2016 Back-toSchool Guide Page 12
YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
AUGUST 2016
Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic
Serving Others and Exploring the World
August Happenings
Veterans Breakfast Club
Summer Whites with Style
U.S. City Nicknames Trivia
Contents NORTHERN CONNECTION CONTENTS | August 2016
45 Features
Health & Wellness
10 Join the 25-Year Celebration of the Log Cabin Inn
28 Back-to-School Preparation Dr, Lucas Godinez
51 Tantalized Tastebuds on Tap at Fundraiser to Fight Prematurity
31 Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing Graduates Earn Distinguished Awards
Back-to-School 2016
52
15 School Movers & Shakers 16 Tech Talk: What is the Khan Academy? 18 Cover Story: Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Serving Others and Exploring the World
In Every Issue... 4
From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski
6
Movers & Shakers
7
Mover & Shaker of the Month Emily Skopov
44 Starting the Conversation: Do We Appreciate What We Have? Marianne Reid Anderson 45 Trivia Connection: U.S. City Nicknames Trivia Paula Green 46 August 2016 Happenings 52 Support Our Troops: Veterans Breakfast Club Paula Green
2
18
32 Fit Families: Kids and Breakfast: What Are Your Kids Eating Each Morning? Joella Baker
Image & Style 38 Nude Attitude: Summer Whites with Style Kelly Smith
20 Advertorial: The School at McGuire Memorial
Senior Living
22 Volunteers Making a Difference at the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh
40 Town Crier: Astounding August Joe Bullick
24 Applaud the New Location of Studio 19 Dance Complex! 25 Academic Excellence is Top Priority at St. Wendelin School
42 Happenings for Seniors
Advertorials 31 What Should Happen? Dr. Shannon Thieroff
26 New Science Labs at Aquinas Academy Provide Professional Learning Experience!
33 Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey
27 La Roche College Holds Special Open House Events for Prospective Graduate, Adult and Transfer Students
36 The Time is Now! Dr. Michael Vactor, D.C.
27 Back-to-School 2016 Directory
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
3
Welcome PUBLISHER NOTES | August 2016
Welcome to the August issue of Northern Connection magazine
B
ack to school is right around the corner. This month, many of us will be busy getting our children ready for the new school year and once again, Northern Connection magazine’s August issue features our annual Back-to-School Guide. This month, we are continuing our ongoing series on “Innovations in the Classroom” throughout our Back-toSchool Guide due to the amazing advances that have been integrated into our area schools. It is fascinating to learn how our area’s dedicated educators are inspiring and engaging our students. Enjoy reading all of the articles in this year’s Back-toSchool Guide. We look forward to continuing this feature in the Education section of Northern Connection magazine this school year and thank you to all the participating schools. Make sure to get your schools innovations featured in our upcoming issues! This month’s cover story is on Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School students. It highlights their students traveling abroad to not only “Success is enhance their educational experience but the maximum to help children, in less fortunate places of the world, to have a chance to experiutilization of the ence a better life. Even though we are starting to preability that you pare for a new school year, there is still have.” a lot of summer left to enjoy! Be sure to check out this month’s Happenings secZig Ziglar tion to plan some fun activities for you and your family. Check out this month’s Trivia and test your knowledge of American city nicknames! Enjoy reading all of the Northern Connection magazine’s special features along with our regular monthly columns. Thank you for your support and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! l l l
Coming in September Family Healthcare Back to School – Part 2
Coming in October Women’s Health & Wellness Call (724) 940-2444 today to reserve your ad space Email: northcon@consolidated.net
NORTHERN CONNECTION P.O. Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722
Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: northcon@consolidated.net www.northernconnectionmag.com
Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com
President & Publisher
Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor
Marianne Reid Anderson Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator
Paula M. Green Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com
Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator
Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive
Mary L. Simpson Design & Production
Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master
Swanson Publishing Company Marianne Reid Anderson ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
Core Writers
Joella Baker Joe Bullick Paula M. Green Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution
Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Dominion Distribution Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year. 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.
@NCONNECTIONMAG Find us on Facebook under Northern Connection Magazine! http://northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com/
4
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
How do You get Rid of that Middle-Age Belly Weight AND have a Toned Body with a Healthy Shape after 50? Any change is hard, but losing fat with Dr. Chufo is easy. It is somewhat simple to lose weight, but the entire key to losing weight is to keep it off and get rid of the old “yo-yo” syndrome. Dr. Chufo starts on day one planning with you for 10 years from now. She gives you more food to eat than you could ever imagine, supplements that give you lots of energy without feeling nervous or jittery, and works each week with you, one-on-one, herself. When you have unlimited foods, help to suppress your appetite, and a life coach (Dr. Chufo) who will work personally with you until you get the weight off and keep it off for at least 30 more weeks, how can you not beat the “battle of the bulge?” We’ve done it all and if she can’t get it off after doing this for 36 years, believe me, no one can! You leave her office feeling a million times better and more motivated than you thought was possible! “Going to see Dr. Chufo was the best thing I have done for myself in a very long time. Sometimes we just put ourselves on the back burner and take care of everyone else. Well, I saw a friend of mine and she looked fabulous!!! I asked her how she lost the weight and she told me. I made the call to Dr. Chufo. Getting older gave me a belly and some back fat I never had in my life. I got to my goal in record time with a 25-pound loss and a 38-inch loss. I went from a size 14 to a size 8, all in 10 weeks! I feel great and I’m told by others that I’m getting “looks” from random men. Settle for nothing and live your dream! We only go around this way once.” C.B. (Butler)
“I’m in my mid70’s and with my weight loss, no one believes it. The pressure of the fat off of my knees means no knee replacements I cried when I first met with Dr. Chufo. I was so lost and depressed about the way I looked. But, I found the care and kindness I received by Dr. Chufo and her staff was like none I had ever had before at weight loss places. I’ve lost 46 pounds and over 70 inches because she takes off fat, not muscle. I can play with my great-grandson and bend over and pick him up. I could never do that before I lost this weight and I feel I found a friend for life. I worked with physicians and they all are astounded with the way I look and the results of all my health tests seeing that I HAD high blood pressure, edema, and joint pain and arthritis. But, that was in the past. No more because of the weight loss!!!” JoE.P. (Ben Avon)
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
5
People
MOVERS & SHAKERS | August 2016
Movers & Shakers The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health marked the groundbreaking of its expansion on July 6 at its location in the Strip District at 2825 Penn Avenue. Once the expansion is complete, it will be the largest freestanding birth center in the U.S. Guests in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony included: Valerie McDonald Roberts, chief urban affairs officer, the office of Mayor Bill Peduto; Ken Doyno, Rothschild Doyno Collaborative; Angela Holzman and Lemont Morand, Massaro Construction; Cecile Springer, Midwife Center capital campaign chair; Christine Haas, Midwife Center executive director and Ann McCarthy, CNM, MSN, Midwife Center clinical director. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, for the seventh consecutive year, has been named to the U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals. UPMC broke ground on a new outpatient site in Hampton Township that will feature comprehensive care for children and adults, various rehabilitation therapies, primary care, advanced imaging services, diagnostic testing, and after-hours care for adults and children. The new center, based on the medical mall concept of convenient access to primary care services for patients in their own communities, is set to open in September 2017.
Dr. Scott L. Heyl, Family Medicine chief resident at UPMC St. Margaret’s Hospital in Aspinwall is joining Genesis Medical Associates, Inc. and his father – Dr. Louis Heyl and Dr. Donald Shoenthal at Heyl Family Practice in West View. Five graduates of the Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing were honored with achievement awards at their commencement ceremony on June 23. Robert Ramsey received the Anthony Lisanti award. Cassandra McClelland was given the Ronita DiClemente accolade. Brandon DenHoed garnered the Frank Fairbanks honor. Valedictorian Alan Bochan was bestowed with the Medical Staff award. Salutatorian Brittany Olszanski received the Board of Directors award. University of Pittsburgh’s Rocky Tuan, Ph.D. received a research award to conduct studies on the International Space Station. Tuan has received a research grant from the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) to continue his Dr. Rocky Tuan work on a 3D microphysiological system (MPS) to be conducted on board the International Space Station (ISS) to evaluate the accelerated aging and degeneration process of bones that occurs in space.
Congratulations to the Wexford Ale House for being chosen as the “2016 People’s Choice for Best Overall Wings.” The award was given out at the King of the Wings Festival. The winning recipes were Raspberry Flame (Fallen Angel) and Hot Cajun Ranch.
The Hines Ward Celebrity Golf Classic was held on June 13 at Nevillewood by presenting sponsor C Harper Auto Group. The event raised $75,000 for Positive Athlete Pittsburgh. (Continued on page 8)
P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.
Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes
Penny Ann Erbe
Enrolled Agent Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner
$5 off
Weekdays M-F 11am-4pm Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Not valid on alcohol. Expires August 31, 2016.
6
NC Mag-8/16
a $20 Lunch Purchase
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
412-487-1009
4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456
Mover & Shaker of the Month
Emily Skopov
Founder of the nonprofit “No Crayon Left Behind” BY PAULA GREEN
E
mily Skopov’s “No Crayon Left Behind” nonprofit has been a colorful asset to the community, both locally and abroad. It all began five years ago, when Skopov was celebrating her son’s 7th birthday at the Red Robin restaurant in Cranberry Twp. He didn’t use the complimentary crayons. Out of curiosity, Skopov asked the waiter, “What happens to these crayons afterwards?” He told her that they’re all thrown away. It doesn’t matter if the crayons are used or worse yet unused – they are discarded. Skopov was shocked and appalled at his answer, as suddenly the enormity of the waste hit her. Why throw out essentially brand new crayons that would only clutterup our land-fills? These crayons could be put to good use. With this in mind, Skopov asked various restaurants if they would start collecting discarded crayons and she would find them a new home with children who otherwise could not afford them. Skopov gathered up piles of crayons from various establishments and before she knew it, the collection drive transformed into the vibrant nonprofit “No Crayon Left Behind.” “After I gathered the crayons, I sorted them and then I donated them to homeless shelters, Christian missions, daycares, and preschools in economically depressed neighborhoods. Once I introduced this onto social media the demand really soared and things took off,” Skopov noted. Currently there are 121 restaurants that donate their gently used crayons to NCLB. These recycled
treasures are distributed to various needy organizations. Initially, the crayons were allocated throughout the Pittsburgh region, but now they’re also sent all over the U.S. and globally to Morocco, Uganda, Mexico and other impoverished regions. To date, NCLB has gifted over one million crayons. “We have really grown with No Crayon Left Behind. We have an office on Hegner Way in Sewickley and I have two part-time employees whose help has been invaluable during this rapid expansion. We do accept crayon donations, but our more urgent need is monetary donations and we are also looking for corporate sponsors. It is very costly to send hundreds of pounds of crayons overseas. For corporate sponsorship, we are also looking for partners who are willing to take the crayons overseas. Currently, we are fortunate that we work with World Vision and The Education Partnership, but more help would definitely be welcomed,” Skopov added. In addition to running “No Crayon Left Behind,” Skopov is also a screenwriter, producer and director. She resides in Marshall Township with her husband, son and daughter. For more information on No Crayon Left Behind, or to make a donation (Skopov says any amount would be greatly appreciated), be sure to visit their website at, www. nocrayonleftbehind.org or email info@nocrayonleftbehind.org. You can find them on Facebook at www. facebook.com/NoCrayonLeft/ or on Twitter at @NoCrayon1. l l l
Simone Sharpe, Emily Skopov, Colton Bolender
Omar and Ali from Morocco
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
7
People
MOVERS & SHAKERS | August 2016
On June 30, Pittsburgh Mercy gardeners partnered with city paramedics and planted vegetables, herbs and tomatoes in a new garden at the station in Bloomfield. Pittsburgh Mercy has offered Nature-Related programming since 2014. This year, the program expanded from several of Pittsburgh Mercy’s mental health residential sites to also include intellectual disabilities services and other programs within the organization.
On June 10, The Club at Shadow Lake hosted the 2016 Fore Kids’ Sake Golf Classic benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County. Special guest at this year’s event was Skyler Fox, the thirteen year-old from Riverside School District that wowed the nation with his incredible performance at Augusta National by winning the chip and putt categories and finishing second in his age group in the skill competition. The event raised $14,000 for the children of Beaver County.
8
The Cranberry Township Lions Club members installed new officers and approved the distribution of $14,000 to various charities. The new board for 2016-17 includes: Mike Doerfler, president; Chuck Caputy, 1st vice president; Mike St. Clair, 2nd vice president and Ruth Mike Doerfler Dobson, 3rd vice president; Tim Roscoe, secretary; Kendra Folker, assistant secretary and Larry Duncan, treasurer. Four directors were elected: Gary Burnett, Dick Cotton, Scott Oros and Karl Koebler. Membership committee is Tim Holt and Clyde Cameron. Mike St. Clair and Regis Haefner will assume the roles of “Tail Twister” and “Lion Tamer.”
