August 2017 issue of Northern Connection Magazine

Ba o ho Sc o-t ue ck Iss l

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2017

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Prepares Students for Life Through Career Development Program

L O O K A N D F E E L YO U R B E S T AT A N Y AG E

Pages 32-33

Traveling Vietnam Wall

Eclipse Trivia

Commonwealth Charter Academy Pages 26-27

Mary Danced In...

“When Mary arrived for her second visit, she opened the door and danced from the front door to my desk with this huge smile on her face and then, she started bawling. She starts telling me that this was the first time in 12 years that she felt relief. Then I started to well up.”

Mary Danced In is just one of Dr. Shawn’s hundreds of neuropathy success stories.

Mary was about to start using a walker, but instead, Dr. Shawn set her up on a Brand New Technological Light System that is non-invasive and painless. She felt relief – and hope – after her first visit!

Visit MaryDancedIn.com to learn more!

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!

DR. SHAWN RICHEY

Are you being told, “Nothing can 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?

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specialized treatment protocol is available at the Chiropractic Family Health Center.

It includes nine 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 stateof-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. Since 2013, Dr. Shawn Richey’s program has had a 90 percent satisfaction rate. Dr. Richey has seen thousands of patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy who have tried everything including potentially harmful medications and other painful testing and treatments. This can leave patients still struggling and wandering down the long road of endless disappointment. Now we are able to address the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, PAINLESS, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair.

Dr. Richey has helped thousands of sufferers of peripheral neuropathy throughout the region, and he has expanded his practice to include Westmoreland 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.

“About a year after I had my knee replaced, my legs and feet began to have a tingling sensation that kept increasing over the years.

I also had really bad balance whenever I closed my eyes and other than the tingling, I really felt nothing with my feet. I was even starting to have trouble driving because I really couldn’t feel the pedals right. I went to see doctors and specialists, and they said it was “neuropathy” but that there wasn’t a cure. Several family members are nurses and healthcare professionals – they checked with doctors they know, and they all said there was no cure for neuropathy. So, I was very skeptical when I went to see Dr. Shawn. All the experts were saying there was no cure, and then there was just this one guy saying he might be able to help. Well, I gave it a go, and I am a skeptic no longer. Not only is the pain and tingling going away but the feeling is coming back. The other day, I was walking with bare feet on the carpet, and I felt myself step on something – I hunted for it and finally found it was the tiniest pebble. I never would have been able to feel that before the treatments. I have already recommended Dr. Shawn to other people experiencing the same thing and I encourage other people to give it a try no matter how skeptical they are.” – Bill, West View

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 2017

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Contents

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NORTHERN CONNECTION CONTENTS | August 2017

Features

Image & Style

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Butler Memorial Hospital Receives Get With the GuidelinesStroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement with Target: Stroke Honor Roll

31 Summer Skin Survival Tips Patty Bell

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pittsburgh North/McCandless Hosted Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Health & Wellness

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Real Estate: When It Comes to Selling a Home, the Name of the Game is “The Price is Right” Vince Parrucci

In Every Issue...

10 Business Spotlight: McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance, Inc. Janice Lane Palko

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From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski

Back to School 2017

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Movers & Shakers

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Mover & Shaker of the Month: Three Penn State University Women Help Build a Suspended Bridge in Rwanda Paula Green

12 Cover Story: CWNC Prepares Students for Life Through Career Development Program Lisa Logan

40 Support Our Troops: The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall Makes Its Way to Our Region Paula Green 46 Trivia Connection: Eclipse Trivia Paula Green 48 August 2017 Happenings 53 Starting the Conversation: Handing Back the “Reigns” Marianne Reid Anderson

14 Innovations in the Classroom 22 Royal Oak Nursery School and Kindergarten 24 BC3: No. 1 in Pennsylvania, and To Students Who Save 25 School Movers & Shakers 26 I Am CCA 28 Going Back to School? Is Your Brain Ready? Dr. Joseph Maroon 29 Back to School Directory

53 Editor’s Notes: Now, Where Was I? Janice Lane Palko

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32 Why You Should Choose Ideal Image

34 Local Athletes and World Champions Turn to Strength Specialist to Improve Performance 36 Eradicating Polio Nathan Rakaczky

Living Fit

Sponsored by

38 Butler County Family YMCA Introduces Blood Pressure SelfMonitoring Program

Senior Living 42 Town Crier: August: A Distinguished Month Joe Bullick 44 Happenings for Seniors

All About Pets 47 Dr. Jaime Griffin

Advertorials 1

Mary Danced In / Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

39 Lose Weight and Learn How to Keep It Off Dr. Michael Vactor

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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Welcome PUBLISHER NOTES | August 2017

Welcome to the August issue of Northern Connection magazine

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

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his is a bittersweet issue for all of us at Northern Connection magazine. We are saying goodbye to our executive editor, Marianne Reid Anderson, and welcoming back executive editor, Janice Lane Palko. Both Marianne and Janice have great columns in this issue’s Movers & Shakers section. All of us here at Northern Connection wish Marianne the best of luck in her future ventures. Look for a pop-up article from her in upcoming issues. Thank you, Marianne, for all the work you have done over the past four years.

This is Northern Connection magazine’s 18th annual back-to-school issue!

Once again, we are featuring “Innovations in the Classroom.” We are excited to continue this throughout the school year and would like to thank the schools that have continued to work with us on this feature. It is very encouraging to see firsthand what some of our local schools are accomplishing and the dedication of the teachers and students. This month’s cover story features Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School, and how they are preparing “The whole their students for life through Career purpose of Development Programs. Make sure to education is to get your school’s innovations featured in our upcoming issues! turn mirrors into Mark your calendar for Aug. 21. For windows.’” many of us who live in North America, Sydney J. Harrris we will be able to see a total eclipse of the sun! Read more about this special event in this month’s Trivia. For more special events and summer fun activities, check out Northern Connection magazine’s Happenings section. You will see that there is still a lot of summer to enjoy!

Enjoy reading all of 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

Looking to grow your business?

Advertise in Northern Connection Magazine, celebrating our 18th year in business, Connecting you to your Community.

Call today 724-940-2444

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

Janice Lane Palko 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 Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Core Writers

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

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer 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/

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NC August 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

“We Lost 342 Pounds!

With Dr. Bridget Chufo’s Weight Loss Program

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | August 2017

P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.

Movers & Shakers Jennifer S. Adiwinata has joined Genesis Medical Associates as clinical care coordinator. She will be responsible for educating patients, their families and facility staff about available services and providers primarily in the post-acute care setting.

On Wednesday, July 12, the Board of Directors and Past President’s Advisory Council of the Butler County Chamber honored The Butler County Historical Society as the 15th Butler County Chamber of Commerce Community Champion Award recipient.

Jennifer Adiwinata

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC has once again been recognized as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country, earning a spot on this year’s U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals.

It is the eighth consecutive year that Children’s Hospital has appeared on the Best Children’s Hospitals list.

UPMC hospitals have been recognized for excellence in stroke care by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program, which acknowledges the hospitals’ commitment to providing the most appropriate stroke treatment.

St. Margaret Foundation announces $552,351 in grants in alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities of - Patient Access, Patient Education and Patient Experience.

Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes

Penny Ann Erbe

Enrolled Agent Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner

The nine-year-olds baseball team from McCandless athletic team association won the east zone west region tournament, which was held July 15-16. The region encompasses Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and Ohio. The team advanced to the PONY zone tournament in the PONY World Series, which will be held Aug. 11-16 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Mover & Shaker of the Month

Three Local Penn State University Women Help Build a Suspended Bridge in Rwanda

BY PAULA GREEN

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he Penn State University Chapter of Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) recently constructed a 200-foot suspended bridge Left to right, Lauren Donatelli, Grace Daigle, Abby Cowser in the Muhanga District in Rwanda, Africa. The eightmember team of engineering students consisted of three local women – Lauren Donatelli of West View/Ross, Grace Daigle of Fineview/North Side and Abby Cowser of Bethel Park.

Construction lasted about eight weeks, and ran from midApril to mid-June. It was truly a rewarding experience for all three of these ladies.

“I was the construction manager on the trip and was in charge of the construction schedule and coordinating activities with the in-country engineers, and the experience was utterly amazing. The people we met in Rwanda were appreciative, passionate and welcoming. The best thing about building the bridge was the lesson I learned about teamwork. Not only depending on Abby and Gracie for moral support, but also for working with the entire team from Penn State, the Bridges to Prosperity National Representatives and our corporate sponsors. By working together, the result was something amazing, lasting and beneficial to the entire community. These people have changed my life forever. Bridges to Prosperity made me the person I am, and I’m incredibly thankful for all that I have accomplished in Kumusenyi, Rwanda,” said Donatelli.

