic career. They enter middle school as children and leave as young adults. Bridget Kozar, middle school principal states “We help students become independent with their learning and take responsibility for their education, as they continue to find their unique strengths and encourage them to flourish as they move towards high school.” In middle school, Agora students are offered a standards-based curriculum in four core content areas: history, science, math and ELA. In addition, students may have the opportunity to participate in teacher-led electives of music, art and physical education. Agora’s goal is to prepare students for life beyond the classroom, so middle school students are exposed to a career-readiness course as well as a computer-literacy course.
High School
The high school team has designed courses and instruction to engage the 21st-century learner with multiple units, lessons, and activities that allow for differentiation, practice, exploration, and assessment of learned skills. Parents can easily support their students by accessing the student calendar, which clearly illustrates assignments, due dates and grades in one easy-to-use tool designed to improve student focus. Agora’s high school credit-based program values a well-rounded individual and believes that students who study the arts as well as history, mathematics, science and language arts have the best chance to be competitive members of their community after graduation. Agora students are offered a variety of career paths to post-secondary life. In addition to the core subjects, students have the option of choosing from 80 electives, 18 AP courses, and 14 honor courses. Destinations Career Academy offers industry-relevant pathways in Healthcare, Business and Information Technology and are complementary courses to the traditional high school program. “At Agora, we support your student in charting a new course. Whether it is a career pathway or college prep, we have courses that will guide them on their path to success,” explains high school principal Jeff Miller. 18 Agora school counselors are on hand to assist students with their academic, social, and emotional needs, to help them navigate high school and beyond.
2022 WEDDING GUIDE
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Healthy Reasons to Love Spring
T
he winter chill is finally over. The sun is warming the air. Longer days are here. Birds are singing. Baby animals running around. Flowers are blooming. Smiles are coming back. Spring has arrived, bringing many opportunities to nurture your health. Warmer weather and the rejuvenating spirit of this season is a great motivator to improve your overall physical and mental well-being. There are lots of reasons to celebrate spring, including healthful ones. More daylight. Longer daylight hours are a natural mood booster, gaining nutrients from the sun and feeling the gift of spring around us. Warmer temperatures. Leaving the frigid cold behind, but before it becomes too hot, the temperate spring air means you can spend more time outside, which is great for your mood and memory. Walking outdoors in warm air, lowers your heart rate.
By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm Heightened creativity. The feel of spring can transform the way you think, leaving you open to new ideas and creative thoughts. Birds are back. Watching birds, or simply listening to them sing can brighten your day. Babies everywhere. Watching baby bunnies, squirrels, and ground hogs run around can have a positive effect. Leaves are unfolding. Green leaves are starting to peek out from the plants and trees as they start to grow again. This process converts sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into food, releasing oxygen and providing a crucial environmental service. Let the sunshine in. Open your windows and doors to bring in fresh air and release the indoor pollutants from your house. Clean House - Physically and Mentally. Spring cleaning can apply to both
your home and your mind. Use this time to declutter, which can relieve some indoor allergies and is good for reducing stress. Let go of negative thoughts to make room for happiness. Also, spring cleaning is great exercise. Add fruits and vegetables, especially ones that are in season, to gain the nutrients. Also, warmer air can make you eat less. A dose of Sun. A little sun can be your friend, as it triggers your body to produce vitamin D, which keeps your bones strong and boosts your immune system. Basically, all you need is about 10-15 minutes, with your arms and legs exposed to absorb this amazing natural nutrient. Be aware that too much sun exposure can turn unfriendly and present you with a sunburn. Outdoor activities. Spring is just the right temperature for many outdoor activities such as after-dinner walks, gardening, pickleball, etc. Exercising around nature can increase energy levels, make you feel revitalized, decrease stress and other positive effects. Get outside and get moving. Flowers are blooming. Flowers can sense that the days are longer, and the air is warmer, so they celebrate by blooming. For us, looking at flowers can make you happy. Even bringing blooming flowers indoors helps with overall mood and anxiety. Skin and hair. Goodbye to the dryness from the freezing temperatures. Spring break! This is the best time of year to take a relaxing break, so enjoy a quick trip. The spring season brings promise and new beginnings, so get some fresh air outdoors and take in all that surrounds you. Admire the green leaves and colorful blooms, and you will begin to feel relaxed and have an overall sense of well-being. It’s the season to feel fabulous and healthy. Spring into good health as you enjoy this season. 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.