The Cranberry Artists Network (CAN) has created a new public sculpture. The president of CAN is Noele Reynolds and the exhibition chair is Duane Cacali. They worked with welder Curt Bonetti at Canon USA. The CTCC sphere sculpture repre-
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
sents all the different types of sports courts that are interconnected with one another. The Zelienople Historical Society presented three awards for historic preservation to community members on June 9. The Angel Award was presented to Jan Maharg. The Legacy Award was presented to Robert Householder. The Preservation Award was given to Andrew Beneigh. Kiersten McCort has been recognized in Pittsburgh magazine as a 2016 Five Star Wealth Manager.
Kiersten McCort
The Woodlands Foundation was pleased to receive a charitable donation presented June 14 by Eaton Corporation. Eaton Charitable Fund’s contribution in the amount of $8,000 will support of an ongoing campus-wide upgrade and improvement to the quality of lighting and energy consumption. ATI-Financial Services partners Ralph E. Duckworth Jr. and Tom R. Butler earned Pittsburgh magazine’s Five-Star Wealth Manager Award for the fifth consecutive time, qualifying them for the magazine’s special, “Five Year Winner” award.
Dr. Ann Cirillo Ann graduated from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary in 1990. After completing a one year internship in anesthesiology, she joined both an equine practice and a small animal practice for the following year. She became an exclusively small animal practitioner in Dr. Grohmann, Dr. Cirillo and Dr. Griffin of 1992. Dr. Herschl (Cirillo) enjoys all Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital aspects of veterinary medicine including a special interest in companion animal dentistry. Dr. Ann decided to become a veterinarian at a very young age and followed her dream to reality. She considers herself blessed to be able to do what she loves, and not only take care of the animal patients, but their owners as well. She attends many community activities including events sponsored by the Susan G. Komen foundation, Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, Animal Friends, Butler County Humane Society, Hello Bully, community days and home shows. She also has a passion for mentoring teenagers and young adults who desire to become veterinarians someday.
Dr. Jaime Griffin Jaime knew when she was 5 that she wanted to be a veterinarian and never faltered from that path. She’s been part of the veterinary field for 20 years. In the beginning, she cleaned kennels, and answered phones. On her road to vet school, she trained at various specialty practices including a university teaching hospital as a technician. Through these experiences, Dr. Griffin has learned that she values the people and pets she connects with daily. After 5 years as an emergency veterinarian at a large referral center, Dr. Griffin missed the relationships that come with general practice and was excited to become a member of the Seven Fields family. Dr. Jaime Griffin graduated from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. There, she concentrated on small animals, exotics and emergency
medicine. Dr. Griffin enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, and has a special interest in nutrition, geriatrics and palliative care. She and her husband live in the North Hills with their two boys, two dogs, and cat. Away from work, she spends most of her time with friends and family. She also enjoys making glass jewelry and pretty much anything crafty that she can get her hands on.
Dr. Stacie Grohmann Stacie graduated from The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She is originally from East Central Pennsylvania and after living in Ohio for 9 years, she is happy to be back in Pennsylvania to pursue her career. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, especially communicating with her clients. She and her husband Jason, who is also a veterinarian, are very much enjoying living in and exploring Western Pennsylvania. Together, they share their home with a Great Dane, (Cally), an Australian Shepherd, (Kota), 2 cats, (Sampson and Peanut), as well as a few pet snakes and leopard geckos. They enjoy horseback riding, hiking, reading and spending time with their families and friends when time permits. Dr. Grohmann is excited to be one of the co-owners of Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital and cannot wait to see what her career has in store for her. She enjoys getting to know both the clients and patients and feels very fortunate to have found a place like Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital where she can continue to grow as a veterinarian both in the hospital setting and in the community.
The doctors of Avalon Veterinary Hospital
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
9
People
MOVERS & SHAKERS | August 2016
Join the 25-Year Celebration of the Log Cabin Inn Nestled in the woods on Route 19 just north of Zelienople, the Log Cabin Inn has been serving classic American cuisine in an intimate, casual atmosphere for twenty-five years.
T
he Log Cabin Inn began life in 1835 as a house built along an old stage coach route near its current site. Originally, it became known as the Stage Coach Inn when the owners started taking in travelers. The cabin was physically moved twice before being located to its present location. First it was moved to a spot along old Route 19 and was renamed the Log Cabin Inn about the time prohibition was repealed. The state moved the building again when Route 19 was relocated. Today, the Log Cabin Inn features a wide array of appetizers, steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. The Log Cabin Inn also offers a full service bar, and a great outdoor deck overlooking the woods. “Some visitors even say they feel like they are in a tree house when they look out over the dense woods behind the cabin.� says general manager, David Pelletier. To celebrate this silver anniversary, the Log Cabin Inn is giving away a $25 gift certificate EVERY DAY through December 31! Be sure to enter when you visit the Log Cabin Inn at 430 Perry Highway in Harmony, PA. The Log Cabin Inn is part of the Springfield Restaurant Group. For more information, including the menu and daily specials, visit www.springfields. com. l l l
10
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
11
Back to School 2016
12
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
Our Back to School Guide, which will be continued in September, begins the fourth year of our Innovations in the Classroom in our Education section. BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
O
riginally, it began as an idea for Tech-Talk article on the types of technology teachers were using in the classroom such as Smartboards or tablets. But in talking with the many educators in our community, it became a means to showcase the amazing variety of ways they were using a whole array of technology to engage and educate students. The column quickly grew beyond technology and the classroom to also demonstrate our area educator’s many innovative lessons and paradigms, accomplishments in extracurricular activities, and synergies with other educational groups throughout the city, across the country and around the world. For this issue, the entire Education section is an Innovations in the Classroom, highlighting our cover feature on Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School, a Tech-Talk article on the education tool known as The Khan Academy, and several amazing accomplishments from our area schools. The section continues with a look at health and wellness (Continued on page 14)
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
13
with articles on Kids and Breakfast and Back-to-School Preparation. All past Innovations in the Classroom columns can be found on our website at www.northernconnectionmag.com. The articles on the website continue to have many visitors and displays the impressive volume of work that the many educators, staff and administrators have devoted endless hours and energy into creating for our students. We will continue highlighting new innovations and programs our September’s Back-to-School Guide and in the coming months. If you are implementing an innovative program, lesson, or extra-curricular activity, be sure and let us know by emailing NorthCon@consolidated. net or calling (724) 940-2444. l l l
14
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
School Movers & Shakers Hampton
North Hills
Dr. Rebecca Cunningham has been appointed by the Hampton Township Board of School Directors to serve as the District’s next Assistant Superintendent.
North Hills School District has hired Mary Grimm as the new Ross Elementary School principal.
Mars Area
Dr. Rebecca Cunningham
Mars Area graduate David Bednar (Class of 2013) was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 35th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball FirstYear Player Draft on June 11. Mars Area graduate Andrew Diefenbacher was named valedictorian of the Class of 2016. Gabrielle Giglietti was named salutatorian.
Five North Hills School District alumni have been selected for induction in the North Hills Sports Hall of Fame. The 2016 inductees include Bob Hood, Class of 1970; Michael “Mickey” Schramm, Class of 1966; Dana Pecanis Simile, Class of 2000; John Wilkie, Coach and John Zanieski, Class of 1981. North Hills School District has hired Lindsay Radzvin as the district’s new director of Food Services.
St. James
Mary Grimm
Lindsay Radzvin
Seneca Valley Andrew Diefenbacher
Gabrielle Giglietti
Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area High School student David Han was chosen to be a 2016 Yosemite Alcoa Scholar. As a scholar, David will participate in the NatureBridge Alcoa Scholars program and will spend 12 days in the field at Yosemite National Park in Yosemite, Calif.
Seneca Valley earned three awards in the National School Public Relations Association’s (NSPRA) 2016 Publications and Electronic Media Contest. SV communications department received an Award of Merit and two Honorable Mentions.
Three students from St. James Catholic School in Sewickley participated in Flag Day ceremonies at the Coraopolis Elks Lodge #1090. Catherine Martsolf, Haley Hamilton and Tyler Pontello each read their winning essays that the Elks sponsored in a contest on why it is important to be an American. Father Thomas J. Burke, pastor of St. James also attended and participated in the annual service.
The Asian American Heritage Committee of the Pittsburgh Federal Executive Board has named two Fox Chapel Area High School students winners in its program that honors outstanding Asian American high school students. Suvir Mirchandani received the India Highest Honor award and Nadia Islam received the Bangladesh Honor award from the organization. Fox Chapel Area High School student Jacob Klein and Taylor Allderdice High School student Anna Wan were named national winners in The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) Essay Contest. Jacob and Anna are two of only approximately 50 winners from across the nation and the only two winners from Pennsylvania. As national winners, Jacob and Anna received full scholarships to the Congressional Seminar Workshop in Washington, D.C.
St. Joseph Saint Joseph High School student Isabelle Schroeder was one of 3,000 students from around the world to advance to the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Isabelle Contest in College Park, Md. She Schroeder was a top ten finalist in the senior division paper category. She was given a Most Outstanding Senior Division Award.
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
15
Back to School 2016 Tech Talk
What is the Khan Academy? BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
T
he Khan Academy is the ultimate online educational resource with over 100,000 fun and interesting interactive exercises and educational videos encompassing a full array of subjects including math, science, computer programming, history, art, economics and much more. The mission of the Khan Academy is “to provide a free, world-class education for anyone,
16
anywhere.” If you can access the Internet, then you, your children or students can access and use the whole range of content and services available through the Khan Academy. There are also great tools for parents and for teachers that monitor progress, determine knowledge gaps or provide ways to incorporate content, videos and exercises into classroom lesson plans, serve as a
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
resource for homework, for test preparation and even for home-schooling. Designed to introduce concepts and skills, to reinforce skills already learned or to serve as a refresher in years to come, the lessons created by the Khan Academy content specialists enable students to learn at their own pace in or outside the classroom. The Khan Academy has also partnered with such notable institutions as NASA®, Museum of Modern Art, California Academy of Sciences and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, among many others to enhance and contribute to the content. Located on the web at www. khanacademy.com, this resource is completely free and available to everyone. Funded by donations including support from
Google®, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Microsoft® to name only a few. Microsoft recently debuted a Khan Academy education application on their Xbox One gaming station and home console so students, parents and teachers can use the convenient Xbox One interface directly from a television rather than needing a computer, tablet or mobile device such as a Microsoft Surface®, Apple® iPad® or Google Chromebook®. The Khan Academy was founded in 2006 by Salman Khan who was born and raised in New Orleans. His father was from Bangladesh and his mother was from Calcutta, India. Prior to the founding of the Khan Academy, Salman Khan earned three degrees from MIT: a BS in mathematics, a M.Sc. in electrical engineering and computer science, and a MEng in electrical engineering and computer science. He also pursued an MBA from Harvard Business School. The inspiration for the Khan academy began when Salman was tutoring his cousin Nadia in mathematics using Yahoo!’s Doodle® notepad. Then, as other relatives and friends wanted tutored as well, he decided that it would be more feasible to put the tutorials on YouTube. Due to the popularity on YouTube and the testimonials of so many appreciative students, Khan decided to resign from his job in finance as a hedge fund analyst and focus on the tutorials fulltime and expand the curriculum to include other subjects in addition to those in mathematics. Content ranges from kindergarten to 8th grade, high school and beyond. To learn more, visit the Khan Academy, at www.khanacademy. org. l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
17
Cover
COVER STORY | August 2016
Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Serving Others and Exploring the World This summer, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic students were busy serving others, exploring the world outside of the classroom, and preparing for post-secondary education opportunities.