Left to right, Lauren Donatelli, Abby Cowser, Grace Daigle “Being a part of the bridge build was one of the most humbling and edifying things I’ve ever done. I served as design manager for the project. Many people helped in the design process; I was lucky to see it actually happen. The best moment came on the last day of construction. During the last week, a crowd of kids gathered to watch us finish. It took us a full day to tie the fencing to the handrail cables, and it was exhausting. At the end of the day, we collapsed on the hillside and didn’t really process that we had just finished the bridge. Sylive, one of the

B2P masons, gathered the kids together around the start of the utler Memorial bridge. There were about 30 of them singing, skipping, sprintHospital has ing and dancing across our bridge (which had just become their received the bridge). The joy on their faces brought me to tears. Through American Heart teamwork, service and love, this community will have safe access Association/American across the river all year around,” Daigle said.

Stroke Association’s Get “The bridge was ultimately why we went to Rwanda, but the With The Guidelines®most memorable and life-changing moments involved the people Stroke Gold Plus Quality and unconditional love. For me, this was an opportunity to use Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment my field of study combined with my passion for service to make and success in ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate a difference. Even though we didn’t speak their native language treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines and few people spoke English, we’d gather together every mornbased on the latest scientific evidence. ing and praise God through praying, singing and dancing. These To receive the Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, hospitals must moments of joy allowed us to connect and understand what it achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelinesmeans to be a part of something bigger. We’re living proof that Stroke achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month even 7,000 miles away, we’re all children of God and can work periods and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight together. The biggest lesson learned after spending a month in Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality measures. This is the fourth time Rwanda is: Material possessions and things associated with being that Butler Memorial Hospital has received this designation. ‘successful’ in America are trivial. It’s all about love and helping To qualify for the Target: Stroke Honor Roll, hospitals must meet qualyour neighbor, something lost in our culture. Working together ity measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival with the Rwandans on this bridge was crucial in improving their at the hospital and treatment with the drug tPA. Over the last ten years, education, healthcare and economic livelihood to allow them to BHS has reduced its “door to needle” time by an average of 38 minutes. have the security they deserve,” said Cowser.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Since the bridge has become a reality, 8,500 people in the Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of vicinities of Gitega and Ryakanimba will now have safe and easy adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. access to healthcare, education and fulfilling journeys in Rwanda. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, someone dies of a stroke every four lll minutes, and nearly 800,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. l l l

Butler Memorial Hospital Receives Get With the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement with Target: Stroke Honor Roll

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | August 2017

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pittsburgh North/McCandless Hosted Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Fairfield Inn & Suites McCandless opened on May 16 in McCandless Crossing

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he new Fairfield Inn & Suites Pittsburgh North/McCandless opened on May 16. The hotel hosted a grand opening and ribboncutting event on June 20 with an additional celebration on June 21.

Both events showcased the Fairfield’s beautifully appointed lobby and flexible workspaces as well as the tranquil outdoor patio, spacious and modern guest rooms and suites and the expansive, fully equipped fitness

center. The six-floor, 109-room hotel offers free Wi-Fi, 750 sq. ft. fitness center, full-service business center, complimentary breakfast and convenient access to a variety of shops, restaurants, grocery store, pharmacy and entertainment venues. The hotel is located near Passavant Hospital, LaRoche College and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Fairfield Inn & Suites McCandless is just north of the city of Pittsburgh, off McKnight Road inside the new McCandless Crossing business complex. For more information visit www.marriott.com/ pitfm. l l l

(l to r) Bob Andrews, Mark McDonnell, Kevin Kilkeary , Kevin Dougherty

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Homes

REAL ESTATE | August 2017

When It Comes to Selling a Home, the Name of the Game is “The Price Is Right”

BY VINCE PARRUCCI, LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT/REALTOR AND PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT

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our home-it’s where you raised your children, shared holidays and made memories. While all of that is important, it should not figure in when it comes to selling that home. Many people have emotional ties or pride in their homes. That is understandable, but it doesn’t equate to hard value.

In order to sell your home quickly—and who doesn’t want a quick sale?—it is essential to price a home according to its real market value not its emotional value. What happens when a home is overpriced, is that it gets no showings, and it sits on the market. There is a lot of psychology involved with buying and selling a home. If a home is listed for $300,000 in a neighborhood where the homes are selling for $260,000, potential buyers won’t even look at it because they don’t want to insult the seller, or they fear the seller won’t accept their offer.

If the home sits on the market month after month, the listing becomes stale, and the home can become stigmatized.

When potential buyers see that a home has been languishing on the market, they often conclude, whether fairly or not, that there is something “wrong” with the house. Conversely, a well-maintained, appropriately-priced home will appear desirable and will generally sell quickly.

So how do you price your home appropriately?

An experienced real estate agent will know the market.

When arriving at a list price, agents look at the condition of the home, its amenities, how well it has been maintained or how extensively it has been updated. Agents should pull comparables much like a real estate appraiser does and try to compare apples to apples. If the home has three bedrooms, then the agent should look at other homes in the area that have sold that have three bedrooms. But not all three-bedroom homes are alike. A three-bedroom, two-story home will most likely sell for more than a three-bedroom split entry.

Sometimes buyers and sellers will consult real estate websites like Zillow or Realtor.com to get an idea of a home’s worth, but those don’t have access to the specific, detailed information that the Multi-List does. The sites don’t give enough information to make adequate comparables. The Multi-List is a much better resource as it has more information, and most, if not all, real estate agents should have access to the Multi-List.

Also, these sites pull comparables from a set parameter,

but that range can cross over into another neighborhood and may give you a false value. For example, if you have a home in the Friendship Park neighborhood of the city, the site may compare it to a home in Shadyside, which is within their parameter, but the homes there sell for much higher prices.

If possible, agents want sales that have occurred within the last three months and within a half-mile radius and within the same school district. School district can have an impact on a list price.

Considering a move? Whether it is buying or selling, have an expert work for you. Contact Vince Parrucci, Licensed Real Estate Agent, Realtor and Professional Real Estate Consultant, at Vincent.parrucci@ pittsburghmoves.com, call (724) 612-3770 or visit: www.smartbuystrongsale.com.

In addition to being a Licensed Real Estate Agent/Realtor and Professional Real Estate Consultant, Vice Parrucci is author of Smart Buy, Strong Sale: The Consumer’s Guide to Buying and Selling Your Next Home is available through Amazon.com. His extensive experience includes VP of Mellon Bank, VP of Allegheny Financial Group, Real Estate investor, mentor and coach to thousands on investment real estate and flipping of houses and property. l l l

VINCE PARRUCCI

Residential/Commercial Realtor vincent.parrucci@pittsburghmoves.com

Real Estate Services

724-776-2900 Ext. 259 Office 724-776-2930 Fax 724-612-3770 Cell 20510 Route 19, Suite 100 Cranberry Township, PA 16066

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www.smartbuystrongsale.com www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | August 2017

Business Spotlight

McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance, Inc.

BY JANICE LANE PALKO

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o one likes to be left vulnerable, but you may leaving yourself exposed to trouble without even knowing it. The insurance professionals at McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance, Inc., an independent agency, can make sure that your exposure to liability is minimized.

“As an independent agency, we do the shopping for our clients.

We have relationships with more than 25 national and regional insurance carriers,” said Michael McGroarty Jr., CIC, “and we can get you the best coverage at the best price.” And prices do vary widely among carriers. “I recently researched a policy for a client, and the premiums ranged from $1,800-$4,500,” said McGroarty.

Located in Pittsburgh, McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance can handle all your personal and business insurance needs. The agency has been helping clients since 1926, and its team of experienced professionals are committed to making their clients their number one priority.

The world changes rapidly these days, and your insurance coverage may not have kept pace with the times. If you don’t have personal umbrella Insurance, you may want to consider it. Your homeowners and auto policy only cover you so far, but what if you are hit with a $1 million law suit and your coverage only is for $100,000?

“Umbrella policies protect you from the unknown. You have no way to know how much someone may sue you for,” said McGroarty.

“Auto claims have the greatest risk, but a standard homeowner’s policy can leave you vulnerable too. Most people know that their homeowner’s policy covers slips and falls on their property, but what if you are in the Los Angeles airport and someone trips over your suitcase and sues you? That is not covered, but with an umbrella policy, you are covered no matter where you are,” said McGroarty.