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ADVERTORIAL
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Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have
Ten years ago I hurt my foot and it continued to get worse over the years. It got to the point that my feet were so sore and cold all the time. Outdoor activities are very important to me and I was losing the ability to do them. I felt there was no hope. A friend of mine learned of Tri-State Neuropathy Centers and I made an appointment. The results have been unbelievable. I have no more pain and my feet are no longer cold. My range of motion is so much better, and my balance is back. I am now enjoying all the outdoor activities I use to and am nearly 100% better.
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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 TRI-STATE NEUROPATHY CENTERS. It includes the combination of very specific, noninvasive, FDA approved and painless treatments that are designed to get rid of symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. With over 90 percent satisfaction rate and the experience of seeing over 8000 patients, they are able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, don’t wait until they get worse.
Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: • Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs Take o • Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands PREQUA ur LIFYING • Extreme Sensitivity to Touch SU www.M RVEY at aryDan • Loss of Balance or Coordination cedIn.c om • 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.
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Monroeville
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Weirton, WV
3350 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite A, Weirton, WV 26062
MaryDancedIn.com • (724) 940 -9000 23 www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com
| Fall 2021
FROM THE EDITOR
The 10% By Janice Lane Palko
R
ecently, a person I follow on Twitter posted some words of wisdom about what he’d learned over the last two years after all that we’d been through, and one of them I can’t get out of my mind. He stated that he believes that at least 20% of any population has strong authoritarian tendencies, which will emerge under the right conditions. Sadly, I think he’s right, and he may be underestimating how corruptible people are. I also believe that I’ve been a bit naïve. Nearly 25 years ago, when I was writing for the now defunct North Hills News Record, I remember penning an article about how I believed that, with each succeeding generation, we evolve toward a kinder, more enlightened society. I no longer believe that. I believe human nature has not changed and generally, people living today are no kinder and gentler than previous generations. We are just as brutal, misguided, and retched as those who have come before us. If you have been observing what has been happening in Canada with the truckers’ protestors, where human rights were stripped from people, money was confiscated, peaceful protestors were beaten by authorities and even the leaked text messages from the police up north showed how much glee they derived from beating the citizens, it shows that we haven’t learned anything. Well, you may say that is them. I, or we, would never do that. Really? History and research have proven that wrong. I haven’t read it, but there is a book called Ordinary Men by Christopher Browning, which details what happened at the end of World War II in Nazi Germany. As the war raged
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on, the Nazis were scraping the bottom of the barrel looking for soldiers. In desperation, they called up ordinary men, the local butcher, the tailor, the grocer—500 ordinary men—to carry out Hitler’s “Final Solution” and murder Jewish women, children and the elderly. These 500 men were given the option to refuse such a brutal task with no penalty, but shockingly, only 10-12 out of the 500 men opted out. The rest shot and killed the defenseless. After their first massacre, these men were horrified at what they had done, but they rationalized away their actions and nevertheless took on their next assignment and continued their murderous mission until all told, these “ordinary men” killed 38,000 people. How did these average men become killing machines? Psychologists identified some reasons. Conforming to Social Roles – When a few people exhibit a behavior, it becomes easier for others to join in. Careerism – The men who became murderers justified it by thinking that if they didn’t execute the people, they wouldn’t get good jobs after the war. Following Orders – When you conform, you find it easier to just follow orders and absolve yourself of any responsibility. Wartime Desensitization – Initially, the men were horrified by what they were requested to do, but over time they got used to it and their despicable deeds no longer horrified them. We are living in precarious times, war is erupting in Europe, our economy is tottering, and supply chains are leaving shelves empty. There is a military adage that says every society is only nine meals away from anarchy, meaning that if people can’t get food for three days, citizens go crazy and society collapses. We saw that during Hurricane Katrina; image that on a national scale. I hope that things turn around, but if we don’t, we may be faced with some unsavory situations and choices. Vow now not to be “ordinary men and women,” who go along to get along, but be extraordinary, the 10 percent who strive to keep their humanity. n
APRIL EVENTS
AARP #595 meeting, noon, April 5,
Hampton Presbyterian Church, 2842 E Hardies Rd, Gibsonia. Topic “Team Trivia,” fun facts of Pittsburgh with David Hall. Meetings are held the first Tuesdays. For more info, email janet.rushmore@verizon.net.
Carnegie Science Center is accept-
ing nominations for their Carnegie Science Awards. The awards honor Pittsburgh’s most inspiring scientists, technologists, educators, business leaders, and innovators who are making a difference in western Pennsylvania. Nominations will be accepted through June 10, at CarnegieScienceCenter.org/Awards.