T
his past July, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic students took a week-long mission trip to Jamaica. Working with and through the Praying Pelican Missions organization, the students tended to the people in Jamaica in a number of ways. They visited children in orphanages, completed construction projects, and ministered to the young people there through sports. They also donated cleats to the young people there from the many CWNC students who started cleat drives here in Pittsburgh to collect gently used/new cleats for the children in Jamaica. CWNC sophomore participant Nick Milas said, “I loved playing soccer with the kids. It was fulfilling and fun to interact with them on that level.” Katherine Finney, co-coordinator of the mission trip, stated that it was exciting to see the students grow in their own relationships with God as well as their ability to minister to people around them who are in need. “It is a blessing to witness God using us for his glory and forming us into Christians who are learning how to practice Christ’s call to ‘feed the poor’ in a sense and to take care of those in need.” On the exploratory front, students and faculty traveled to Europe as one of the new endeavors at CWNC on behalf of the World Language Club. Traveling to Spain, Italy, and France, the students experienced the culture and customs they discussed in their French, Spanish, and Latin classes throughout the past academic year. Some of the highlights included visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, seeing the boyhood home of Dante Alighieri in Florence, author of Inferno, and visiting with the Marianist priests in Bordeaux, France and
18
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
joining them for Mass. Getting to see Blessed William Joseph Chaminade and his home allowed students to see the actual workings of the Marianist foundation upon which North Catholic was founded back in 1939. In Rome, the students had the opportunity to see the new resting place of Pope Saint John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica. Even when they are not in the classroom, students were enriching their own educations on home and foreign soil. Back on the home front, CWNC students prepared for their own post-secondary educations by engaging in field trips throughout the summer. Hosted by the Career Development Program at CWNC, the students traveled to various colleges and universities throughout southwestern Pennsylvania to gain a better perspective of their future plans. Jen Parsons, program manager, piloted this initiative aimed at targeting student interests and potential majors. Some of the students who were interested in Health and Wellness Education traveled to Slippery Rock University to visit with various staff members, directors, and participants of the program. Other stops along the College Caravan included the University of Pittsburgh, St. Vincent College, Robert Morris University, and California University of Pennsylvania. Even when school is not in session, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic students are constantly preparing to create brighter, better futures for themselves and others as they live out of the Mission of our school. l l l
ADVERTORIAL
The School at McGuire Memorial Special programs for your special student
S
oon it will be time for students to head back to the classroom. If you have a special needs child, The School at McGuire Memorial offers you a wonderful option to meet your student’s educational needs. The School is the newest and only Approved Private School (APS) in Western Pennsylvania located outside of Allegheny or Erie County that serves students ages 3-21 with complex learning and support needs, including students with significant behavioral challenges. In addition, The School is a recognized leader in educational services for children with autism. A new, state-of-the-art wing was built for students with autism and intellectual disabilities to meet their unique learning needs. Our specially designed building features integrated technology, limited class size, research-based strategies (ABA, including Verbal Behavior through the PaTTAN Autism Initiative), BCBA and behavior techs, secondary LIFE Academy, OT, PT, speech and nursing. A developmentally appropriate curriculum with a wide range of educational materials is available. Dedicated professionals assist all of our students, from those with autism who may have significant sensory needs or challenging behaviors to those with intellectual disabilities or those who are medically fragile with positioning needs, feeding tubes, tracheostomies, ventilators and sensory losses. Technology (SMART Boards, iPads, TAP-IT, VizZLe and touchscreen computers) is incorporated into each classroom and community-based instruction is an important component of the curriculum. In The School’s preschool program, children receive the highest quality of services at the earliest possible stage of their development to help them realize their maximum potential. The School at McGuire Memorial recognizes that an individualized approach to education is especially important in the early years of a child’s life. Educational research shows that the window for learning begins at birth, with the highest rate of learning taking place in the preschool years. Education is individualized to meet the needs of each preschool student, including those with complex learning and support needs The Preschool provides the following, customized to the individual child’s needs: • Flexible scheduling options (part/full time, full/half day) • Behavior support, occupation, physical, and speech therapy, and nursing • Therapies delivered using integrated push-in and/or pull-out models • Board certified behavior analysts and technicians • Restraint-free environment rich in positive behavior supports • Functional feeding program • Sensory integration program • Community based instruction We are easily accessible from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties. Schedule a visit and see for yourself – The School at McGuire can be a costeffective option for students with complex support needs. Contact Kim Lieb, director at 724-891-7222 or k.lieb@mcguirememorial.org. Visit us at www.mcguirememorial. org. l l l
20
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
21
Back to School 2016
T
he Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh (Emmaus), a South Side based non-profit that provides permanent homes and other non-residential supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, has special group of students volunteers from the North Hills area called “The Friends of Emmaus.” The group consists of students from Vincentian Academy and North Allegheny Schools. “The Friends of Emmaus” was found by Thomas Kim of Vincentian Academy and Suhye Park
22
Volunteers Making a Difference at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh of North Allegheny High School. Thomas says, “During the visit, we simply stood in the presence of the residents and listened to their stories. I was shocked to discover the how happy they were by our presence. Thus I learned that to pursue happiness means to find a true friend.” Emmaus is built upon a vision of people with and without disabilities sharing their lives. Thomas instantly grasped the meaning of Community on the first trip to Emmaus and wanted to serve the
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
residents. Since then, he recruited and organized a group of students from different schools in the North Hills. Suhye Park says, “As I continued volunteering at Emmaus, I realized that volunteering was not about simply helping the residents – it was about sincerely connecting with them and embracing them like our own family members. My previous sense of social responsibility turned into a sense of heartfelt love and desire to help, and my sympathy soon turned into empathy.”
At Emmaus, the Friends of Emmaus have done a multitude of activities that truly connect with the residents intimately. They helped paint the residents’ house in the North Side so the three residents can enjoy their new home. They made blankets for the residents so they would be warm in the cold winter. They played music with one of our non-residential program participant’s (Uncle Carl) musical performance so he can play his keyboard with confidence. Non-Residential Services provide an opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities to experience greater independence, build new skills, foster new relationships, and participate in community activities of their choosing. They cooked delicious Korean meals and shared them with the residents. When one of the residents, Joan, passed away recently, Thomas volunteered to play cello at her funeral mass. Desire to help others is opening a door to a whole new world for Emmaus residents! These students, from 3rd grade student from Hosack Elementary School to high school students, they go to different communities- preschool, places of worship, nursing homes, and the Community gatherings to promote public awareness of persons with intellectual disabilities. As Suhye said, “our volunteer activity became even more meaningful when we started accompanying the keyboard performance of Uncle Carl, I was amazed at his ability to play the keyboard, which was the precious product of his endless endeavors. Now Suhye is trying to develop a computer program that can create special scores for individuals with intellectual disabilities and make music according to their abilities. After hearing Carl and the Friends of Emmaus play together, other residents began to let their own new dreams of playing music kindle in their hearts. What a great gift these youths share with the residents! If anyone wants to volunteer at the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, please contact MiRan at 412-381-0277, ext. 201 or email msurh@emmauspgh. org. l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
23
Back to School 2016 Applaud the New Location of Studio 19 Dance Complex! Join the Grand Opening of Studio 19 Dance Complex at its new state-of-the-art facility located at 164 Brickyard Road, Suite 100, Mars, PA 16046 (the former location of North Pittsburgh Dance Alliance.)
T
he Grand Opening is Saturday and Sunday, August 6 and 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an Open House and Fall Registration. Additional registrations will be taking place every Tuesday and Thursday throughout August, also from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This new location is ideal for dancers from all over Allegheny, Butler, Beaver and Westmoreland Counties
24
with easy access from Route 8, Route 228, 19 North, 79 North, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Cranberry exit. At Studio 19 Dance Complex, classes include Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Contortion with a whole new tumbling room with spring boards and tumbling trampolines for classes in Acrobatics, Tumbling, and Cheerleading, as well as, preschool and tot classes. Studio 19 Dance Complex
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
Tammy Croftcheck
welcomes dancers both boys and girls from two years old through adult. Both competitive and non-competitive classes are available. In addition, Chloe Lukasiak, formerly from the hit television series Dance Moms, is an active student at the studio. Chloe is up again for Nickelodeon® Teen Choice Dancer which she won in 2015. Studio 19 Dance Complex is a nationally recognized studio, owned and operated by Tammy Croftcheck who is also the artistic director. Tammy Croftcheck has owned and operated a studio for the past 25 years. With Studio 19 Dance Complex, now in its 12th season. Studio 19 Dance Complex has been named by the Federation of Dance as the NUMBER ONE DANCE STUDIO in PENNSYLVANIA, NUMBER ONE DANCE STUDIO IN THE NORTHEAST REGION and one of the TOP THREE DANCE STUDIOS IN THE UNITED STATES. Fall classes begin September 6th. New students are always welcome. For more information, be sure and visit our new website at www. Studio19DanceComplex.com, Follow us on Instagram @studio19dancecomplex and Like us on Facebook Studio 19 Dance Complex. l l l
Academic Excellence is Top Priority at St. Wendelin School
T
he students at St. Wendelin School range from Preschool through Eighth Grade and receive a superior education from highly qualified educators. The weekly student led Mass unites the students with the faith and church community showing that the school is a true mission of the church. Although St. Wendelin School provides a variety of extra activities for students to participate, academic excellence is top priority in the school building at all times. The teacher student ratio is low to enable academic excellence and high performance through individualized instruction, technological advancements, and best instructional practices, which are incorporated into every classroom. Please join our students, staff and administration at the Open House to experience the Saint Wendelin School atmosphere for yourself.
Open House on August 21 from 11:30-1:30 PM • Busing Available from Butler, Karns City, Moniteau, and Armstrong School Districts • 21st Century Technology including Smart Boards, I-Pads, Tablets and Laptops • Highly Qualified Teaching Staff • Extra Curricular Activities • All-Day Kindergarten Program • Extended Day Program Available • All-Day Preschool Program Available Saint Wendelin School is located in Butler, PA. To learn more, visit www. stwendelinschool.com or call (724) 2854986 for a tour. l l l
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
25
Back to School 2016
New Science Labs at Aquinas Academy Provide Professional Learning Experience!
A
quinas Academy has two new, state-of-the-art science labs for their 8th-12th grade classes. Located in the new Mross McGonigle Hall, the labs were designed with input
26
from Aquinas science teachers, to address student needs and provide the best possible learning environment. For instance, the chemistry/physics lab is equipped with water, gas, and vacuum
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
capabilities, as well as two fume hoods for demonstrations and individual experimentation. A unique advantage of the science program at Aquinas is that 7th and 8th grade classes are taught by the high school teachers, and 8th grade classes are conducted in the high school labs. This allows students to access special equipment, such as a spectrophotometer, “an apparatus for measuring the intensity of light in a part of the spectrum, especially as transmitted or emitted by particular substances.� Recently, an 8th grade student used a spectrophotometer to conduct an award-winning science experiment. Because Aquinas Academy is a K-12 school, the science faculty is able to work together to provide a comprehensive and integrated learning experience across disciplines and a smooth transition from year-to-year. The entire staff at Aquinas Academy is dedicated to making sure students are prepared to succeed in their college careers. Recent Aquinas graduates have gone on to study science at a number of top tier schools, including the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State main campus, Duke, Notre Dame, Cornell, Stanford, and Case Western. To learn more, visit www. AquinasAcademy.info l l l
La Roche College Holds Special Open House Events for Prospective Graduate, Adult and Transfer Students
L
a Roche College is a private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs and one doctorate program, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. From August to November, La Roche College is holding special open house events for prospective graduate, adult and transfer students to learn more about admissions, scholarship opportunities and academic offerings. Attendees can explore graduate programs in the high-demand fields of accounting, nursing, human resources management, special education and health sciences (nurse anesthesia). Adult and transfer students will have the opportunity to explore more than 50 undergraduate majors, receive an unofficial evaluation of transfer credit, and learn more about financial aid and scholarships. Transfer students also can learn more about the College’s unique Study Abroad+Study USA program, which is included in the cost of tuition. The Office of Graduate Studies & Adult Education will host the open house events from 5-7 p.m. in the Palumbo Science Center at La Roche’s main campus in the North Hills. The events have been scheduled for the following dates: • Thursday, Aug. 4 • Tuesday, Sept. 13 • Thursday, Nov. 10 For those who are interested in the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program, La Roche will host a virtual open house from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8. The practice-oriented program offers the opportunity for nurse anesthetists to prepare for advanced roles in today’s health care arena, including leadership roles involving health care policy, administration and education. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche College embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche College educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society. Visit laroche.edu/gradopenhouse to register for an event. For more information, call 412-536-1260 or email graduateadmissions@laroche.edu. l l l
Back to School 2016
DIRECTORY
A Place to Grow Learning Center
PA Cyber
Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh
PittsburghChristianSchools.net
Butler County Community College
Royal Oak Nursery School & Kindergarten
www.aplacetogrowlearningcenter.com (412) 963-7000 www.aquinasacademy.info (724) 444-0722 www.bc3.edu (724) 287-8711
Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School www.cwnchs.org (412) 321-4823
Chatham University Eden Hall Campus www.chatham.edu/summerseries (800) 837-1290
Early Years
www.earlyyearsinc.com (412) 318-4607
La Roche College www.laroche.edu (412) 367-9300
Little Appleseed Learning Center
www.littleappleseedlearningcenter.com (724) 625-4029
Montessori Centre Academy
www.montessoricentreacademy.com (412) 486-6239
Montessori Children’s Community
www.montessorichildrenscommunity.org (412) 741-8982
Northside Catholic School
www.northsidecatholicschool.org (412) 761-5043 x3001
Oakland Catholic High School www.oaklandcatholic.org (412) 682-6633
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School www.olsh.org (412) 264-5140
www.pacyber.org (888) 722-9237 www.pittsburghchristianschools.net (412) 242-8886
www.royaloaksch.com 412-487-1668
Sewickley Academy www.sewickley.org (412) 741-2230
St. Alexis Catholic School www.stalexis.org (724) 935-3940
St. James School
www.stjamesschool.us (412) 741-5540
St. Joseph High School
www.saintjosephhs.com (724) 226-4932
St. Sebastian School
www.saintsebastianparish.org (412) 364-7171
St. Wendelin School
www.stwendelinschool.com (724) 285-4986
Studio19 Dance Complex
www.studio19dancecomplex.com (724) 779-0019
Tender Care Learning Center www.earlyeducationpros.org Cranberry: (724) 772-0598 Hampton: (412) 486-5510 McCandless: (412) 367-3269 Wexford: (724) 934-0411
The School at McGuire Memorial www.mcguirememorial.org (724) 891-7222
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
27
Health
HEALTH & WELLNESS | August 2016
Back-to-School Preparation A NOTE FROM DR. LUCAS GODINEZ, KIDS+ PEDIATRICS
It’s that time of the year to start thinking about children returning to school — new clothes, new school backpacks, new lunch bags, new hairstyles, new school supplies. Lots of new things. But it’s a good time remember some of the old “things” as well (at least from a Pediatricians perspective).