Umbrella policies can be bought in $1 million increments and provide peace of mind.

An umbrella policy can also protect you from libel and slander claims. You may think that you don’t need that type of coverage— that you’re not famous or influential—but think again. “If you have a kid or a teen on the internet, and they post something that is deemed harmful, you may be slapped with a law suit,” said McGroarty. “These types of suits are becoming more common; so much so that some agencies exclude this from their policies, but we put it on every one of ours.”

The second area where you may need to revisit your coverage is for your jewelry or fine arts. “Most jewelry coverage is for $3,000-$5,000. The value of many engagement rings alone these days exceeds $5,000,” said McGroarty. A blanket policy can cover not only jewelry but also other valuables such as fine arts, coin collections, firearms, etc.

“We always offer a free analysis of your insurance and free quotes,” said McGroarty.

To make sure that you are adequately insured, contact McGroarty & Bradburn at: 412-4444470 or visit their website at: www.mbbinsurance.com. l l l

From abacuses and slates to iPads and SMART Boards, education has come a long way. With the report of driverless cars and robots that can do just about any task on the horizon, it’s apparent that we are living in an age of advanced technology. Indeed, the future promises even more innovations that will continue to revolutionize our lives.

Today’s students need to be comfortable and adept at using technology, and the schools in our area have made it their mission to educate students to be ready for the world of tomorrow.

Lest we create a “Brave New World,” educators also know that there needs to be a balance between technology and humanity. Fortunately, the schools in this Education Guide know that there is more to education than being proficient on a computer, they know that values, arts, athletics and social skills make for a wellrounded, well-educated student.

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Cover

COVER STORY | August 2017

CWNC Prepares Students for Life Through Career Development Program

BY LISA LOGAN

As high schools increasingly place emphasis on preparing students for post-secondary education and their future careers, a growing number of teachers are fusing classroom learning with hands-on experience. At Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic (CWNC), Jennifer Parsons, program manager of the Career Development Program, combines academics with career exploration.

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tudents begin with a Career Action Plan (CAP) during their freshmen year. This is part of their e-portfolio in which they self-report on their career interests and where they research work environments. Developing portfolios helps students identify where their passions lie and prepares them for their career. They build on their CAP throughout high school and conduct additional research and activities, such as conducting interviews with people in their chosen career fields, researching majors, certifications, and potential job shadowing prospects. The students continue to expand their self-awareness skills by creating cover letters, resumes and participating in mock interviews.

“I applied for an internship this year and the CAP really helped me in writing my cover letter,” says Gillian Ward, an incoming senior at CWNC. “Before CAP, I did not know what a cover letter was. Having the background knowledge and help in writing one, I was much more comfortable in applying for the internship.”

In addition, the Career Development Program at CWNC just finished its second year and continues to expand. The career-related “My Path” Speaker Series has proven to be very popular with students and is always followed or preceded by a hands-on field trip in the related career area.

In April, students had the opportunity to tour Cranberry’s Windrose Animal Hospital with owner and veterinarian, Dr. RJ Skalos. Dr. Skalos provided the students with a tour of the office and shared his journey to owning his own practice.

They learned how important classroom knowledge is in relation to veterinary medicine. The students then journeyed to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to learn about the care that goes into helping injured animals as they prepare to release them back to their natural habitat.

The Career Development Program repeats this same format every month, changing the career field so that students are exposed to a variety of career paths in a chosen field.

The hands-on aspect truly engages them and gives them a unique perspective on what they could expect “on-the-job.”

Several students interested in education and leadership recently had the opportunity to participate in Junior Achievement’s High School Heroes Program at St. Wendelin Catholic School. They spent a day with the elementary and middle school students, working in teams to provide lessons about critical thinking, problem solving, managing money and preparing for the future to each grade level.

“This is what it is all about. Helping students explore careers and giving them exposure to a variety of possibili-

ties, so that when it comes time to making decisions such as choosing a major, potential career or school, they can make the decision with confidence,” says Parsons. “Sometimes it is about helping a student narrow their focus or even crossing a career off their list and that is okay too.”

The Career Development does not stop in the summer either. In its second year, students can participate in College Caravan, in which students tour local colleges and universities. The College Caravan allows students to get familiar with schools and programs and experience the day-to-day life of a college student.

CWNC helps students excel in academics, discover their strengths and acquire the skills necessary to prepare them for post-secondary education and beyond. Anyone interested in learning more about CWNC and our career development program can contact Jennifer Parsons at 412-321-4823 ext.134 or at jparsons@cwnchs.org. l l l

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Back to School 2017

Innovations in the Classroom Butler Catholic School www.butlercatholic.org (724) 285-4276 Butler Catholic School believes when class sizes are small, minds have room to expand. We’re firmly committed to effective student-teacher ratios that encourage positive, nurturing connections. Core reading and math classes are limited to 15 students, with many classes numbering well below that maximum. These smaller class sizes allow for individualized attention from teachers. And that is what truly sets us apart from other educational environments. Teachers at Butler Catholic tailor the curriculum to your students’ needs, helping your child develop their God-given gifts and talents. Butler Catholic educators ignite a love of learning through unique and engaging programs. Our new STREAM cross-curricular program is just one example. It challenges middle school students to explore literary works through the lens of science, technology, religion and mathematics. It’s no surprise that Butler Catholic is one of the many Catholic elementary schools increas-

ing enrollment at a rapid pace. If you are seeking a growing school committed to the success of your child, in an authentic Catholic Christian environment, with many extracurricular opportunities, look no further. Busing is available from seven school districts including: Butler, South Butler, Karns City, Mars, Moniteau, Seneca Valley and Slippery Rock.

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School http://www.cwnchs.org/ (412) 321-4823 In 1939, the Diocese of Pittsburgh founded North Catholic High School on the summit of Troy Hill. The Society of Mary was invited by the diocese to administer the school and help it grow. Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School is founded in the rich educational tradition of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Marianist charism. We welcome students from various communities and faith experiences. Our mission is the formation of Christ-centered young adults who are leaders in their communities, known by their intellectual, practical, ethical and human skills. CWNCHS provides academic excellence in the context of Gospel values and sends graduates out in to the world with a global vision recognizing the dignity of every human life, the need to pursue justice and the service of others. At CWNCHS, students are not only immersed in an environment that emphasizes Christian values, but one that is also academically challenging, allowing them to explore their ideas with sure guidance and support.

The Glen Montessori School http://www.glenmontessori.org/ (412) 318-4885 We are pleased to share that The Glen Montessori School has been selected as one of the 40 Champion Schools for 2017 designated by Let’s Move Pittsburgh. The Glen has received a $1,000.00 award to purchase supplies like plants, organic soil, composters and other tools to start growing our “Glen Gardens!” Much planning has gone into the initial phase of our Glen Gardens with an emphasis on planting new garden boxes and revitalizing the old. The Glen is fortunate to have a strong base of parent volunteers, coordinated through our Parent

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Teacher Committee. The PTC has organized work times to kick off the garden project to set our students up for success in the upcoming school year. Kindergarten parent, Leyna Bonanno, has been an organizer of the program and sees the value it will provide for The Glen’s students. She said, “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be involved in this project and to be able to share my love for gardening. It’s very exciting that the students at The Glen will get to see firsthand where their food comes from, literally from seed to kitchen!” This year the Glen Gardens project is focused on growing tomatoes, oregano and basil with the hope of cooking sauce with the students this year to coincide with our annual Spaghetti Dinner event in March. Champion Schools Grant Program is an initiative that provides Allegheny County elementary schools with resources to implement school-based health and wellness initiatives. Champion Schools projects are focused specifically on increasing healthy eating and physical activity and teaching kids to grow and cook food.

Holy Sepulcher Catholic School https://www.holysepulcher.org//school (724) 586-5022 Nestled in pastoral Butler County, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School is a hidden gem where our faith is carefully cultivated and practiced. From modest beginnings in 1960, Holy Sepulcher Catholic School has offered parents an affordable, high-quality, faithfilled education in grades pre-school through 8th.

Holy Sepulcher graduates have gone on to do exceedingly well at the area’s top Catholic high schools as well as the larger public schools. Our teachers are diocesan- and state-certified and form the foundation for our superior curriculum. In the last four years, two of our faculty members have received the Golden Apple awards from the diocese, which recognize outstanding excellence in teaching. Each student receives individual attention in a small classroom setting. A distinguishing factor of Holy Sepulcher is its family atmosphere. Parents are involved and committed to the success of the students and the school. We offer Spanish, art and physical education K-8. All classrooms use (Continued on page 16)

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Back to School 2017 Smartboards, and technology is integrated throughout the curriculum and in all classrooms through iPads and Chromebooks.