Citizens’ Perspective on Sharpsburg, 7 p.m., April 18,
Hampton Township Community Center1301 McCully Rd, Allison Park. Presenters Mark and Julia Brugh. Lecture is free and open to the public.Masks and social distancing required.
April Events
Cranberry Artists Network show
A View from Above or Below, runs thru April 14, Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Rd, Cranberry.
Mars Area Lady Planets Softball Boosters Spring Craft Show, 9:30
a.m. to 1:30 p.m., April 9, at Mars Area Middle School.
NA Class OF 1977 45th Reunion,
7-11 p.m., Saturday, August 20, Doubletree by Hilton PittsburghCranberry, 910 Sheraton Dr., Mars. For details, email nashclassof1977@ gmail.com. To register,https://nashclassof1977.wixsite.com/reunion.
North Pittsburgh Quilters Guild Spring Quilt Show, Flowers of
Hope, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri & Sat., & 10 a.m.-5 p.m., & noon-4 p.m., Sun, April 22-24, at the Ross Community Center, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive, Pgh 15237. Admission is $10. For details, visit http://www.npqg.org/.
Northland Library, has numerous
events scheduled for April. National Library Week is April 3-9. For a completed list of events, visit www. northlandlibrary.org or call (412) 366-8100.
Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation (PMHF) encourages
western Pennsylvania students to apply for the organization’s annual Community Service Scholarship. The scholarship awards $10,000 in funding for post-secondary education tuition costs to a high school senior who exemplifies the commitment of PMHF and the late Jamie Ellenberger to serving and improving their community. Applications must be received by April 29. For details, visit www.pmhfos.org.
Run Across Guatemala 5K/ Run/ 1 Mile Walk, 9:00 a.m.
start (8:15 check-in), Apr. 9, North Park Swimming Pool. Benefits a Guatemalan orphanage, sponsored by Sts. Martha & Mary Mission
Group. Register online at runsignup. com and search for Run Across Guatemala.
Saint Aidan Parish Over 50 Travel, Soaring Eagle Casino Trip, Sept. 13-16, three nights accommodations. Visit Soaring Eagle & Hollywood Casinos, plus the Henry Ford & Native American Museums. For info, call Lois at (412) 400-4516 or Dave at (412) 719-3172.
Sealarks Women’s Group meet-
ing, 1 p.m., April 13, at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road, McCandless. This group provides Christian fellowship & social activity for women alone – widowed, divorced or never married. All women alone are welcome to attend. For info, call (412) 487-7194.
Shaler Garden Club Plant Sale,
9:00 a.m. to noon, May 7, Kiwanis Park, Wetzel Rd, Glenshaw. For details, go to shalergardenclub.com. (Continued on page 28)
Saint Aidan Parish Easter Triduum Holy Thursday, April 14
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m. – Saint Alphonsus Altar of Repose after Mass until 11:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 15
1:00 p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Supper - Saint Alphonsus 2:00 p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion - Saint Alexis 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross - Saint Alexis
Holy Saturday, April 16
Blessing of Food Baskets 12:00 p.m. – both churches
Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 16 8:30 p.m. - Easter Vigil - Saint Alphonsus
Easter Sunday Masses, April 17
7:30 a.m. - Saint Alphonsus 8:00 a.m. - Saint Alexis 9:30 a.m. - Saint Alphonsus 10:00 a.m. - Saint Alexis w/choir (live-streamed) 11:30 a.m. - Saint Alphonsus
For more information, visit saintaidanparish.org/easter or call (724) 935-4343 26
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Spring is Here... Think McIntyre Square! McIntyre Square McIntyre Square Drive Ross Township / Town of McCandless To Wexford
McKnight Road
Route 19
Peebles Road
McIntyre Square Ross Park Mall
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Huntington Bank Laurie’s Hallmark Life Uniform McIntyre Beer My Eye Doctor National Tire & Battery Once Upon A Child Original Pancake House PNC Subway Tan Seekers Nails Center Ting’s Kitchen Valley Pool & Spa Weight Watchers
I-2
Ace Hardware At Home Choice Medical Chuck E Cheese’s Citizens Bank CosmoProf Dollar Bank Dunham’s Sports Edible Arrangements Fine Wine & Good Spirits Fitness 19 Gabe’s Giant Eagle GNC Great Clips H&R Block
To Downtown Pittsburgh
APRIL EVENTS
St. Margaret Foundation Brian Demchak Hope Challenge runs
from Sunday, May 15 to Saturday, May 21. Registration is open. For info visit, www.stmargaretfoundation. org/challenge or call (412) 784-4215.