M
ost of my patients and their families have heard my single word for good health – Balance. Here are some things to keep that balance, or maybe get it back, after relaxing schedules and habits for the summertime.
Time Adjustment Children need at least one week prior to the first day of school to readjust to a regular schedule of “awake time” and “sleep time.” Children ages 5-11 years require 9-10 hours of sleep; ages 12-18 years require 8-9 hours. This adjustment can be a major change, because of the later nights playing outside in the lingering sunlight, and later mornings sleeping in (sometimes as much 1-3 hours past when they would normally awaken.) School days are set time periods, and children need to keep their body’s metabolism balanced with regularity. Their minds will be energized to learn, and their bodies will more efficiently use the energy from the foods they eat if they keep a regular schedule of awake and sleep.
Diet The human body is more efficient with digesting, metabolizing, and using energy from foods when there are three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). This means children need to be kept on a strict meal cycle, and this should start at least 1 week before school starts. Remember, too, to keep the food groups balanced with those meals. School lunches can be variable with this concept of balance, and you may consider packing lunches instead to have more control over them. Snacks are also important to limit — down to just the “bridge” between lunch and dinner. Keep it small in portion size, typically 3-4 PM each day.
Sanitation A good prediction to keep in mind is that the start of the typical viral cold season is 4-6 weeks after kids get back together for school. Start prevention now! Get kids back into the habits of washing
28
hands with soap and water. Teach them how to use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer 1/4 to 1/2 pump, press to fill small part of palm of one hand, and then rub, rub, rub (interlocking fingers and applying sanitizer to tops of hands as well) until the hands are dry. Dry is key. Also remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow. This position keeps your hands clean from any possible germs, and prevents you from contaminating other people or surfaces.
to hydrate before you play. This means to drink 1-2 glasses of water in addition to what they normally would drink daily. Water is the key. Other fluids are sold to help hydrate when you exercising, but water is the most important. One other point to remember: don’t wait to drink water until you’re thirsty. Regular water breaks are very important –- especially on hot temperature days. For more information, see Travis Lewis’ Doctor’s Note on Heat Related Illnesses.
School is Fun!
ImPACT
Kids should learn from their parents that school is fun. There are friendships to develop, summer stories to tell, and catching up to do with classmates and teachers. Keep a positive outlook to the start of a new school year by instilling some optimism about what may lie ahead. As Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”
If your child participates in any contact/ collision sports or activities, don’t forget to get a Baseline ImPACT test completed Baseline testing is valid for up to two years, until the child is over 18 years old. Kids Plus can be a convenient office location near you to get this testing done whenever the office is open; no formal Provider visit is necessary — just a scheduled visit for the nurse to know when to expect your child. The test can be completed in 30 minutes, and Dr. Godinez or Travis Lewis will review the Baseline, notify the KPP staff if it is valid, and contact the family with the results. For more information on ImPACT tests and concussions, see my Doctor’s Note.
Safety Continue to remind your children about being safe and feeling safe. Bullying can cause anxiety for some children even before the school year begins – so look for the warning signs. (Please see Terri Bailey’s Doctor’s Note on Bullying for more details and key signs/symptoms to monitor.) For younger children (ages 4-7 years old), teach them about avoiding strangers and what to do if they should be approached. Do not assume children will always be safe, but be proactive in safety precautions.
Conditions & Hydration Fall sports activities are gearing up with practices, and sometimes these practices can run 5 days per week or be twice per day. It’s very important that individuals condition their bodies for the intense physical workouts before the structured camps begin. It starts with gradual aerobic exercise to increase stamina and lung capacity to compensate for eventual gameplay. Children of all ages also need to learn to “fill the tank before you play.” I often tell families this statement to help them learn
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
Well Visits The most comprehensive way of preparing children for school can be your child’s annual Well Child Visit with your pediatric Provider. The visits focus on the age-appropriate, comprehensive balance between development of mind and body. Vaccinations will be kept up-to-date, and further prevent illness. Don’t wait until the last moment (days before school starts) to get these physicals done — do them weeks ahead of time. School and sports forms will also be part of this visit, and can be one completed check-mark on parents’ back-toschool to-do list. Dr. Lucas Godinez, a Kids Plus Doc since 2004, is an expert in head injuries and a certified ImPACT test clinician. l l l
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
29
30
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
ADVERTORIAL
Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing Graduates Earn Distinguished Awards
F
ive graduates of the Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing (OVHSoN) were honored with achievement awards at their commencement ceremony on June 23. These distinguished awards are given by community members with ties to the school, the OVH Medical Staff, the Board of Directors and the hospital. Robert Ramsey received the Anthony Lisanti award. Anthony Lisanti was a long-serving board member at Ohio Valley Hospital, as he firmly believed both in education and the local benefits of a community hospital. Two of his sons, Anthony Lisanti, Jr. and Michael Lisanti, presented the award to Robert Ramsey. Their sister, Julia Lisanti Zoretich, believes her father would have appreciated the award in his name, stating, “It was a natural choice to establish this award in his memory after the positive care that he received at the end of his life. To have a “top-notch” student from the school of nursing chosen as the recipient of the Anthony F. Lisanti award enables his legacy of rewarding scholarship and effort to continue.” Cassandra McClelland was given the Ronita DiClemente accolade. Given by current board member, Michael DiClemente in honor and memory of his wife. “My lovely wife…was a proud graduate of OVH’s School of Nursing as well as a long-time, dedicated nurse at the hospital. She loved working at Ohio Valley. I was fortunate to meet my wife while she was my Dad’s nurse when he was a patient at the hospital, so Ohio Valley has had a special meaning to us in many ways.” The student chosen for the award has to demonstrate compassionate care as dose honoree Cassandra McClelland. Brandon DenHoed garnered the Frank Fairbanks honor. The Frank Fairbanks award is presented by OVHSoN faculty to a student who has demonstrated outstanding community service. Valedictorian Alan Bochan was bestowed with the Medical Staff award. The Medical Staff Award is given to the graduating class member with the highest QPA. This award, was presented on behalf of the Medical Staff by OVH’s President and CEO David W. Scott. Valedictorian Alan Bochan who also delivered a rousing and heartfelt commencement speech. Salutatorian Brittany Olszanski received the Board of Directors award. Mr. Scott presented the Board of Directors award. This award recognizes the graduate who attained high academic achievement and who also excels in all areas of nursing practice. Mr. Scott noted that Brittany Olszanski, the class Salutatorian, exemplifies the ideals of the nursing profession. He also noted, “When you are ill, this is the type of nurse who you want to provide your care.” Ohio Valley Hospital is proud to congratulate all eighteen 2016 graduates from their 21-month program, some of whom will now join the ranks of RN at Ohio Valley Hospital. For more information on our School of Nursing, please contact Megan Hinds at meaton@ohiovalleyhospital.org or 412-777-6365. lll
What Should Happen? BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF
W
hen people first come to my office, I find that many aren’t sure what to expect. Is their chiropractic experience going to be like going to a regular doctor or different? The tables look different, the tools look different… What’s to be expected? You Should have a Thorough Consultation: Your chiropractor should ask you questions about your current health status, any problems you’re having and your personal health history. All of these are important because chiropractors view the patient “holistically” and it’s the whole of the patient that matters in determining which types of treatments are best. You Should Have a Detailed Exam: Often clients will tell us that our exam is the most comprehensive exam they’ve had in a doctor’s office. Your exam should evaluate your spine, nervous system, muscular system, posture, movement, gait, etc., as well as, including other parts of a traditional doctor’s exam like your blood pressure and reflexes. I believe that one of the most important things that should happen during the exam is that you should have an explanation of what the doctor is finding and what it means. That way, you’re educated and empowered to help yourself better. You Should Have a Report of Findings: During this time, your chiropractor should review your exam and any tests. You should be given treatment recommendations and a plan to help you get the results you want. You Should Have Effective and Comfortable Treatment: There’s a couple of pieces of good news about this expectation. Chiropractic is very effective, with 92% of patients reporting to be “highly satisfied” with their treatment (Consumer Reports). The other thing that a lot of people don’t know is that there are many chiropractic techniques. Your chiropractor will have options that will be very comfortable for you. If you’ve been feeling less than awesome, not doing the things you like because your body is holding you back or if you just want to be your best… Consider taking that first step to seeing if chiropractic can help. l l l
Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center, P.C. Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates 8199 McKnight Road (412) 364-9699 www.choicechiropractic.net
Like us on Facebook www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
31
Health
HEALTH & WELLNESS | August 2016
Fit Families
Kids and Breakfast: What Are Your Kids Eating Each Morning? BY JOELLA BAKER
M
y summer camps have been very busy. Serving nearly 250 kids this summer, I have a great opportunity to talk to the kids about what they eat and when they eat. In fact, I went as far as to bring a nutritionist in to several of my camps to discuss nutrition and its importance in everyday life and their sports performance. Every week at camp, I ask the kids, “Who ate breakfast today?” I am always amazed at the response and how many kids say they didn’t eat breakfast at all. Then, I ask what they ate for breakfast. That is always a shock as well. I’m always surprised at how little these kids are eating before they leave their house in the morning. The number one thing that most of the kids say they eat for breakfast is some type of granola bar or protein bar. I have others that eat a Pop Tart. It is sad to think these kids are starting their day with an imbalanced diet. Granted, eating something is better than nothing, but if you want
your child to have a great day, it is important they start their day with great food. When we talk nutrition at camp, I give the kids this analogy. Pretend your body is like a car. A car needs fuel to run. When you wake up in the morning, your fuel tank is empty and your body is dehydrated. The first thing you should do in the morning is drink a glass of water. Then you should fill your fuel tank by eating a healthy and balanced breakfast. Here are a few suggestions for breakfast that are quick and easy for those busy family mornings. • • • • •
Fruit Vegetables Hard boiled eggs Yogurt Homemade fruit smoothie with real fruit. • Nuts • Lean bacon or turkey bacon
• • • • • • •
Cereal Smoked Salmon Bread and grains Granola Cheese Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
Some more complex breakfasts may include the following…. Egg or breakfast sandwiches • Breakfast burrito Waffles • Lean sausage Pancakes • Hot cereals Scrambles eggs or sunny side • Fruit and cream cheese sandup eggs wiches or fruit pizza. These • Poached eggs are great on cinnamon bread • Soft boiled eggs or a bagel. • • • •
There are so many great options out there. If you plan ahead, your entire family can enjoy a healthy breakfast every day. Plan out a simple meal plan. Shop at the beginning of the week and make great breakfast choices every day because if you don’t make the right choices, your kids could experience the following each day…. • They will be tired. • They will be cranky. • They won’t be able to concentrate in school. • They won’t have energy for their after school activities. What about a two breakfast morning? New studies even say that kids and adults who eat two breakfasts actually maintain their weight better. Therefore, if your child eats a small breakfast before they go to school, then another breakfast at school, they will actually maintain a healthy weight better than those kids who don’t eat breakfast or those who only eat one breakfast. Food is critical to our health. Eating smart and eating healthy food can improve your child’s grades, help them with their extracurricular activities and most of all, it will teach them healthy eating habits at a young age. Start your child’s day off the right way. Start it with a healthy breakfast. www.getfitfamilies.com l l l
32
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have
HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!