Each year, our 7th- and 8th-grade students have the opportunity to participate in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science. There are extracurricular activities and sports that help round out our education. With more than 10 clubs, there is a wide variety of extracurricular activities. This year, with a competitive grant, we were able to add the Junior Audubon Society Club, where the students work with the local Succop Conservatory to create native gardens and to install bird-feeding stations on school grounds. We offer basketball, volleyball and soccer for athletic-minded students, and several of our students participate in the diocesan Ironman Football team.

Kiddie Academy https://kiddieacademy.com/ Cranberry-(724) 452-9898 Wexford-(724) 935-9898 Kiddie Academy is an educational daycare center that will exceed your expectations. Visit our Cranberry Township and Wexford, PA Academy, meet our staff, see our classrooms and

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play on our playgrounds. We provide educational daycare in the greater Cranberry Township, PA area that focuses on days filled with learning and fun, the key ingredients of our Life Essentials® educational philosophy. The smiles you’ll see on our children’s faces as they learn, share family style meals with other children and grow socially will delight you. The words from our children’s parents about our program, safety and facility will impress you. We realize the tremendous level of trust you place in a childcare provider.

You want your child to thrive in an environment that’s as clean, safe and nurturing as your home. Kiddie Academy is more than daycare. We set the standards for safety, education and trust.

Just ask the Kiddie Academy parents of Cranberry Township, PA — they are our best references.

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Back to School 2017 Ohio Valley School of Nursing https://ohiovalleyhospital.org/schools/ school-of-nursing/ (412) 777-6204 For more than 110 years, Ohio Valley Hospital (OVH) has offered a School of Nursing (SON) program for those who wish to obtain a diploma in the field. Their nursing program seeks to prepare students for a future in the field of nursing with a strong educational development program. The full-time nursing program accepts 50 students annually and provides 10 full-tuition scholarships based on pre-admission test results.

The nursing program is sure to meet the individual needs of students as well as the surrounding community with faculty who have developed educational programs based on a set of strong beliefs and values. OVH’s School of Nursing program offers several courses such as: Fundamentals I & II, Medical/ Surgical Nursing I, II, & III, Nursing of the Developing Family, Mental Health Nursing and Nursing Leadership. The campus is equipped with classrooms, nursing and computer labs, conference rooms, a library, faculty/staff offices, a student lounge

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and an auditorium.

During clinical rotations, students can gain experience at OVH’s medical-surgical units, critical care suite, emergency department, post-anesthesia care unit, outpatient surgical service and Geropsychiatric Unit.

The 19-month program is affiliated with La Roche College. Upon graduation and after successfully passing the NCLEX exam and obtaining a Registered Nursing License, OVH students are able to enter La Roche’s RN-toBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart www.olsh.org (412) 264-5140 Opportunities for advanced study abound at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School. In response to the fact that rigorous AP coursework gives students an edge in terms of college readiness and success, this year the school will launch the OLSH AP Advantage Program, which features collaborations with the University of Notre Dame, as well as Johns Hopkins University.

OLSH is the only school outside the state of Indiana to be part of Notre Dame’s AP Teacher Investment Program (AP-TIP). In July, a group of OLSH teachers attended the university’s AP Summer Institute, where they gained cutting-edge knowledge, as well as resources and creative ideas for their respective AP courses. They will attend other seminars throughout the school year as well and will have ongoing access to curricula, practice tests, counsel and other support. Another component of the AP Advantage Program allows academically eligible OLSH students to take online AP courses offered by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth. Made possible via a generous grant,

the OLSH AP Advantage Program also includes performancebased subsidies for faculty members and students, as well as financial support for test fees and online AP course tuition.

Penn Christian Academy http://www.pennchristianacademy.org/ (724) 586-5200 Penn Christian academy (PCA) understands the critical need our society has for young leadership. That’s why sixth-grade students participate in a weekly class that examines 13 leadership concepts rooted in the Bible. Each year, these students attend a Middle School Leadership Conference where they are challenged to commit this season of their lives to a much greater purpose than just enduring the pre-high school transition years. They are challenged to identify a community need and formulate an action plan. This year, PCA students came together and tackled the need for a new roof for their school.

Awash in a leadership mindset and empowered to act, the class proposed an aggressive fundraising campaign. The student leaders developed a fundraising event, a Chili/Soup Cookoff that garnered $4,000 in one evening. The momentum of the event continued beyond expectations, and the dollars kept rolling in. Just weeks before their graduation, it was announced that the goal of $100,000 had been met. If faith without works is dead, surely leadership training without opportunity to serve is frivolous. Penn Christian Academy graduates young leaders. . . trained, tested, true.

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Back to School 2017 Providence Heights Alpha School www.alphaschool.org (412) 366-4455 The Providence Heights Alpha School is a private, independent, Catholic School founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence over 90 years ago. The school educates children of all faiths in grades Pre-K to 8th on a 40-acre campus in the North Hills. The curriculum is rigorous and includes Math, Science, Computer Technology, Swimming, Gym, Spanish, Art, Music, STEM innovations, Library, Social Studies, Handwriting, LA and Religion. Students experience an individualized curriculum which uses a variety of methods made possible by small class sizes. A balance of traditional and hands-on techniques is utilized to invite children into a joyful celebration of learning, which leaves them prepared for any high school in the area.

The school encourages students to participate in a variety of afterschool enrichment activities, including athletics, forensics, PJAS, musicals, cooking, math, chess, Lego storytelling and artistic endeavors. Leadership and service are weaved into the school day allowing everyone the opportunity to discover their particular style of excellence, and a consistent application of skills such as notetaking, research, presentation, outlining and

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debate result in a strong foundation. The students and families of the Alpha School develop close bonds of support, friendship and family to ensure the care, success and nurturing of the whole child.

The 21st Century Cyber School 21cccs.org (484) 875-5400 21CCCS is Pennsylvania’s highest performing cyber charter school. 21CCCS offers students a flexible schedule and the ability to learn at their own pace. 21CCCS welcomes any 6th -12th grade student who is a resident of Pennsylvania. Here are three key factors to think about when considering 21st Century Cyber School: Consider the Curriculum — We strive to meet your child’s unique learning style and pace. Our Pennsylvania certified teachers create strong curriculum to best fit the needs of the child based upon PA standards. Teachers run live classes and engage with students every day to assist them. Each student has an Academic Advisor who works closely with students and parents to help students succeed.

A Sense of Community — We believe socialization is important for students, and we work to provide many opportunities for peer interaction.

21CCCS has clubs that range from adventure and astrology to photography and music and journalism. Whatever your child’s interest, he or she can find a club to meet other students who share their passion. We also organize different field trips and community outreach events through the year that your child is sure to love!

Consider Support — We work hard to offer the support our students need.

Our teachers, Academic Advisors and tech department support students and parents and work to resolve any potential issues students and parents may encounter. We look forward to getting to know your child and providing them with an exceptional education that will propel them to future successes.

Catholic Schools of the Pittsburgh Diocese REGISTER NOW for the 2017-2018 School Year Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh (Gibsonia)

Oakland Catholic High School

Head of School: Leslie Mitros 724-444-0722 www.AquinasAcademy.info

Butler Catholic School (Butler)

Principal: Sr. John Ann Mulhem C.D.P. 724-285-4276 www.butlercatholic.org

Central Catholic High School (Oakland)

Principal: Brother Tony Baginski, FSC 412-621-7505 www.centralcatholichs.com

Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy 205 Brilliant Ave. Aspinwall, PA 15215 (412) 781-7927 www.cdtca.org Principal: Mr. Mark Grgurich

Holy Cross Academy

(Saint Sebastian School / Saint Theresa of Avila School) 412-364-7171

Holy Sepulcher Catholic School (Middlesex Twp)

Principal: Sister Anna Marie Gaglia, CSJ Phone: 724-586-5022 www.holysepulcher.org/school

www.oaklandcatholic.org (412) 682-6633

Our Lady of Scared Heart High School Principal: Tim Plocinik (412) 264-5140 www.olsh.org

Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park)

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

Saint Gregory School (Zelienople) Principal: Erin Harris 724-452-9731 school.stgregzelie.org

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

Saint Wendelin Catholic School (Butler) Principal: Mrs. JoLynn Clouse 724-285-4986 www.stwendelinschool.com

Northside Catholic School (Brighton Heights) Principal: Rosanne Kwiatkowski (412)761-5043 www.northsidecatholicschool.org

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Photo courtesy ofKate Buckley Photography

Royal Oak Nursery School and Kindergarten

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oyal Oak Nursery School and Kindergarten, a family owned and operated private school, is entering its 50th year of operation this September. An open house is set for Saturday, September 23 to celebrate this important milestone. There will be activities planned and refreshments will be served. It is hoped that many will celebrate such an important milestone.