Summer Singers Day Camp, Aug.
1-5 (ages 7-10) Pittsburgh, Aug. 3-5 (ages 7+) Grove City. Sponsored by Pittsburgh Youth Chorus. For details, visit www.pittsburghyouthchorus.org.
Transfer Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.,
every Tuesday thru May 17, La Roche University main campus in room 210 in the Wright Library. No registration or appointment necessary. Contact the Graduate Studies & Adult Education Office at (412) 536-1260.
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UPMC Passavant Hospital Auxiliary Membership Opportunities, are you looking for
a stimulating opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of our community hospitals—UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Join the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary’s long tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2 nd Monday of each month, 10 a.m., Sept. through June. New members are welcome. For info, contact Nicole Kaib at (412) 748-6640 or kaibn@upmc.edu.
Women’s Business Network has
meetings scheduled in April at various times and locations. For a details list, visit www.wbninc.com.
TRIVIA CONNECTION
EGG-Citing Trivia By Paula Green
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Since we have stirred up some egg facts, we must now scramble through this query. Get set to let your sunny-side prevail because it’s time to get a little trivial. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
National Egg Day is celebrated annually on this date in June. The first annual White House Easter Egg Roll was held on April 22, 1878, under which U.S. president? This famous “milk punch” is commonly served during the Christmas season, either with or without alcohol. Dr. Seuss published this children’s book on August 12, 1960. Name the purple squash that folks like to make into a parmesan dish. An expression that means you made an embarrassing error or blunder. In this 1967 film, Paul Newman’s character Lucas Jackson consumes 50 hard-boiled eggs in one hour. This delicious chocolate cremed-filled egg is sold in store during the Easter season. A large egg had a “big fall” in this English nursery rhyme. ConAgra Foods introduced this product in 1972. It is sold as substitute for whole eggs. Although it’s not an egg dish, this deep-fried Chinese appetizer contains shredded cabbage, vegetables, and other fillings. An idiom that means, don’t risk everything on the success of one venture. In the song Here Comes Peter Cottontail, Peter got colored eggs from whom? The yellow part of the egg is the yolk, but what is the white section called? This Looney Tunes chick is featured in Foghorn Leghorn cartoons. n
Sources: veryhealthy.life.com, allthingsnature.org, ohsnapletseat.com, storesoftheunexplained.com, allrecipes.com, funrtrivia.com Answers: 1. June 3rd 2. Rutherford B. Hayes 3. eggnog 4. Green Eggs and Ham 5. eggplant 6. “have egg on your face” 7. Cool Hand Luke 8. Cadbury eggs 9. Humpty Dumpty 10. Eggbeaters 11. egg roll 12. “don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” 13. his sister Sue 14. albumen 15. Egghead Jr., or Eggbert
E
aster arrives on Sunday, April 17, and I hope you are eggcited! Within the Christian tradition of Easter, the egg has long symbolized new life and rebirth. The emergence of the chick from the egg represents the resurrection of Christ. The egg’s oval shape is symbolic of the stone rolled away from Christ’s tomb. Early Christians stained eggs red to remember the blood of Christ shed during the crucifixion. Eggs are popular in the United States. According to unitedegg.com, Americans eat an average of 286 eggs per year. So, it’s no wonder why this delight is called “the incredible, edible egg!” Tasty ways we like to eat them are fried, overeasy, sunny-side up, scrambled, poached, deviled, pickled, soft-boiled and hard-boiled. A few delicious egg dishes include eggs benedict, omelets, quiches, frittatas, egg salad, egg foo young, egg drop soup, and the Egg McMuffin as a breakfast sandwich. There are also yummy chocolate Easter eggs. If you want to go the delicacy route, dine on caviar expensive fish eggs. Additionally, eggs come in different colors – white and various shades of brown. Even blue and green eggs come from a breed of chickens developed in Chile. There are different types of eggs – farm-fresh, free-range, cage-free, organic, Omega-3, and pasteurized. Eggs come in various grades – Grade AA, Grade A, and Grade B. The sizes vary as well, ranging from jumbo to peewee. Although eggs consist of 186 mg. of cholesterol, they also have plenty of nutrients. Eggs are fortified with minerals, proteins, and vitamins. A single egg contains vitamins A, D, E, K, B2, B5 and B12. In addition, eggs are packed with iron, calcium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, folate, selenium, and magnesium. All of the vitamins and nutrients of the egg are found in the yolk. The white part contains the protein. Eggs play a significant role in everything from cakes and cookies to meringues and pastry cream — they create structure and stability within a batter. They help thicken sauces and custards. Eggs add moisture to cakes and other baked goods and can even act as glue or glaze. Eggs are laid by numerous birds such as duck, emu, goose, guinea hen, gull, ostrich, pheasant, and quail. In addition, amphibians, like a frog, lay eggs, and reptiles, such as a crocodile, do. So, there are plenty of eggs to be found around!