DR. SHAWN RICHEY
Are you being told, “There’s nothing to be done?” or that, “You need to learn to live with the pain?” Are you being over-medicated with pain medicines that don’t cure? Have you been through test after test with no result, explanation or treatment? Are you becoming discouraged?
A
specialized treatment protocol is available at the Chiropractic Family Health Center. It includes 9 specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. Once thought to be incurable, peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. Unlike laser therapy that does not address the involved damaged small nerve fibers or home light therapies that do not offer all the frequencies needed to heal them, our program utilizes state of the art technology with combined therapies to restore life to the dead nerves. Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from this debilitating disease. Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep. Over the years, Dr. Richey’s program has a 91 percent success rate in helping sufferers feel 75-100 percent better. Dr. Shawn Richey (a member of the NeuroTCA) has seen hundreds patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy. He has treated patients that have tried everything including potentially harmful medications and other painful testing and treatments. This can leave patients still struggling and wondering down the long road of endless disappointment. Now we are able to address the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair. Dr. Richey has helped hundreds of sufferers of peripheral neuropathy throughout the region, he has expanded his practice to include Westmore-
Here’s What Dr. Shawn’s Patients Say... “I’m HEALED! And I’m doing great! I completed all my treatments with Dr. Shawn and my life is night and day from the way it was. Before I found Dr. Shawn, I suffered from peripheral neuropathy for 17 years. It felt as if someone was constantly torturing my feet with electric shocks. Night time was even worse. No position eased the pain and I couldn’t stand the sheet or blanket to touch my feet. I was even told, ‘There’s nothing to be done; you’re just going to have to live with it.’ But then I had seen Dr. Shawn’s ad in Northern Connection magazine and I made the call for my free consultation and assessment. After the first treatment, I was actually able to take a shower and have a good night’s sleep. It was fantastic and it filled me with hope!! Now, I’m sleeping nights, doing things I’ve missed and things I’ve never done before. I can even sit and watch television and not be in pain. I would hate anyone to have to live with such pain. I highly recommend Dr. Shawn and encourage other sufferers to call him.” – Paul, Wexford “I lived in pain from peripheral neuropathy for 15 years. I don’t have diabetes. I wasn’t in an accident. I was simply working in the garden when all of a sudden, I felt this tremendous pain hit my feet and it never went away. I saw so many doctors and had so many tests. But then I found Dr. Shawn! I am completely blown out of the water that this is working. Anyone with peripheral neuropathy should not get discouraged or lose hope, they should call Dr. Shawn.” – Sheila, Latrobe “I was in pain from peripheral neuropathy for 12 years before I found Dr. Shawn. I noticed a difference after the first treatment. I even danced my way into his office for my second appointment. I so believe in the treatment that I have become a neuropathy specialist and assist Dr. Shawn and I am so pleased to see wonderful results in patients. Relieving them of the pain that I once endured myself.” – Lynne, Jeannette
land as well as Allegheny Counties. Chiropractic Family Health Center now has offices in both Sewickley at 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 and Latrobe at 1901 Ligonier
Street. For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.
For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
33
34
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
ADVERTORIAL
NOW! The Time is
$50
Lose weight and learn how to keep it off with Dr. Michael Vactor, D.C.’s innovative weight loss program.
Discount See text at right for details.
“After repeatedly trying and failing on other programs to lose weight, I started Dr. Vactor’s Weight Loss Program. In less than 90 days, I was able to lose over 50 pounds of weight. I feel great, have increased energy, Before After was never hungry, and enjoyed eating real food. And, the best part was, never visiting the gym!” – Eric Hagman, Sports Anchor/ Reporter with both 93.7 The Fan and KDKA AM
Susan Total weight loss = 50 lbs kept off for over a year!
Before
36
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
After
You are not alone! Millions of Americans have let the pounds creep on and are now carrying too much weight to enjoy the active lifestyle they deserve.
W
hether it’s due to mid-life metabolism, baby-weight, a desk job, or a busy grab-and-go lifestyle that has caused weight gain, you can shed the pounds and keep it off, with Dr. Vactor’s Innovative Weight Loss Program! No Stimulants, No Risky Operations or Procedures, Best of all: EXCERCISE is NOT required. Dr. Vactor’s Weight Loss Program focuses on getting the weight off first. This way exercise programs will not contribute to the risk of, injury, joint pain or over-exertion from carrying too much weight. Call Dr. Michael Vactor TODAY for a No Obligation, FREE Consultation at (724) 742-2700 to start getting the weight off and keeping it off before you let another day pass you by. Dr. Vactor’s innovative weight loss program focuses on losing the weight and keeping it off through a safe, healthy system that is made up of ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS with NO STIMULANTS. Unlike other programs that you may have experienced, where you lose weight but then gain it all back or even more, this program focuses first on weight loss, then helping you readjust to the thinner you. In addition, this program has consistent, predictable weight loss results where people also see a dramatic improvement in their overall HEALTH in about a month’s time. According to Dr. Vactor, “I have seen cholesterol numbers, blood pressure and blood sugar levels return to normal in 30 days. People who follow our program as outlined get great results! Our average patient loses as little as 1/2 to as much as 1 pound per day!” To date, 90-95% of his patients have achieved their weight loss goals. YES, 90-95% of patients have achieved their weight loss goals. Dr. Vactor is so absolutely sure of the results and outcomes of his program, that he offers a GUARANTEE of RESULTS! Who is Dr. Michael Vactor, DC? Dr. Michael Vactor is a doctor of chiropractic, and a natural healthcare advocate in the north Pittsburgh area for over sixteen years. He is also an award winning expert in weight loss management and is frequently featured on KDKA-TV, WPXI, Cornerstone-TV, radio shows and other public speaking venues on health and weight-loss issues. In addition, Dr. Vactor cares for players, coaches and family members of our Black and Gold teams in Pittsburgh. During this time, Dr. Vactor and his family have lived in the Cranberry and Mars area, where he is also devoted to his community and helping his patients reach their goals. With over sixteen years in this community, he would not and could not make any such guarantee claims for weight loss, if they weren’t true. How to Get Started: If you are committed to losing the weight now and improving your overall health in about a month’s time, call for a FREE, in-office review of this revolutionary weight loss system. Dr. Vactor’s office is conveniently located at 673
Bob
Total weight loss = 72 lbs in just 90 days! Before
After
Castle Creek Drive, Ext. Suite 106 Seven Fields, PA 16046. Http:// www.drvactor.com Improve your health today! Call now, at (724) 742-2700. Dr. Vactor’s Weight Loss Program also makes a great Father’s Day gift, to help keep your Dad fit and healthy! If you can’t call now, take a picture of the number with your SMART phone so you have the number ready to call. If you are one of the first 25 callers to schedule your no cost/no obligation consultation and in office review, and mention you saw Dr. Vactor in the August issue of Northern Connection, you will receive a $50 discount good towards any of his guaranteed weight loss programs. Not valid with any other offers and new patients only are eligible. l l l Results may vary based on an individual’s physical health, diet, personal commitment, and adherence to the program. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Guarantee can be reviewed in the office prior to starting the program.
CALL now to reserve your advertising space for the Fall 2016 issue!
724-940-2444
www.pittsburghfiftyfiveplus.com Swanson Publishing Company, NC & PFFP
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
37
Chic
IMAGE & STYLE | August 2016
NUDEATTITUDE Summer Whites with Style BY KELLY SMITH
The great thing about summer is the ability to wear anything and everything white. White jeans, white blouses, white hats, white shoes, it’s all good. But, it’s only all good if you wear your whites right. If you look like you’re donning chef whites or wearing hospital scrubs from yesteryear, then you’re certainly wearing your whites the wrong way.
T
o “wear your whites right” takes some creativity and a touch of flair. The key is to think in terms of neutral, not just white. You can pull off the white summer look without starting a snooze fest by incorporating a few neutral colors into your summer palette. If you look in your closet, chances are you already have the framework to start your “new nude” summer wardrobe. Read on to get your best white hot summer style! Color craze — It’s all about mixing and matching the perfect shades of nudes. Sometimes the word “neutral” can evoke the thought of boring or bland but the truth couldn’t be more untold. A good neutral color palette should have every elegant color of the neutral rainbow starting with white, of course. Other classic neutrals such as sand, taupe, winter white or cream should be included on the hot list. A hint of a pale color in pink or lavender will spark some much needed interest. Neutrals on the darker end of the spectrum that shouldn’t be overlooked are hues of grey, latte and even fern. These are truly earthy tones hard at work to complement each other so feel free to mix and match at will! It’s all in the fit — By finding the right fit, you will be sure to put an emphasis on your summer colors, and
38
not so much on your flaws. Fit matters, especially when wearing lighters hues so be sure to suit up in the right size. For example, if you want to minimize a fuller bottom, try using one of the darker hues mentioned above such as denim capris in heather grey or even traditional blue. Top it off with a crisp white tank under a blousy pink top; add pair of flirty taupe sandals then sashay away in style! For you white denim lovers, do choose a pair that has a perfect fit, as white jeans are not as forgiving as its indigo counterpart. If you like to layer, then whites are the way to go. Nothing gives a more polished look than nudes do when properly paired up. Add dimension, not pounds when layering by keeping your tops fitted by choosing a top with a small pattern or texture. Another good tip is to switch out a basic tee for a button down top with a cami underneath. Keep the cami and top in different neutral colors such as linen and white or lavender and cream to compliment your crisp white jeans. Accessory maven — an outfit isn’t complete without the wave of a wand from the accessory fairy! As you focus your attention on color, fit and style, don’t forget to add those ever important finishing touches. A color grab from the other side of the rainbow can
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
really turn heads but do so unpretentiously or risk a neutral color theme fail. Add a single color for maximum impact such as a coral bag or a turquoise bangle. Color can even be introduced by showcasing a fire engine red lipstick. If you really like the idea of a completely neutral ensemble, then try adding a brown belt or a pair of cute black wedges. These colors will command attention, yet still fall into the neutral color spectrum. Nudes are really one of the go-to colors to wear when you “have nothing to wear.” The beauty of neutrals is that, just as in nature, they always come together and work in perfect harmony. We still have lots of summer sunshine to enjoy so take advantage of the crisp whites that keep us cool while looking hot! l l l
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
39
Seniors SENIOR LIVING | August 2016
Town Crier
Astounding August BY JOE BULLICK
H
ello August, this month was originally named Sextilis in Latin because it was the sixth month of the tenmonth Roman calendar. Around 700 B.C. the length of the month was 29 days, however Julius Caesar added two days when he created the Julian calendar giving it the 31 days it has now. Later, It was also renamed in honor of Augustus. August is the month for most workers to take holidays. Typically, August is also the month with the highest amount of births in the United States. Anglo-Saxons labeled August as “weodmonath” or “weed month.” As a young boy, that was my job in our garden. It was no fun for me! I always looked forward to the middle of the month, when summer seems to run out of steam. There is a subtle change of cool nights, a shift in the quality of light, the chirping of crickets, instead of the trill of a songbird. It
reminds us not to take these summer days for granted. One job that slowed down when I was a young boy, was mowing the lawn. I did it every week. Another big task, was canning. Mom would assemble her jars and new lids. She would sterilize the jars in boiling water. Boy our kitchen was a busy place most of the time! I would always eat sweet corn in August. Mom never cooked her corn more than five minutes. She never put salt in the water. She dropped a touch of lemon juice in the boiling water after the corn was cooked. I always think of the farmers at this time of the year, little is said about the farmer’s wives. On Sept. 8, 1984 in the Gainesville Sun, this was written in a Dear Abby column: “A reader sent a charming piece: ‘I wanted a guy who sits and has a cup of coffee at five a.m. When the only sound to be heard, are crickets, cows and the creaking floor boards. That’s why I married a farmer. I wanted a guy who would crack a joke and make me laugh when I am covered with dirt and cow manure. That’s why I married a farmer. I wanted a guy who could get out of bed, when it is 30 below and start up the tractor and plow out our driveway so the school bus could get through. That’s why I married a farmer. … I wanted a guy who could count his blessings when he’s depressed, count his children when he feels poor and count on God to make it all work out. That’s why I married a farmer. So God Bless all! You women who marry a farmer are special! Another event to look forward to in August is the Butler Farm Show, Aug. 8–13. Established in 1948, it’s always great to take your family to a local farm where you can purchase fresh produce. Be sure to take the time out to enjoy baseball games and PNC Park. For some kid’s, school will be starting in August. Time goes by so fast! So enjoy what is left of summer, because soon it will be ending. A few August birthdays to note – Blessed Mother Teresa was born Aug. 26, 1910. Actor Fred MacMurray was born Aug. 30, 1908. Lyndon Johnson our 36th president birthdate was Aug. 27, 1908. Comedian Lucille Ball was born Aug. 6, 1911. Happy birthday to you folks born under the zodiac signs of Leo and Virgo. I leave you with this – Whoever is out of patience Is out of possession of his soul Men must not turn into bees and Kill themselves in stinging others. --Sir Francis Bacon
40
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
41
Happenings for Seniors Free Services for Seniors through North Hills Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an in-home registration visit.
UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-324-5523.
Home Instead Senior Care® is offering a unique approach to help area families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available for families at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com.
Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. For details, call Suzie, at (412) 337-6731.
McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkley Hills, Swan Acres & part of McCandless Twp. Call (412) 487-4088. Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring – An Hour a Week Can Change a Child’s Life. For adults 50 & over become a tutor. Training sessions held on the fifth floor of the Duquesne Light Building. Call (412) 393-7648 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org.
Support Groups
Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/ Widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300. Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 3 p.m., the 1st Mon., of every month, and 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.
Entertainment & Social St. Alexis Over 50 trips: Sept. 5, Cleveland Air Show & Cruise; Oct. 14-15, Samson, Sight & Sound Theatre; Nov. 18, Light-Up-Night on the Gateway Clipper. For info on the ballgame & Cleveland, call Rose, (724) 728-2563 or (412) 908-0124. For details on Samson or Light-Up, call Janet, at (724) 869-5339.
Seminars Legacy Theatre senior seminars; 11 a.m., Aug. 16, Osteoarthritis of the Hand; Aug. 30, George Washington Walked Here; Sept. 13, Wealth Management; Sept. 27, Fashion Over 60, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless Twp. Call, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com. Tips to Know About Senior Justice, 6 p.m., Aug. 15, Northland Library, McCandless. Learn from Dick Skrinjar from the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office about elder-targeted fraud. Register at (412) 366-8100 or www.northlandlibrary.org.
Health & Wellness Day of Health for Seniors, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. 2, Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Crossing. Presented by: UPMC Health Plan and UPMC Senior Communities. Attendees must RSVP to schedule screenings, call 877-539-3090.
42
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
Senior Meetings Cranberry Senior Citizens Club for residents 55+ meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. Call (724) 816-4977 for info and programs. Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet at 7 p.m., every 1st Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room. Call (724) 776-9274. Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group meets every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. of each month 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. of every month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon. of each month 1-2:30 p.m. Call (724) 444-0064. Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. Call (412) 741-4900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.
Volunteer Opportunities: Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit Hospice patients. For details, call (412) 367-3685. Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors with disabilities with yard tasks. For info, visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org. North Hills Community Outreach’s In Service of Senior program matches volunteers w/seniors to provide rides to the doctors, help w/groceries or yard work. Volunteer orientation is 4:30 p.m., Sept. 22 at NHCO, Allison Park. Register by calling Cathy, (412) 307-0069 x3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org. Olive Branch non-profit fair trade shop located at 11160 Perry Highway, Wexford is seeking volunteers. For info, call (724) 799-8700 or email info@olivebranchwexford.org. Pittsburgh Friendship Group is looking for volunteers to help visually impaired seniors. No experience is necessary. Call (724) 444-0064. Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. To register, call (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
43
Starting the Conversation
Do We Appreciate What We Have? BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
I
n my younger days, I would have given a resounding, “YES!” I was raised to be keenly aware of how bad my grandparents had it back in the old country and how lucky and fortunate we all are to be Americans. But somehow, in my mind, I pictured the old country being like an old photograph and really had nothing to do with us now. Then, during the fall of communism and the subsequent wars that followed, friends of mine sponsored some relatives from Bosnia to save them from the war. I will never forget their first impressions of America. They just couldn’t get over how much we have and, consequently, take for granted. They really couldn’t get over our supermarkets, shelves stuffed to the brims with immense varieties of food, beautiful fresh produce of every kind…and the waste, especially of fresh produce that gets tossed every day. But then they saw the pet aisle. They were so shocked and said that the pets in this country eat better than the people in Bosnia were eating. I am a VERY serious pet lover but those remarks really made me appreciate just how good we have it. I knew we had it good compared to other places but it never really hit home until then. It was definitely a defining moment. Now that I have traveled overseas, seen the abject poverty in other countries and families torn apart by violence, I worry, fear and dread war and violence within our own borders. Destroying just how wonderful we have it here. But as always, what do you think? Let’s continue the conversation on my blog at http://northernconnectionmagazine. blogspot.com, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson. l l l
44
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
Trivia
TRIVIA CONNECTION | August 2016
U.S. City Nicknames Trivia BY PAULA GREEN Here are some other famous nicknames – “Alamo City” refers to San Antonio, Texas. “The Big Pineapple” is Honolulu, Hawaii. “Bison City” depicts Buffalo, N.Y. “Celery City” can be found in Kalamazoo, Mich. “Chimneyville” refers to Jackson, Miss. “Cigar City” is Tampa, Fla. “The City by the Bay” depicts San Francisco, Calif., while “City of Lakes” is Minneapolis, Minn. “Derby City” denotes Louisville, Ky. “Tinseltown references Hollywood, Calif.” “Live Music Capital of the World” is Austin, Texas. “Rose City” is Portland, Ore. “Rubber City” refers to Akron, Ohio and “Witch City” denotes Salem. Mass. There are a few unique nicknames – Sturgis, Mich., is known as the “Curtain Rod Capital of the World.” Tulelake, Calif., is the “Horseradish Capital of the World.” Walla Walla, Wash., is called the “Town So Nice They Named it Twice.” Since we’ve given you a nice list of some famous U.S. city nicknames, we must now state our answers in this country query. Get set to name these places, because it’s time to get a little trivial... 1. “Chocolate Town” or “The Sweetest Place on Earth.” 2. “The Gateway to the West.” 3. It’s often called “Music City, USA.” 4. This place is the “City Too Busy to Hate.” 5. Known as the “Heart of America.” 6. It was called “Mistake on the Lake,” now referred to as “The Comeback City.” 7. Often called “America’s Finest City.” 8. “The Biggest Little City in the World.” 9. Known as “Pittsburgh of the South.” 10. They’re referred to as the “Twin Cities.” 11. This is “America’s Most Historic Region.” 12. It’s called the “City of Angels.” 13. The “Cereal Capital of the World.” 14. Sometimes called “Charm City.” 15. Known as “Cream City.” l l l Sources: http://list25.com/25-cities-with-awesome-nicknames/, http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/why-isnew-york-city-nicknamed-the-big-apple, https://www.thrillist. com/entertainment/nation/popular-us-city-nickname-origins, http://www.jetpunk.com/quizzes/city-nicknames-quiz.php, http://www.triviaasylum.com/lists/cities.html, http://www. sporcle.com/games/g/uscity_nicknames, www.factular.com/ facts
Answers: 1. Hershey, Pa 2. St. Louis, Mo. 3. Nashville, Tenn. 4. Atlanta, Ga. 5. Kansas City, Kan. 6. Cleveland, Ohio 7. San Diego, Calif. 8. Reno, Nev. 9. Birmingham, Ala. 10. Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minn. 11. Charleston, S.C. 12. Los Angeles, Calif. 13. Battle Creek, Mich. 14. Baltimore, Md. 15. Milwaukee, Wis.
“T
he Burgh,” “Iron City,” “The Steel City,” and “City of Bridges,” many of you may recognize the nicknames that Pittsburgh has accumulated over the years. Thanks to our recent fourth Stanley Cup victory, we are once again the “City of Champions.” Since many folks are still traveling and visiting various U.S. destinations. This month, we exam popular nicknames for different cities. Boston is called “Beantown,” since the early colonial settlers of the city had a hankering for beans that were slow cooked in molasses. Chicago is known as “The Windy City.” Most folks agree that the nickname originally referred not to lake breezes but to Chicago’s long-winded politicians. Dallas is referred to as “The Big D.” With a population of about 1.3 million, Dallas is the ninth largest American city so the adjective “big” is totally appropriate. Detroit is known as “Motor City,” because of its role in automotive history. Erie has been called the “Gem City” because of the sparkling lake. Las Vegas is referred to as “Sin City.” This Nevada city received this nickname due to its casinos, gaming, bachelor parties and many vices. New Orleans is called “The Big Easy.” There are several theories explaining this, one refers to the fact that it was very easy for musicians to perform gigs in the city. New York City is famously called “The Big Apple.” It was first popularized in the 1920s by John J. Fitz Gerald, a sports writer for the New York Morning Telegraph. Philadelphia is sometimes referred to as “The City of Brotherly Love.” Brotherly love is the meaning of the city´s name in Greek – “philos” meaning love and “adelphos” meaning brother. Reading is called “Pretzel City” because of numerous local pretzel bakeries. Seattle is known as “The Emerald City.” This is mostly due to the lush, green forests of Washington and the more than 6,000 acres of parks within the city limits. Suffolk, Va., is known as “The Peanut City.” Planters Nut and Chocolate Company was established in 1912 in Suffolk because of the cultivation of peanuts in the area. Some cities are renowned for being famous birthplaces. Cooperstown, N.Y. is called the “Birthplace of Baseball,” while Dayton, Ohio is referred to as the “Birthplace of Aviation.”
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
45
Events
HAPPENINGS | August 2016
August 2016 North Happening Mondays Chisel and Chips Carvers of North Pittsburgh meetings, meets 6:30-10 p.m., the 2nd Monday of every month, Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. Call (724) 940-0034. Food donations are needed at North Hills Community Outreach. For info, contact Erica at emcochran@nhco. org or (412) 487-6316 opt.1 x3144. Greater Cranberry Barbershop Chorus, meets every Monday at 7 p.m., Mars Alliance Church, Rt. 228. Visit Bogmeisters.com. Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 3rd Monday of every month 7 p.m., (Aug. 15) Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Free & open to the public. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329. Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 1, Room; Aug. 8, The Revenant; Aug. 15, Miracles From Heaven; Aug. 22, Race; Aug. 29, Show Boat, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/movies/ Tuesdays Movies in the Park, dusk, Aug. 16, Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015) PG, Cranberry Park Amphitheatre. Free.
Happenings
North Pittsburgh Mother of Multiples meeting, 7:30 p.m., 3rd Tues., of the month, North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. Visit www.facebook. com/NPMOMS. Thursdays Cranberry Women’s Club, meets 7 p.m. the 2nd Thurs of the month, Cranberry Library Meeting Room. Contact Sandy, (724) 779-1854. Thursdays in the Park, 7 p.m., Aug. 4, Bon Journey; Aug. 11, Phase IV Band; Aug. 18, Lenny Smith & The Instant Gators, Cranberry Park Rotary. Friday Friday Lunchtime Concerts, noon, Aug. 5, KardaZ; Aug. 12, Keystone Musical Theater, Rotary Gazebo. Free. Friends of the Cranberry Library will be grilling hot dogs. Hot Dog Fridays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. 5 & 12, Cranberry Public Library. $3 for grilled hot dog, chips & bottled water or $10 for a family 4 pack. Benefits the Cranberry Public Library programs & services.
Kinky Boots, Sept. 20-25, Benedum Center. Visit TrustArts.org. JFilm: The Pittsburgh Jewish Film Forum is accepting submissions for the 6th Annual Robinson International Short Film Competition. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 9. http://jfilmpgh.org/ Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 6, Johnny Angel and the Halos; Aug. 20, Beatlemania Magic: A Tribute to the Beatles; Sept. 17, The Vogues; Oct. 15, Cahal Dunne. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegacylineup.com. Life Stories, a solo Pittsburgh art exhibit by Ray Sokolowski runs thru Sept. 30, Point Park University, Lawrence Hall Gallery. For info, visit http://www. krooney.net. Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally Summer of 69: No Apostrophe, 8 p.m., Aug. 21, Benedum Center. For info, visit TrustArts.org or (412) 456-6666. Steppin’ Out Live With Ben Vereen, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 17, The Hillman Center at Shady Side Academy. For tickets, visit www.thehillman.org or (412) 968-3040.
Arts & Entertainment
Health & Wellness
Driftless play, 8 p.m., Aug. 11-13, Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square. For info, visit www.hatcharts.org/ driftless.
Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation is accepting nominations for Annual Physician & Community Awards. Nominations forms are available online at www. acms.org/awards. Deadline for submission is Aug. 15. For info, (412) 321-5030. Arthritis Expo, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 24, Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry Twp. For info, http://arthritisexpo. kintera.org/pittsburgh or (412) 250-3343 or hornowski@ arthritis.org. Dance Fitness, 9:00 a.m. Sats, Lighthouse Foundation, 1302 E. Cruikshank Road, Butler; Zumba®, 9:30 a.m. Mon. & 6:30 p.m. Thur., Woodland Valley Church, 225 Crowe Ave., Mars; Zumba®, 6:30 p.m. Tues, North Way Christian Community, 12121 Perry Hwy, Wexford. Tues. & Sat. classes benefit food bank. Special needs classes are offered. Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com. Department of Conservation & Natural Resources & the PA Park & Recreation Society invite Pennsylvanians to find healthy fun at park & recreation programs. Visit www.GoodForPa.com. Docs That Rock, Oct. 26, Stage AE on the North Shore. Benefits Our Clubhouse. For more info, visit docsthatrock.org. Fresh produce from gardens is being accepted at North Hills Community Outreach. Visit AmpleHarvest.org for info on locating NHCO’s three pantries. Sunday Funday! 1-4 p.m., Aug. 7, 8160 Perry Hwy., McCandless. Amorose Family Chiropractic is celebrating one year of serving the North Hills! Bounce house, vendors, raffles, exotic animals, games and prizes, music, food, mobile fashion truck. Benefits North Hills Community Outreach. For info, (412) 847-8946. Tai Chi Exercise, 10:45 a.m.-noon, Sats., Sept. 10-Dec. 10, Wexford, Gym. For info, call Orchard Hill Church at (724) 935-5555.
Outreach Free Identity Theft Prevention Workshop, 1:30-4 p.m., Aug. 18, North Hills Community Outreach, 2nd Fl., Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Ave. Free & open to the public. Register at (412) 408-3830 x3217.
46
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Allison Park is a donation site for non-perishable groceries for North Hills Community Outreach for its three food pantries. Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org. North Hills Community Outreach Speakers or volunteer speakers are available regarding their programs and volunteer opportunities. Call (412) 4876316 opt. 1 x3112 or JLKissel@nhco.org.
Bereavement Support Group (for widows/widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed. Hosted by St. Sebastian Parish, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300. Bereavement Support Group in the North Hills, 10-11:30 a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. Call Heritage Hospice (724) 334-6600.
North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m. every Tues & Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway. Call, (412) 366-7477 or www. northhillsfoodbank.com. Donations always welcome.
Breast Cancer Support Groups, 5:30-7 p.m., 3rd Mon., AGH Hospital; 7-8:30 p.m.,1st & 3rd Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry; 6-7:30 p.m., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion, Wexford. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.
WorkAble provides free career consulting and employment mentoring to unemployed and underemployed job seekers in Allegheny County. For details, call (412) 904-5993.
Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., every Wed., of the month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Phone, (412) 748-5120 or Bridge2Hope.org.
Support Groups Bereavement Support Group, Beyond Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary. Call (412) 748-6640.
General Cancer Center Support Groups, 5-6 p.m., 4th Mon., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion; 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd & 4th Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212. (Continued on page 48)
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
47
Events
HAPPENINGS | August 2016
Grief Support Group for widows and widowers over fifty, 2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., of the month, St. Sebastian Parish, 311 Siebert Rd. Visit http://www.saintsebastianparish.org/ Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@ aol.com. Mind Matters Brain Injury Support Group, 7-9 p.m., every 3rd Thurs., of the month, Butler Memorial Hospital, East Brady St. in the Dimmick Center. Call (724) 283-6666. MISS Foundation (Mothers in Sympathy and Support) for those grieving the loss of a child – includes miscarriages, still birth and prematurity. Meetings held 7:30 p.m., 1st Tues of the month, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cumberland Rd., McCandless. Contact Laurie. Jackson@missfoundation.org. S.P.I.N. For Single Moms: 6-7:30 p.m., 4th Monday of the Month in Bellevue. For details, call (412) 366-1300. Veteran HOPE, support group for women Veterans recovering from mental illness, meet 6-8 p.m., every Tues., VA Butler Healthcare, Room 217WS, Building 1. Call (724) 996—8892 or (724) 285-2756 or butlerva.gov.
Women’s Self Care Support Group, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Sats., Anchorpoint Counseling. Call (412) 366-1300, ext. 129.
AM Spirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, a
Counseling
AM Spirit Wexford Chapter, a business net-
Ask the Attorney, free legal consultation for low-income families. Held 7 p.m., the 3rd Wed, Aug. 17, NHCO Allison Park, Sept. 2 in Millvale. Pre-register at (412) 408-3830, ext. 3217 or briedel@nhco.org.
Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters Club meets at noon every Mon., Pella
Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church is offering it Stephen Ministry Program for people experiencing grief, divorce, cancer, illnesses, job loss, loss of home, military deployment & other life struggles. Free & confidential program for people of any faith. Call (412) 486-4010 or www. bhlc.org. Group Services, Intensive Outpatient Program, 5:30-8:30 p.m., M,W, Th.,Therapy Group 6-8 p.m., Tues., Family Only Group 7:30-9:00 p.m., 2nd Tues, Psycho-educational Support Group 7-9 p.m., 4th Mon. Contact Anita (412) 2157967, pened1@aol.com, or www.anitasinicropemaier.com.
Networking AM Spirit Cranberry Chapter, a business networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Wed, at North Park Deckhouse, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Glen (412) 916-8699.
business networking group, meets 8 a.m. every Thurs, at Panera Bread, Cranberry. Call Glen (412) 916-8699. working group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village. Visit https://www. amspirit.com/chapter.php?chapter=Wexford.
Windows Training Center, 230 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale. Visit http://cranberryhighnoon. toastmastersclubs.org/.
Western PA Professional Business Association Network Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Tuesdays, King’s Restaurant, Rt. 8, Gibsonia. Call Mary Ann, at (724) 935-2221 or www. wpabusiness.com.
Wexford Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 8 a.m., Tues., Aug. 9 & 23, Atria’s Restaurant, Wexford. Call Judith, at (412) 848-7986.
Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Interested volunteers call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon.stalter@ cancer.org. Bubbleteers (volunteers) are needed to help North Hills Community Outreach at the Bubble Run. Volunteers needed Aug. 26 for packet pickup & Aug. 27 the day of the run at Hartwood Acres. Call (412) 408-3830 x3204 or hzgibbs@nhco.org. Friends of North Park are looking committee volunteers for communication & Outreach, stewardship, water tower restoration, deer management and history. Call Gary at (724) 544-7284. Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students on basic literacy skills, 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutor training provided. Call (412) 3937600 or http://www.gplc.org/become-avolunteer.cfm. Hope Hospice is looking for volunteer for their patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! Call (412) 367-3685. Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with Provide vision–Give hope. Call (724) 553-3114 or www.mission-vision.org. North Hills Community Outreach Volunteer Orientations, 10 a.m., Sept. 8, NHCO, North Boroughs, Bellevue. Call (412) 408-3830 ext. 3204 or hzgibbs@ nhco.org. North Hills Community Outreach has Speakers available, staff or volunteer speakers will speak to your congregation, business, civic group or school. For info, contact JLKissel@nhco.org or (412) 487-6316 x3112.
48
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
Seeking hospice volunteers...if you can find the time to sit with hospice patients we would love to have you. Call Bethany Hospice, at (412) 921-2209. Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah Street on the Southside. Help make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. For details, call (412) 381-0277 or www.EmmausPgh.org. Volunteer Tutors Needed for children struggling with school work. Call Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, (412) 366-1300 or www.anchorpointcounselingministry.org.
School Community College of Allegheny County is enrolling students for the fall 2016 semester for the final year of a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Call (412) 469-6229 or crobinson@ccac.edu. La Roche College Summer Visit Day, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Aug. 12. Visit admissions@ laroche.edu or (412) 536-1272. Provident Charter School dedicated to children with dyslexia & other languagebased learning differences is enrolling grades 3 & 4 for 2016-17. Located on Troy Hill. Call (412) 636-2014 or khanchett@ providentcharterschool.org. Saint Mary’s School in Glenshaw Homecoming Gala in Commemoration of their 50th Anniversary of their athletic association, 6 p.m., Oct. 1, St. Mary church campus. Grand raffle, music by Drew Martier & Friends. Tickets are $50 and go on sale Aug. 1. For info, email stmaryptg@gmail.com.
Reunions North Allegheny High School Class of 1981, 35 Year Reunion, 5-11 p.m., Sept. 3, Knob Hill, Elias Fry Barn. Music by “Smokin Section,” pig & chicken roast, photo booth, bonfire. RSVP by Aug. 15, email barbara.lee@comcast.net. Tickets $55. Mail checks payable to: NA Class of ‘81, P.O. Box 1855, Cranberry Twp., PA 16006. All Classes are welcome. Shaler Area High School Class of 1972: Please join our Facebook group for a possible 2016 & definite 2017 reunion plans. Pass it on, tell your classmates. Questions? (412) 996-8813 or kbrnorth@ gmail.com.
Spiritual Vesper Service, 6:30 p.m., Aug. 27, Pavilion of the Orthodox Church of America Diocesan Headquarters on Peters Rd. in Cranberry Twp. For info, email fr.dave.urban@icloud.com or call (412) 766-4691.
Spaghetti Dinner
S
paghetti Dinner, 4-7 p.m., Aug. 27, the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Ave., Brighton Heights. Tickets will be sold at the door: $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for senior citizens and $5.00 for children. Take out is available. Salad, bread, beverages and desserts are included as part of the meal. There will also be a separate bake sale, gift basket auction, 50/50 and fresh produce for sale. For more information please call the Home at (412) 3071100. l l l
Seminars, Workshops, Courses & Conferences
Westmoreland Yough Trail Poker Run, 8:30 a.m., Sept. 5, Arthur H. King Access Area of the Great Allegheny Passage in West Newton. Visit www.bikewytc.org.
Clay Construction Course, 6-8 p.m., Mondays, Aug. 8, 15, 22 & 29, Hosanna Industries Gibsonia, 3930 Dickey Rd., Gibsonia. Use wheel, slab, or coil techniques to learn basics of clay construction. Make a mug, bowl or sculpture. If you can imagine it, you can make it! Visit hosannaindustries.org.
Veterans
Fundraiser & 5K Race/Walks A Day in the Burgh with Kovacic! For the Nathan Trapuzzano Memorial Foundation, Aug. 6, Pirate game (tail gate begins at 2 p.m.) For details, visit https://www.youcaring.com/thenathan-trapuzzano-memorial-foundation-575472. Cindystock, 4 p.m., Aug. 13, 2552 Wexford-Bayne Rd., outdoor music festival and picnic. Proceeds benefit local cancer screening providers. For details, visit www.cindystock.org. Hemophilia Walk, 10 a.m. (9 a.m. registration), Sept. 17, North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Rd., Allison Park. For info, visit https://securewalk.hemophilia.org/registrant/LoginRegister. JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) One Walk, 8:30 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. walk, Sept. 24, Schenley Park Flagstaff Hill. Benefits research for Type 1 diabetes. For info, visit www. walkjdrf.org or (412) 258-1323. Lupus Loop 5K Walk/Run, Skate & Dog Jog, Sept. 24, Station Square Pittsburgh. For info, visit lupuspa.org. St. Barnabas Charities 5K Run/Walk, 9 a.m., Aug. 6, St. Barnabas campus, 5850 Meridian Rd., Gibsonia. Visit stbarnabashealthsystem.com/stbarnabas5K or call, (724) 687-9140.
North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m., 2nd Mon., of the month, Quilt Company, Middle Rd., Allison Park. Call (412) 487-9532 or www.qovf.org. Pennsylvania Community-Based Programs Awarded VA Grants to Support Disabled Veterans in Adaptive Sports at Slippery Rock University. Visit www. va.gov/adaptivesports. Veterans Discover HOPE Here-Career, 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:45 p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 7798323, discoverhopehere@gmail.com or www.discoverhopehere.com. Veterans Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-5:30 p.m., VA Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. Visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_ Physically_ Active.asp. Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group, 10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call 800-362-8262 ext. 2498. “Veteran X” mental health & substance abuse recovery program for vets meets 6 p.m., every Mon., at VA Butler Healthcare, Room 213, East South (ES), 325 N. Castle Rd., Butler. Visit http:// www.butler.va.gov/.