Joanne Potlas was inspired to start Royal Oak by the daycare her son was attending while she was at work. She was very comfortable leaving her son at the family operated daycare and felt this type of environment would be beneficial to working parents. So, in 1967 she decided to leave her job and venture into business ownership. With the help and guidance of family, a search was completed for a piece of property in the fast developing North Hills. The building on Mount Royal Boulevard in Hampton Township started out as a two family duplex and was the ideal setting for what Joanne had in mind.

She wanted to keep the small, family feel of the daycare her son attended, and also felt that a child three years old was ready and needed more of an education based curriculum to prepare them for grade school. The philosophy she followed was part open (child directed free play) and part structure (sit down academics with the teacher). This philosophy still guides

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the school. This type of program lets the child develop leadership qualities, social skills, and imagination while also building the academic foundation needed for future learning.

Family feeling has always been an important quality of Royal Oak. It was made even stronger when Joanne’s brother, Frank Harlovic, officially joined the business in the early ’70s as an administrator. All the students affectionately knew Frank, who sadly passed away in June 2011, as Uncle Frank. He was the driving force on expanding not only the building’s physical footprint through additions but also the programs offered by the school. Frank’s two favorites, the summer camp program (with its many fun and interesting field trips) and the Primary Prep program (before and after school care for elementary age students) were not only progressive at the time, but highly beneficial to the community.

These programs along with an exemplary early childhood education continue as trademarks of the school. During the 1970s and 1980s the school averaged 120 students a year. Now it provides quality preschool education to an average of 60 students per year. This is a remarkable feat considering the change in the demographics of the area and the competition that has increased over the years. Continuing in the family tradition, the school is now owned and operated

by Joanne and her two children, Daniel Potlas and Lori Smith.

Royal Oak School is proud to have served the community and all the numerous students who have called it a home away from home these past 50 years.

The school is trying to contact students, parents, and teachers who are part of the Royal Oak family and welcome them to the open house on Saturday, September 23rd. “We want to give people the opportunity to come back to where they spent the happy, carefree years of their childhood and reminisce and renew friendships from years ago, or start new ones.” For more information please visit the facebook page at: www.facebook.com/royaloakschool50th. lll

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Back to School 2017

BC3: No. 1 in Pennsylvania, and To Students Who Save

B

utler County Community College is the No. 1 community college in Pennsylvania, according to Schools.com, and No. 1 to Anthony Armen, Laura Killby, Dorothia Bernard and Isabella Mariacher, students who have benefited from BC3’s quality education and its affordability.

Not only is BC3’s tuition the least expensive when compared with 24 Western Pennsylvania colleges or universities, the Pittsburgh Business Times reports, but 75 percent of BC3 students graduate debt-free. That’s compared to the average student loan debt of $37,000 for the Class of 2016, according to Forbes.com.

“You can explore your interests

‘worry-free‘ at BC3,” says Armen, 19, of Cranberry Township, who is pursuing an associate degree in engineering.

“There isn’t a large tuition bill waiting for you if you decide that the major you have been pursuing isn’t exactly what you want to do.”

Added Killby, 20, of Renfrew, who earned an associate degree in hospitality management: “BC3 has changed my life in a way that I never thought a community college could. I learned that you don’t need to go to a large, fancy, expensive university to receive a quality education. It may sound clichéd, but I found myself there.”

BC3 offers 55 associate degree programs and 21 certificate programs, and

Anthony Armen

Laura Killby

Dorthia Bernard

Isabella Mariacher

its credits transfer to public, private and online schools. Students can also pursue 120 scholarships awarded by the BC3 Education Foundation Inc. Bernard, 38, of West Sunbury, attained an associate degree in business management in May. “I have worked so hard to obtain my degree with honors and BC3 gave me the confidence within myself to go for it,” she says.

BC3 this fall offers 794 courses – 89 fully online -- with sessions lasting five to 14 weeks. BC3 has locations in Brockway, Cranberry Township, Ford City, Hermitage, New Castle and in Butler Township, where Mariacher, 19, of Butler, is pursuing an associate degree in psychology.

“BC3 is different,” she says. “No one wants to see you fail. They all want to see a diploma in your hand, no matter how hard and long it takes.”

Learn why BC3 is No. 1 at BC3.edu. lll

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School Movers & Shakers Enrichment Center of Western Pennsylvania

Seneca Valley recently earned four awards in the National School Public Relations Association’s (NSPRA) 2017 Publications and Electronic Media Contest and two awards in the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association’s (PenSPRA) “Excellence in Education Communications” 2016 Contest.

North Hills

Fox Chapel

Students in the middle school and high school English classes of the Enrichment Center of Western Pennsylvania, under direction of their teacher, Ruth Butler, entered the Daughters of the American Revolution’s annual essay contest.

This year, the middle school students were to select a National Park, pretend they were journaling about it and explain why it is a national treasure. Bianca Moss chose the Everglades National Park and won North Pittsburgh for 6th grade and then went on to win the 6th grade level in Pennsylvania. She was honored at a luncheon June 29 in Washington, DC. While there, she found out that she was the District winner in the Eastern States for her grade level. She will now go on to the National and the last level of the contest.

Athlete” in the sport of Girls Soccer. Lexie received the award from former Steelers great Hines Ward. The awards ceremony was held June 13 at the Senator John Heinz History Center and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in downtown Pittsburgh.

Five North Hills School District individuals have been selected for induction in the North Hills Sports Hall of Fame. The 2017 inductees include Keith Brown, Class of 1981; Liz Cleary, Class of 2003; Zach Hebda, Class of 2011; Margo Malone, Class of 2012; and Sal Marsico, Coach. Inductees will be honored at the annual Sports Hall of Fame dinner on Sept. 21. They also will be recognized at the home football game the following evening at Martorelli Stadium.

BC3

Fox Chapel Area High School 2016-2017 sophomore Alexis Schutzman was named Western Pennsylvania’s “Most Positive High School

Butler County Community College has hired Dr. Belinda M. Richardson, former assistant dean of Academic Affairs at Cuyahoga Community College’s Metropolitan campus in Cleveland, as vice president for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Belinda Richardson

Shaler Area Shaler Area welcomes Jim Ryan as the new head coach of the Shaler Area varsity football team.

Hampton

Jim Ryan

Eight Hampton High School graduates who excelled in a variety of sports will be inducted into the 2017 Hampton Athletic Hall of Fame. A dinner reception will be held in their honor on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Wildwood Country Club. The 2017 Hall of Famers are: Robert Bosilovic, Kristen Everhart (Lawler), Sean Hennessey, Herb Ludwig, James Miller, Blake Moores, Jordan Paskorz and Melanie Schaffer.

The eight athletes also will be recognized during the pre-game ceremony at the Sept. 15 football game against Moon.

Seneca Valley Two recent 2017 Seneca Valley graduates Katie Hickmann and Nora Gavaghan are spending two weeks exploring the natural world in United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) world heritage sites. The two were chosen from an applicant pool from Alcoa communities around the globe.

Hickmann went on the Shenandoah exploration July 17-29, where she backpacked along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gavaghan will spend Aug. 6-19 backpacking in Yosemite High Country, exploring terrain and conducting scientific research projects.

Katie Hickmann

Nora Gavaghan

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Back to School 2017

Going Back to School?

Is Your Brain Ready?

BY JOSEPH C. MAROON, MD, FACS

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illions of children, teens, college-age adults and teachers around the country are preparing to re-enter the academic world this fall. As the lazy days of summer vanish, academic demands for reading, writing and arithmetic require memory and problem-solving that can stress the energy demands of the brain. Here are some of the ways to jump-start your brain and body to make sure you’re prepared for the new school year.

Eat Healthier Whether you are still in school or not, optimal nutrition is critical to

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provide the daily fuel and nutrients your brain and body need to function properly. But like most adults, children, teens and young adults also suffer from a critical deficiency of nutrients and lack of physical activity. Diets that include excessive amounts of saturated fats, sugars, salt and snack (junk) foods can have serious negative health effects.