FACTS FROM THE FARM
April Showers Us with Some Awesome Observances By Ron Eichner
Hi folks! At this time of the year, the days get longer, with March
going into April. April 1 is April Fools’ Day, an annual custom of endless practical jokes and hoaxes, whether it’s pranks to play on your friends, parents, kids, or grandkids. The day isn’t a public holiday in any country except in Odesa, Ukraine, where April 1 is an official city holiday. So we all should keep the people of Ukraine in our thoughts and prayers. April 14 has had many historical events happen on it in the U.S. In 1865, President Lincoln was shot. In 1902, the first J.C. Penney store opened in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The Titanic struck an iceberg on that date in 1912. In 1935, what was known as Black Sunday, with the worst sandstorm in the Central Plains, turning a sunny afternoon into total darkness, occurred. Then in 1941, we saw the first massive German raid on World War II in Paris, France, where Jewish people were rounded up and interned in concentration camps. This year, on April 14, we celebrate Holy Thursday and “The Last Supper.” The true meaning of Good Friday has been lost in recent decades by the public’s hustle and bustle. Suppose we step back and reflect on what was done for all of us with Jesus’ crucifixion. He spent hours on the cross, giving up his life for all of us. We are unique as a family business; we close our farm market from noon to 3 p.m. every Good Friday. Easter Sunday celebrates Jesus’ resurrection and the area churches conducting their Masses and services. After church, hunting Easter eggs and baskets is fun for the kids and grandkids. A traditional Easter meal includes ham, side dishes, salads, and various desserts. Hams come in all kinds of types and sizes. You generally get what you pay for. We offer from our smokehouse hams that are semi-boneless, wholly trimmed, and fully cooked. I describe our hams as having three steps – heat, serve and eat. Easter chocolates, chicks, candies, cookies, and desserts come in many sizes and shapes. Diane is busy with her homemade Easter cutout cookies, nut rolls, and special paint-your-own cookies for kids and grandkids. Easter flowers are always a challenge for greenhouse growers since Mother Nature can give local growers fits. If it gets too warm, too quickly, the lilies, hyacinths, tulips may need a cool place. If it’s cloudy and cold, the growers may have to turn up the temperatures, which spike the heating charges. “April showers bring May flowers,” and the area box stores love to tempt customers by bringing out their annuals, vegetable plants, herbs, hanging baskets in mid-April if we have a few warm sunny days. Each year mid-April thru mid-May, my role is a “Gardening Angel,” where I try to help our customers with – when, where, and why. There have been reasons why a planting schedule for annual and vegetable plants had been followed for decades. Just a hint, it’s genuinely all
about soil temperatures, cold, damp soils, and the chance of frosts anytime through May. April is a great time to clear and clean up what winter has left behind. The yards and gardens may need to be edged or trimmed, mulch or mushroom manure delivered, and spread throughout the yards. Lawns are greening up, and the lawn mowing season gets into gear. With spring in gear for 2022 and as Wexford’s “best-kept secret,” we wish all of your families and friends a Happy Easter! You are welcome to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm & Greenhouses and let us be one of your year-round destinations for 2022 at 285 Richard Road in Wexford and get the “rest of the story.” n
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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
What’s News Militarily Speaking By Paula Green
A
commemorative military celebration took place on Sunday, March 27, at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum when it held its annual Joseph A. Dugan, Hall of Valor induction ceremony. This commemorative program recognizes Pennsylvania veterans who have received medals for bravery and heroism during times of military conflict. Nine Pittsburgh-area military members who served in branches of the service were honored. Those that were recognized include US Air Corps – SSG Theodore Bluey, Distinguished Flying Cross, WWII, US Air Force; MSG William Homer, Distinguished Flying Cross, Korea; COL Robert Sawhill, Silver Star, WWII; US Army; PVT George Huser, Silver Star, WWII; 1SG John Kraemer, Silver Star, Korea; PFC John Krchnavy, Silver Star, WWII; CPT Dennis Mielke, Distinguished Flying Cross, Vietnam; PVT Victor Sempr, Silver Star, WWII; TSGT Angelo Speggen, Silver Star, WWII. Another military celebration was held on Thursday, February 24. Hosanna House Inc. and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh celebrated the grand opening of the Center for Aviation Technology and Training (CATT) and the Tuskegee Airmen Museum. The updated space creates an opportunity