Dancing & Recreational Events Country Knight Line Dancers host a line dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person. Call, Janine (412) 931-6971 or janine. beley@gmail.com. (Continued on page 50)
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
49
Events
HAPPENINGS | August 2016
Fly Away Bash, Sept. 23, Voyager Jet Center, at Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin. Sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. For tickets, visit http://bbbspgh.org/flyawaybash. Free Dancing, North Hills Squares & Round Dance Club Open House, 8-10 p.m., Sept. 6, St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. Couples, singles & families are welcome, no experience or partners necessary. Casual dress. Call Ron or Mary (412) 408-3081. Free Dancing, North Hills Squares & Round Dance Club Open House, 7:30-10 p.m., Sept. 8, North Hills Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. For info, call Sharon at (724) 266-3232. Handicapable Square Dancing, 7-8 p.m., weekly on Thursdays, Dorseyville Alliance Church, 3703 Saxonburg Blvd. For ages 18 & older. Register at (412) 915-8486 or (724) 443-2616 or beatty3@ consolidated.net. Orchard Hill Church events: Ballroom Dancing, 2nd & 4th Fri., Sept. 9 & 23, 1st & 3rd Fri., Oct. 7-Dec.2; Coed Volleyball, 7:30, Tues, Sept. 13-Dec. 6; Co-ed Indoor Soccer, 8:30 p.m. Wed, Sept.14-Dec.7; CIZE Live, 6:15 p.m. Thur., Sept. 15-Dec. 8; Men’s Pick-Up Basketball, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 15-Dec. 8. Visit orchardhillchurch.com or (724) 935-5555. Saturday Singles Dance, for ages 40+, 8 p.m. to midnight, Aug. 6, Free Speed Dating & Nacho Bar; Aug. 27, Hors D’Oeuvre Buffet, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m. Call (724) 316-5029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.
Yes, You Can Dance! (YYCD) is a special needs ballroom program for teens (16+). Participants meet one hour on Sundays at DancExplosion Arts Center in the North Hills or Steel City Ballroom in the South Hills. Participants are paired with a trained volunteer dance mentor. Call (412) 999-3998 or info@yesyoucandance.org.
Community Events Antique Show & Sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 17 & 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 18, Harmony Museum’s Stewart Hall, 218 Mercer St. in National Historic Landmark District. For info, visit harmonymuseum. org or (724) 452-7341. Auto Raffle at St. Ferdinand Church. 1st Prize Cadillac XTS & $5,000, 2nd Prize $3,000 & 3rd Prize $1,500 in Gift Cards. Drawing is Nov. 12. For info, visit StFerd. org or (724) 776-2888.
Oktoberfest Event, Sept. 10, Holy Spirit Parish, Millvale, Lyceum Hall. German food, Oktoberfest beer. Entertainment by Josef Wendl Orchestra. Required reservations, call (412) 821-4464. Orchard Hill: Global Leadership Summit, 9:30 a.m., Aug. 11-12. Visit http://www. orchardhillchurch.com/ Owl-O-Ween at the National Aviary, guests are invited to wear costumes, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 22 & 29. Birthday Celebration for Valentino the Sloth, Oct. 30 & 31. Free w/admission. For info, visit https://www.aviary.org/.
Crafters needed…for a Craft Extravaganza, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 8, Sisters of Divine Providence. Call (412) 635-5401 or pserafini@cdpsisters.org or cdpsisters.org/2016CraftExtravaganza.
Saint Barnabas General Store is now open. Stop in for coffee, milk, bread, eggs, chocolates, snacks, paper products & household item. They deliver to all St. Barnabas communities. Call (724) 625-8995.
Harmony Museum’s Antique Gun Show, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Aug. 13, Stewart Hall, 218 Mercer St. in National Historic Landmark District. Visit harmonymuseum.org or (724) 452-7341.
Sisters of Divine Providence Summer Sweepstakes, a chance to win $2,000, $500 or $100. Sweepstakes ends Sept. 1. To enter, visit cdpsisters. org/2016SummerSweepstakes.
Hot August Celebration by Portersville Shops & Studios, noon-8 p.m., Aug. 14, check out Nicolette’s new location, 1263 Perry Hwy, 1830’s red brick house across from FNB. Food, entertainment, artist, vendors & more. For info call (724) 3681100 or visit www.NicolettesShop.com or www.susanwalkerart.com.
Spaghetti Dinner, 4-7 p.m., Aug. 27, the Little Sisters of the Poor Home, 1028 Benton Ave. Tickets sold at the door: $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for senior citizens and $5.00 for children. Take out is available. Bake sale, gift basket auction, 50/50. For info, (412) 307-1100.
RUMMAGE SALE Little Sisters of the Poor to Hold Rummage Sale
T
he Little Sisters of the Poor are having a rummage sale of clothing, furniture, household items, jewelry, books and assorted items. Their Home is located in the Brighton Heights neighborhood at 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15212. The sale runs from 10:00 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Aug. 18-20. Saturday the 20th is the bag sale. All proceeds will benefit the elderly Residents living at the Home. This is the final sale of the year. For more information or directions, please contact the Home at 412-307-1100. l l l
50
Movies in the Park in Pine, Free movie at Pine Park Gazebo: Aug. 19, Zootopia. Movie starts at dusk (around 9:00 p.m.) Rain date for each movie is one week after original date. Questions? Email pinecenter@twp.pine.pa.us.
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
Train rides, Mars Shortline Railroad in Mars, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., every Friday & 1-4 p.m., every Saturday, thru Sept., (weather permitting, Mars Area History & Landmark’s Society (GPS #1 Brickyard Rd., Mars). Donations are welcome. Visit www.marshistory.org or (724) 272-9588 Woodlands Foundation Block Party, 4-7 p.m., Aug. 20, 134 Shenot Rd., Wexford. Live music, food & fun! For tickets, visit www.woodlands.org or (724) 935-6533.
Festivals, Flea Markets & Sales Flea Market Fun, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., & 5-8 p.m., Aug. 26 & 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Aug. 27 (bag sale 1-2 p.m.) at Parkwood Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. For info, visit www. parkwoodchurch.org. Private sellers welcome, contact Diane at (412) 487-8761 or dianegardner669@gmail.com. Little Sisters of the Poor Rummage Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 18-20, 1028 Benton Ave., Brighton Heights (Aug. 20 bag sale). Clothing, furniture, household items, jewelry, books and more. Proceeds benefit the elderly residents living at the Home. For info, (412) 3071100.
Saint Alexis Festival, 6-11 p.m., Aug. 3-6, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford. Nightly dinners, rides, games and family fun. For info, visit www.stalexis.org or (724) 935-4343. Saint Aloysius Massive Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Aug. 6 & 12:30-3:30 p.m., Aug. 7, 3610 Mt. Troy Road, Reserve Twp. The sale has 18 room of treasures. Homemade food and bakery is also available for purchase. Saint Ferdinand Festival, 6-11 p.m., Aug. 12; 5-11 p.m., Aug. 13; 4-9 p.m., Aug. 14, Cranberry Twp., bountiful dinners, flea market, trains rides. For info, visit STFERD.org or (724) 776-2888.
Environmental & Gardening Fox Chapel Farmer’s Market, 3-6 p.m., Weds, thru Oct. 26, Shady Side Academy. For info, visit www.ShadySideAcademy. org/FarmersMarket. Garden in the Park, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. 15, corner of Babcock Blvd., & Wildwood Rd. Features Penn State Master Gardeners. Sponsored by Friends of North Park. Call (724) 544-7284. Rid Your Home of Unwanted Chemicals, Electronics & Freon Appliances, Aug. 20, Sept. 17. Oct. 15 & 29, Nov. 19 & Dec. 17, 129 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City. Preregistration if required 1-866-815-0016.
Golf Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Aug. 3, Ladies’ Outing at Conley Resort. Email Jennifer@ButlerCountyChamber. com or (724) 283-2222. Hosanna Industries Golf Outing, Sept. 12, Wildwood Golf Club in Allison Park. Proceeds help build and repair homes for needy households in southwestern PA. Registration and sponsorship details are available at hosannaindustries.org. Mars Planet Foundation 4th Annual Golf Outing, noon, Aug. 19, Rittswood Golf Course. For details, visit www.marsplanetfoundation.org or call (860) 833-5324 or email admin@marsplanetfoundation. org.
Library Northland Library Events: 1-3 p.m., Aug. 2, Harry Potter Day, 9-11 a.m., Aug. 20, Free Paper Shredding & Drug Collection Day; 6 p.m., Aug. 25, Science for Grownups: Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream; 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. 27, E-Waste Recycling Data & Destruction Event. Call (412) 366-8100 x103 or www.northlandlibrary.org.
Tantalized Tastebuds on Tap at Fundraiser to Fight Prematurity Local chefs to compete at Stage AE; VIP tickets still available
V
IP tickets are still available for Savor Pittsburgh, a fundraiser featuring the city’s finest chefs competing for “Dish of the Year,” with proceeds benefitting the life-saving research of Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation (MWRIF). Savor Pittsburgh’s VIP experience begins at 5:30 p.m., Aug. 25 at Stage AE, located at 400 N. Shore Dr., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212. VIP guests will enjoy a onehour private party prior to the event’s general admission, featuring delicious appetizers from McCormick & Schmick’s, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Morton’s, and The Grand Concourse, along with top-shelf cocktails and entertainment. Tickets can
be purchased here. Savor Pittsburgh benefits MWRIF, which continues to fight the number one killer of newborns: premature birth. At Magee, dedicated physician-scientists are working tirelessly to find answers to reduce premature births and give babies and mothers a healthy start in life. It benefits people like Erin Dunn, a young girl who was born at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC on Feb. 9, 2008, weighing just a single pound. Erin spent 88 days in the hospital, fighting multiple infections and receiving nutrients through a feeding tube. Erin is now six years old and stronger than ever, thanks to the life-saving care
and work provided by Magee. Though she has some development delays related to her prematurity and receives services in occupational, physical and speech therapy, her mother describes her as “the hardest, most determined worker I know!” Savor Pittsburgh is filled with appealing appetizers, entrees, delightful desserts and cocktails. A sprawling outdoor landscape with a special indoor VIP area will be constructed at the venue for an elegant evening of food, drinks and dancing, all to support the cause of ending premature births. For more information, visit www.savorpgh.com. l l l
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
51
Honor
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | August 2016
Veterans Breakfast Club BY PAULA GREEN
Doug Austin and Dan Telep at VBC breakfast at Memorial Park Presbyterian Church in Allison Park in May 2016.
“The mission of the Veterans Breakfast Club is to create communities of listening around veterans and their stories to ensure that this living history will never be forgotten. We believe that through our work, people will be educated, healed and inspired.”
V Army Afghanistan War veteran Nick Grimes talks about his service at a VBC breakfast in April 2016.
Air Force Iraq War veteran Brandy Horchak-Jevsjukova discusses her service at a Beaver breakfast April 2016.
Army / Air Force Veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Alex Dyga.
52
eterans are special individuals that have seen more than most of us can fathom. It is rewarding for them when they have the opportunity to share their experiences. Fortunately, there is a unique veteran’s group called the Veterans Breakfast Club (VBC) which meets monthly and allows these folks to share their military accounts. “The Veterans Breakfast Club is a nonprofit founded eight years ago to give every vet a chance to tell his or her story with the public. We hold 40+ storytelling events per year throughout western Pennsylvania with crowds of 60-200 attending at each. The gatherings are informal, and we usually prearrange to have a few vets tell a story, and then open it up to the crowd to share some stories,” said VBC’s executive director, Todd DePastino. “The programs are multi-media, we use a projector and laptop to show old photos of the vets or of anything else anyone wants to talk about. Most of our storytellers are WWII, Korean War veterans, and Vietnam veterans, and this year we launched our Post-9/11 Veterans Storytelling Project. We created a three minute video that captures the spirit of our events. We also have an oral history project, Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh, through which we record the stories we hear at the breakfasts. They are being archived at the Heinz History Center as part of the Western Pennsylvania Veterans Archive that we are creating,” added Depastino. VBC also publishes a newsletter called Veteran Voices: The Magazine of the Veteran Breakfast Club. They co-host Veterans Voices: The Podcast, which is a monthly Internet broadcast discussing news, current events and topical discussions with authors, filmmakers, artists, historians and other storytellers of the veteran experience. Veterans Breakfast Club meets monthly from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Upcoming meetings this month are: Aug. 3, Seven Oaks Country Club in Beaver; Aug. 17, Memorial Park Presbyterian Church in McCandless Township; Aug. 23, Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park; Aug. 26, Comfort Inn, in Penn Hills; and Aug. 31, Robert Morris University in Moon Township. In September, the group will meet: Sept. 9, 911th Airlift Wing in Moon Township; Sept. 14, Grazie Restaurant in Wexford; Sept. 20, Georgetown Centre in Pleasant Hills, Sept. 24, Allegheny-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum in Tarentum and Sept. 30, Comfort Inn in Penn Hills. You don’t have to be a veteran to attend, and everyone is invited to hear the stories. For more information on this military organization, visit them at http://veteransbreakfastclub.com/. l l l
NC August 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2016
53