In a recent Japanese study, researchers surveyed over 7,500 school children ages 11-12 years old to see how their diet and activity levels affected their quality of life. They reported that children whose lifestyles included skip-

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ping breakfast, limited participation in physical activity, longer television viewing and later bedtimes were more likely to score poorer in overall physical fitness, mental health, general health and quality of life measures. These results were independent of gender, weight and social background. The researchers also pointed out that the dietary and lifestyle patterns that are most often “locked in” during childhood have both immediate- and long-term health consequences.

Feed the Brain – Or Else!

There are multiple studies demonstrating how lifestyle choices and poor diets in children lead to poor academic performance. Vitamin and protein deficiencies in children have also been linked to lethargy and becoming passive and withdrawn. Neurotransmitters are mostly made from amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, found in our diet. Without adequate dietary resources, brain functions determined by specific neurotransmitters deteriorate. The neurotransmitter serotonin, for instance, helps to control appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, mood and muscle contraction. All of these functions may be impaired without adequate nutritional substrates.

Energy from carbohydrates, as found in non-processed grains, fruits and vegetables, are broken down slowly into glucose (sugar), from which the brain derives energy. Students who skip meals set themselves up for a blood sugar crash if they don’t eat. Not only does this impair learning but it also can lead to excessive snacking on highcalorie and high-fat processed foods.

Adequate protein and low-glycemic carbohydrates like apples, carrots and oat bran cereals can help reduce the midmorning and afternoon blood sugar crash.

The omega-3 called DNA, which can be found in fish, seafood, flax seeds and supplements, makes up approximately 30- 40 percent of the structural membranes of our brain cells. Deficiencies in dietary omega-3 can cause profound defects at any stage of our lives, but it is critical to the developing brain of

2017 Back to School Directory Butler Catholic School

Montessori Centre Academy

Butler County Community College

Oakland Catholic High School

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School

Penn Christian Academy

Commonwealth Charter Academy

Providence Heights Alpha School

Chatham University Eden Hall Campus

Ohio Valley School of Nursing

www.butlercatholic.org (724) 285-4276 www.bc3.edu (724) 287-8711

www.cwnchs.org (412) 321-4823 Ccaeducate.me (844) 590-2864

www.chatham.edu/summerseries (800) 837-1290

The Glen Montessori School www.glenmontessori.org (412) 318-4885

Holy Cross Academy

www.montessoricentreacademy.com (412) 486-6239 www.oaklandcatholic.org (412) 682-6633

www.pennchristianacademy.org (724) 586-5200 www.alphaschool.org (412) 366-4455

https://ohiovalleyhospital.org/schools/ school-of-nursing/ (412) 777-6204

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School www.olsh.org (412) 264-5140

(Saint Sebastian School / Saint Theresa of Avila School) (412) 364-7171

PA Cyber

Holy Sepulcher Catholic School www.holysepulcher.org/school

Royal Oak Nursery School & Kindergarten

(724) 586-5022

www.royaloaksch.com (412) 487-1668

Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care

Sewickley Academy

www.kiddieacademy.com/cranberrytownship 724-452-9898 www.kiddieacademy.com/wexford (724) 935-9898

La Roche College www.laroche.edu (412) 367-9300

a child. Adequate omega-3 levels are especially important to the growing brain because of their role in increasing brain cell connections (synapses) and improving plasticity (flexibility) which are vital for learning new things, retention and memory.

Deficiencies of vitamin D are associated with heart disease, cancer, bone fractures and Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies have shown up to 20 percent, or 1 in 5 children, have vitamin D blood levels below required levels. They also reported that certain populations such as those with dark skin and Hispanic children were even at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D can be

www.pacyber.org (888) 722-9237

www.sewickley.org (412) 741-2230

St. Wendelin School

www.stwendelinschool.com (724) 285-4986

The School at McGuire Memorial www.mcguirememorial.org (724) 891-7222

found in most dairy products and in supplements.

There is little doubt that growing children, teens and young adults require proper nutrition to maintain optimal performance both physically and mentally. Although eating and supplementing properly may not guarantee an “A” on the next spelling test, it absolutely can help. Consideration of a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, including vitamin D3, B-Complex, zinc, iron and omega-3, along with a balanced diet of protein, slow-absorbing carbohydrates and healthy fats are critical for better brain health at every age. l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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Chic

IMAGE & STYLE | August 2017

Summer Skin Survival Tips

BY PATTY BELL

With the hot summer months winding down, your skin and hair need a little bit more moisture and TLC this time of year. Your complexion may look a little duller from being dehydrated, so you may want to add a nourishing face oil to your beauty routine both day and night.

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our skin is the largest organ in the body, and everything we apply to it is instantly absorbed.

Therefore, you want to make sure your products are organic. It’s essential to moisturize before you apply makeup because your makeup won’t last or go on well if your skin is dry and flaky.

To get the best makeup application possible, I highly recommend exfoliating the skin at least once a week.

A gentle skin scrub for the face will remove any dry skin, increase circulation and invigorate the skin. Keep one in the shower to wake your skin up first thing in the morning, and don’t forget about your body.

Dry skin brushing the body can really offer increased health benefits by allowing your skin to breathe again as it turns over new skin cells. It’s like a mini-massage for the skin as it gets the blood flowing, unclogs the pores and stimulates the lymph system, resulting in healthy, glowing skin.

You will also find that your moisturizer and body cream will work their best and penetrate the surface if dead skin cells are removed. Most people typically wear less makeup this time of year. Heavy makeup tends to age the skin, and summertime is the perfect time to lighten up and let your skin breathe again.

I love to use a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation — it’s saves time and gives a very fresh, dewy look to the skin. You can even make your own by mixing your foundation with your moisturizer. Switch out your matte lip color that was so big last winter with a coral lip gloss, one of the hottest colors this summer. Glosses always brighten your smile and give a younger look.

I avoid the sun at all costs but love the look of beautiful glowing skin, so I use a liquid bronzing lotion

by LimeLight by Alcone to give me a golden glow without the harmful rays of the sun. This works great if you want to keep your summer tan all year long.

If you find your makeup is melting from the heat and won’t stay on your face, use waterproof eyeliners, lip liners and mascara for extra staying power and then, you can seal it all in with a finishing spray from Skindinavia

designed to keep your makeup on for 16 hours.

My best advice: Stay out of the sun as much as you can to look your very best!

Let me help you look and feel your very best. l l l

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When searching for medical spas, you want to make sure you can trust who you go to. Ideal Image only uses registered nurses to perform all of our treatments. You can be sure you will be in good hands with a medical professional and not an esthetician. Our nurses go through hundreds of hours of training on each service we offer. Ideal Image also offers monthly trainings to keep our nurses the most advanced providers in the industry.

Receive

60%

to a nail salon to get your hair done, and you wouldn’t go to a life insurance agent to do your taxes. So why would you go to a dentist to do botox? Or an esthetician to do a medical procedure on you?

Here at Ideal Image, we stand by our reputation, our staff of medically-trained registered nurses, and we specialize in non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

Ideal Image® also prides itself on accommodating its customers’ divergent needs with economical payment plans and interest free financing for all services. Ideal Image Wexford is located in the Wexford Flats at 2000 Village Run Road, Suite 204.

To learn more and watch informative videos, visit our website https://www.idealimage.com or call (724) 759-2620 for our Wexford location and ask to speak to Michelle. l l l

Off

Laser Hair Removal When You Mention This Ad

al Image?

Nurses you can trust.

We advise to be wary of other businesses that offer laser hair removal, typically they average only three hours of training, (compared to ours with hundreds of hours).

Also, Ideal Image, we use only quality laser equipment that achieves permanent hair loss.

When you are choosing a place to trust with your appearance, you want to make sure you are going somewhere that specializes in what you want. You wouldn’t go

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Easy & Affordable Payment Plans Available! www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | August 2017

Local Athletes and World Champions Turn to Strength Specialist to Improve Performance AHN director of Sports Performance helps Baseball’s Team USA and Western Pennsylvania’s amateur athletes stay strong and safe.

F

rank Velasquez, Jr., ATC, CSCS, Director of Sports Performance for Allegheny Health Network (AHN), is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. He worked in professional baseball for 16 years, nine years with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

This year he was strength and conditioning coach for Team USA, which won the World Baseball Classic championship for the first time on March 22. Teams competed from 16 countries.

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“I think our general manager, Joe Torre, and manager, Jim Leyland [former manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates] put together a group of players who took a lot of pride in playing for the USA,” said Velasquez. “The staff and players bought into the spirit of the Classic from day one and everyone came together quickly, making Team USA very talented and powerful.”