for the Greater Pittsburgh region’s youth to explore the field of aviation and aeronautics through hands-on, informal learning opportunities rooted in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The collaboration has led to the creation of a new museum that is focused on the Tuskegee Airmen. The entire museum is centered on the contributions of black and brown pioneers and leaders in aviation. The opening exhibit Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight, was organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The exhibit is supplemented by the Tuskegee Airmen Museum’s growing collection of World War II and aviation artifacts, including a pilot’s flight suit and gear, a real propeller and nose cone, autographed items owned by Tuskegee airmen, and other objects and ephemera. Over in the South Hills, a rededication of the former Bethel Park VFW flagpole was recently held. The pole was originally installed in 1961. It was located to the right side of Saint Valentine Catholic School. The school is closed, but the Bethel Park Historical Society saved and donated the VFW Flagpole. On Veteran’s Day 2021, the 45-foot flagpole was removed and transported one block away to Bethel Park’s first town high school, built-in 1905. On December 18, 2021, a rededication and complete restoration of the flagpole was held with the Vietnam Veteran’s Inc. Honor Guard and the Marine Honor Guard in attendance. It is now the legal property of Bethel Park Historical Society. Escape USS Requin comes to the Carnegie Science Center this spring. Visitors can immerse themselves in a submarine encounter. From 5-7:30 p.m. beginning Friday, April 28, and running thru May 28, the attraction is a new, immersive escape room experience. Between four and eight guests have 60 minutes to work collaboratively to use their deductive reasoning skills to escape the historic USS Requin (SS 481) Radar Picket submarine through puzzles and games. For more information, visit carnegiesciencecenter.org/ or call (412) 237-1641. n
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Ready to UPGRADE YOUR LIFE? Then it’s time to experience the Lifestyle Communities of Weaver Homes!
T
hink of milestones throughout your life. Finishing school. Getting married. Having children and grandchildren. All reminders of how wonderful life can be. For many, the next milestone is often the “is it time to downsize” moment. Today’s active adults are redefining what it means to be older. They’re choosing to upgrade their lives by moving to active lifestyle communities, opting for a relaxed, hassle-free way of life. Heritage Crossings and The Villas at Forest Oaks by Weaver Homes are all about that carefree lifestyle. The low-maintenance homes feature open, single-level floorplans, an abundance of natural light, accessible age-in-place design, and plenty of storage. The communities themselves include unique amenities that encourage
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healthy living, along with a mandate that residents enjoy fun activities and great adventures instead of chores like mowing grass, raking leaves or shoveling snow. Heritage Crossings is one of Weaver Homes’ most popular lifestyle communities. Located in Sarver, PA, it is minutes from everything in Butler County. This thoughtfully designed community is adjacent to South Pike Square Plaza, so residents walk to dinner, the hairdresser, or the movies. It has sidewalks, a large furnished clubhouse, a fitness center and a heated outdoor pool. (Perfect for family gatherings, hanging out with neighbors, or just relaxing.). The villa-style homes include an oversized 2.5 car garage, a pull-down storage attic, and additional storage located behind
the laundry room. Homes are priced from $390,000. Design-ready homes are available, too! The Villas at Forest Oaks is Weaver’s new lifestyle community. Located in Butler, PA, it is set on one of the area’s most sought-after 18-hole golf courses, Aubrey’s Dubbs Dred. With breathtaking views of rolling hills and manicured greens, this is a great chance to live the good life on a golf course! There is also a heated pool, a clubhouse, and a gym. Homesites facing the greens are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis. Priced from $365,000, the one-story villas complement the easy, carefree lifestyle. Homesites facing the greens are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis. Weaver Homes specializes in homes designed for the active adult buyer. These unique floorplans are designed to be lowmaintenance and support a healthier lifestyle. With more than three decades of design and building experience, Weaver Homes is Greater Pittsburgh’s premier personalized home builder. Familyowned and operated, they take a very hands-on approach to the construction process. Find the low maintenance Lifestyle Community that’s perfect for you! Visit WeaverHomes.com today and check out their unique homes and lifestyle. n
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