Strength building programs and advanced technology At AHN, Velasquez leads a talented team of strength and conditioning specialists, sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, and massage therapists who provide strength training, conditioning, speed and agility training, sports physical therapy, sports nutrition, massage therapy, recovery therapy, and sports medicine services. There are two locations: the AHN Sports Complex at Cool Springs in Bethel Park and the Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion.

“Our staff has high level of experience and multiple certifications and specialty degrees,” said Velasquez. “That’s part of what makes us one of the top performance training facilities in the region.”

Along with special programs such as: “strength training for endurance athletes”, “in-season arm care” “summer/winter athletic development”, “recover, rest, rejuvenate” and the “ACL integrity” participants can utilize high tech, state of the art equipment: • The Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill that reduces stress and impact on recovering joints • The Dynavision Reaction Board visumotor-training device, to improve reaction times and hand/eye coordination • The Makoto Functional Arena, a 360-degree simulator experience, that enhances neuromuscular communication and functional movement • The Cryosauna, which uses extreme cold temperatures to aid in muscle recovery and managing inflammation.

“We prepare amateur and professional athletes to perform as well as they can. With elite athletes, the margin for improvement is small. With our developing youth and active adults, we can make a significant impact,” Velasquez said. “Our clients enjoy our customized programs and all-inclusive environment for all the services they need to enhance their performance and reduce the risk for injuries.”

To learn more about sports performance services, visit https://www.ahn.org/specialties/orthopaedic-institute/sportsperformance l l l

Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | August 2017

Eradicating Polio From Dr. Salk to Dr. Sever: Fighting for an End to the Disease

BY NATHAN RAKACZKY

A

n important milestone in the history of polio and the steps to eradicate this curable disease forever occurred on June 12. That was the day that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation released a wave of financial extensions and increases that affected 16 governments and several organizations—all of which have pledged over $1.2 billion in the fight to eradicate polio.

Recently, Dr. John Sever, vice chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus, participated in an open question-and-answer session on Reddit where he welcomed questions from people on the internet about his work with the Rotary and Bill Gates. Not only has Dr. Sever dedicated his life to stopping polio and making it the second disease to be eradicated by vaccines, but he has also known Dr. Jonas Salk, the Pittsburgh-born creator of the inactivated polio vaccine.

“I have been carrying on the visions of Dr. Salk,” said Dr. Sever. Dr. Salk suggested the plan to eradicate polio completely after discovering polio would increase to 200,000 new cases worldwide if vaccines were halted. The Reddit session delved into the lives of polio survivors, how to continue pushing for support and overcoming the we-should-be-good-here mentality implied by the association of Bill Gates with the cause.

Dr. Sever remembered a time when his own cousin contracted polio and needed several surgeries and braces to help her cope with the disease. He also recalled a time when the U.S was reeling from 58,000 cases of polio in 1952. “Pools would be closed and contact between children kept to a minimum because of fear . . . and seeing homes where there was a sign on the door: Quarantine and Keep Out Because of Polio.”

But now, in 2017, as Dr. Salk’s vision of a poliofree world comes to fruition, Dr. Sever said, “We have almost reached the finish line,” as 1979 marked the last U.S case of polio. That is not the case worldwide. As the disease is slowly being eradicated, some hardships with underdeveloped countries have arisen. Some

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Dr. Jonas Salk countries question the vaccine or its usefulness. Dr. Sever said that even as the disease becomes unobserved, there will need to be several years of vaccines to make sure that the latent, hidden polio carriers are completely cured and risk of polio transmission will fall to zero.

The journey to eradicating polio began at the University of Pittsburgh Dr. John Sever when Dr. Salk started trials with his vaccine. Joe Randig, a Pittsburgh polio survivor, remembers being one of the lucky trial users of the drug. Unfortunately, surviving polio often left those who have battled the disease with an often-overlooked side effect of polio: Post-Polio Syndrome. Pennsylvania Polio Survivor’s Network’s mission is to bring to light the crippling aftereffects of this disease. Currently, 15 million polio survivors throughout the world are living with post-polio sequelae. To highlight and discuss these aftereffects, PA Polio Survivors Network will be presenting an interactive video conference titled Post-Polio Care; Past, Present and Future on August 26. William DeMayo, M.D., and Daniel, Ph.D., will be speaking from the network’s Doylestown location and providing a live, wide-screen feed to the Cranberry Library from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. The webcast runs from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To register for the event or learn more, visit: www.papolionetwork.org/new-stories-of-interest. html Eradicating polio and supporting those with PostPolio Syndrome is vital. The battle to beat polio began in Pittsburgh; let’s make it end with Pittsburgh too! l l l Sources: https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/6if2wr/i_am_dr_john_ sever_vice_chair_of_rotarys/

Knee Pain Treatment Craze In Beaver & Butler County

After hundreds already helped knee pain sufferers face Expiration Date to get risk FREE screening for a non-surgical popular treatment.

Beaver County, PA – The clock is ticking. There are only 3 weeks to go.

If you suffer with knee osteoarthritis and would like to get a risk FREE knee pain screening to see if Dr. Michele M. Askar, D.C. at Beaver County Spinal Disc and Neurology Center can help you with her popular knee pain relief program— READ THIS NOW! Here is why: For the past several years, Dr. Askar has literally been swamped with knee osteoarthritis sufferers looking for non-surgical relief.

Most knee pain sufferers chose Dr. Askar for one reason-her-top notch non-surgical knee pain relief program featuring Trigenics with Neuroanalgesic Therapy and Cold Laser Therapy.

The Secret to Success?

Dr. Askar believes one of her biggest reasons for her success is the fact that she has some of the best technology and training programs that money can buy.

Trigenics Dr. Askar uses Trigenics which allows her to help the patient. This European and Canadian based treatment is believed by many to be the difference between success and failure with nonsurgical knee treatments.

And probably the best thing about this treatment is that it has allowed many patients to get results with their knee osteoarthritis when so many others have failed.

Cold Laser Therapy The clinic uses extremely advanced cold laser therapy equipment that allows patients to receive the long awaited non-surgical relief they have been looking for. This has been found to have a profound effect on patients crippled with knee pain. Cold laser has been around for over 30 years and is well published (pubmed.gov), and it’s been shown to assist in damaged tissue regeneration, decrease inflammation and relieve pain.

What Are These Treatments?

Trigenics and Cold Laser Therapy are big medical terms that basically mean this…

When you suffer with knee osteoarthritis – which is a form of arthritis characterized by a breakdown of cartilage in the joint. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against one another leading to pain. This causes little pain in the beginning – but over time the pain steadily gets worse until it is excruciating.

Our non-surgical and drug-free treatment program works so well because we are retraining the brain to restore the body’s natural healing ability.

These treatments allows your joint to glide more smoothly, eliminating a lot of rubbing, grinding and pain.

Why Should You Try This Even if You’ve Tried Everything Else?

“We have been able to help so many knee pain sufferers- even many who have already tried injections such as Supartz, Synvisc, and even Hylagan. We use highly advanced non-surgical therapies and treatments for knee osteoarthritis.

These advances allow us to get results within two visits or we do not continue the care.”

And that’s not all – Beaver County Spinal Disc & Neurology Center has a complete knee pain relief program to make sure you get the most relief and the best possible results from your care.

“Every case is individual. Most get quite a bit of relief right away—others take a little more time.

But most have been extremely happy and the results are nearly permanent. Patients who were suffering for years with bad knee pain are getting their lives back….going for walks again and exercising. It’s amazing to see. They tell all their friends—that’s why we are swamped.”

How to Get It

If you suffer with knee osteoarthritis, Dr. Michele M. Askar, D.C. would like to invite you for a risk free screening to see if you are a candidate for her Knee Pain Relief Program.

All you have to do is call 724-709-7709 right now and tell the receptionist you would like a free “Knee Pain Screening.”

But You Must Do This Right Now

Dr. Askar can only accept a limited amount of new patients each month for this screening. And because of the demand, we only guarantee you a spot within the next month.

If you are suffering in pain—make the call right now so you can make your risk free screening to discover how you may be able to end your knee arthritis pain?

Call Today to Schedule Your FREE Knee Pain Screening BEAVER COUNTY SPINAL DISC & NEUROLOGY CENTER

3582 Brodhead Rd., Suite 108, Monaca, PA 15061 Dr. Michele M. Askar

Board Eligible Chiropractic Neurologist

CALL BEFORE AUGUST 31, 2017

724-709-7709

This offer does not apply to Federal Insurance Beneficiaries & Can Participants www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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Fitness

Sponsored by

LIVING FIT | August 2017

Butler County Family YMCA Introduces Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program

A

pproximately 75 million Americans, or one out of three have high blood pressure. Only about half of those people have their blood pressure under control.

To help address a need in our community, the Butler County Family YMCA with branches in Butler and Cranberry Township recently launched a Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program.

The program is open to individuals 18 years and older who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

The program was designed by Y-USA, the national YMCA organization based on the “Check it, Change it” research study that was conducted a few years ago.

Participants work with trained Healthy Heart Ambassadors during the four month program and will be encouraged to selfmeasure their blood pressure at least twice a month, attend two personalized consultations, and attend monthly nutrition seminars.

“As patients begin to monitor their blood pressure, they will learn about their personal triggers and how to better manage their blood pressure,” says Sandra Ihlenfeld, Vice President, Organizational Advancement. “Overall, the goal of the program is raising awareness and reducing high blood pressure.”

In addition to the Butler YMCA (339 North Washington Street, Butler) and the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA (2001 Ehrman Road, Cranberry Twp.), participants can visit Adagio Health (323 Sunset Drive, Butler) or the Community Health Clinic (103 Bonnie Drive, Butler) for their monthly personalized consultations. The cost is $40 and includes a home blood pressure unit, or $30 for those who have a home blood pressure unit. Financial assistance is available and participants do not need to be Y members.

Those who have experienced a recent cardiac event or who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or arrhythmia are not eligible for this program.

For more information, contact Sandra Ihlenfeld at sihlenfeld@bcfymca.org or call 724-287-4733, ext. 115. l l l

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Honor

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | August 2017

The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall Makes Its Way to Our Region

BY PAULA GREEN

You don’t attack the grunts of Vietnam; you blame the theory behind the war.

Nobody who fought in that war was at fault.

It was the war itself that was at fault.

James Hillman

T

he Vietnam War was a long, costly armed conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies, known as the Viet Cong, against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States. In March 1965, President Lyndon Johnson sent the first combat troops to South Vietnam in response to a Viet Cong attack on the U.S. air base in Pleiku. The war ended with the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 1973 and the unification of Vietnam under Communist control two years later. More than 3 million people were killed in the conflict including over 58,000 Americans.

Most of the Americans who perished were young; in fact, 61 percent of them were age 21 or younger. To commemorate those who were killed in the Vietnam War, a memorial was erected in their honor in Washington, D.C. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was founded by Jan Scruggs, who served in Vietnam (in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade) from 19691970 as an infantry corporal. He wanted the memorial to acknowledge and recognize the service and sacrifice of all who served in Vietnam.

On March 11, 1982, the design and plans received final federal approval, and work at the site began on March 16, 1982.

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The Memorial Wall was completed in late October and dedicated on Nov. 13, 1982.

Recently, a smaller version of the wall made its way to our area. The Township of Hampton and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) showcased The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. The moving tribute was on display from June 29 through July 4 in Hampton Township Community Park on McCully Road.

“The Traveling Wall” is 80 percent of the size of the one in Washington, D.C. It stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. It was made to help heal and rekindle friendships and to allow people the opportunity to visit loved ones whose names are on the wall in their home town and who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington.

Over the week’s span, hundreds of people made their way to Hampton to view the poignant tribute. A POW / MIA table was set for those still missing; a bell was on display and if you found your loved one’s name on the wall, you could ring it in their honor. Volunteers were available to help folks locate specific names on the wall. The wall contains 58,272 names, of which 1,200 of these names are listed as missing (MIA’s, POW’s and others). It also displays the names of eight women.

If you didn’t get a chance to see it in June/July in Hampton, then you’ll have another opportunity to view it this month. AVTT is bringing “The Wall” back to the region; it will be in Butler Township, Aug. 23-27. For more information, visit www.americanveteranstravelingtribute.com. l l l Sources: http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war, http://thewall-usa.com/ information.asp,; www.americanveteranstravelingtribute.com.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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Seniors SENIOR LIVING | August 2017

Town Crier

August: A Distinguished Month

BY JOE BULLICK

H

i August! I hope you had a great July. You probably need a rest from all that cooking and fireworks. Why not use August as a quiet time for yourself? The farmers’ crops will soon be in. Get your tomatoes, corn, berries and peaches. However, peaches may be a bit scarce this year. According to Georgia’s agriculture commissioner, nearly 80 percent of the state’s peach crop has been wiped out because of hard freezes in early spring.

Farm Progress Show, the largest outdoor farm event, takes place Aug. 29-31 in Decatur, Illinois.

Farmers and farm equipment manufacturers meet to learn. The show has been held for 64 years.

A lot of important things have happened in

August. On Aug. 1, 1944, Anne Frank made her last entry in her diary. On August 4, her family was arrested. Her last sentence read: I get cross, then sad, and finally end up turning my heart inside out, the bad part on the outside and the good part on the inside, and keep trying to find a way to become what I’d like to be and what I could be if… if only there were no other people in the world.

She died at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in March 1945. She was only 15. What a sad ending. She is someone I will never forget. That same year on Aug. 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, at 8:16 a.m. by the American B-29 Bomber Enola Gay. Five presidents were born in August: Barack Obama, William Clinton, Lyndon Johnson, Herbert Hoover and Benjamin Harrison. Celebrities born in August include: Lucille Ball, Robert De Niro, Sean Connery and Whitney Houston.

Growing up a big project in August for my mom was getting ready to do canning. There are different processing methods, so consult a reliable canning guide for help if you are new to it. Each season has its food. It’s best to eat from that season’s bounty.

If you are looking for a ripe cantaloupe, look for one that is golden in color. A ripe watermelon will have a yellow patch on the bottom, and its rind can be pierced with your fingernail.

In Celtic folklore it is believed that witches are able to change into cats. However, they can only change eight times. If they change into a cat a ninth time, they must remain a feline. Some suppose this is where the phrase of a “cat having nine lives” originated.

Take advantage of the last full month of summer and have some fun. Happy birthday to all the Leos and Virgos. And I leave you with this: There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know – Harry Truman

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Seniors SENIOR LIVING | August 2017

Happenings for Seniors Free Services for Seniors through North Hills Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. Call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an in-home registration visit.

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

McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled.

Services Ross Twp., Berkeley Hills, Swan Acres & part of McCandless Twp. Call (412) 487-4088.

North Country Meals on Wheels provides homedelivered meals to the elderly, homebound & disabled. Services Marshall, Pine, Richland, Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, parts of McCandless, West Deer, Cranberry, Adams, Seven Fields, Mars & Valencia. Call (724) 935-1877.

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

Olive Branch is giving away free “Fidget Blankets” for families who care for dementia & Alzheimer’s patients. To request one, call (724) 799-8700 or visit the store located at 11160 Perry Hwy., in Wexford.

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

Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. Call Suzie, at (724) 799-7049.

Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/Widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300.

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.

Entertainment & Social St. Alexis Over 50 trips: Cape Cod, Oct. 8-12; LightUp Night, Nov. 17. Contact, Rose (724) 728-2563, or (412) 908-0124, or Janet, at (724) 869-5339.

Seminars Legacy Theatre Seminars: AARP Driver Refresher Class, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. 8; Pittsburgh Mansions, 11 a.m., Aug. 22; War to End All Wars: World War I and the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), 11 a.m., Sept. 5; A Taste of Appalachia, 11 a.m., Sept. 19. For info, visit http://thelegacylineup.com/

Health & Wellness Healthy Start Café, 8:45 a.m., every Mon & Thurs, St. John Lutheran Church of Highland, 311 Cumberland Rd. Presented by Lutheran SeniorLife & St. John Lutheran Church of Highland. Call (412) 364-1606 or (412) 307-1797.

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 (412) 415-1892 or (724) 538-4408 for info and programs.

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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. Call (412) 367-3685.

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors with disabilities with yard tasks. Visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org.

North Hills Community Outreach now offers online registration for volunteering to help seniors. Visit http://nhco.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteerhelp-seniors/. For info, call Cathy, (412) 307-0069 x3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. Register at (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ ursulinesupport.org.

Social Groups Amazing Singles, for singles in the Pittsburgh region, visit: http://www.amazingsingles.com/pittsburgh.html.

Association of University People (AUP), are looking for single, college, graduates over 50 to join them for monthly dinners and summer gatherings. Call (412) 734-8445 or visit www.aupsinglespittsburgh. org.

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

Visit Pittsburgh Events & Festivals lists upcoming events for singles, kids, and married folks. It enlightens Pittsburghers on dining, shopping and recreational events. Go to http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/events-festivals.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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Trivia

TRIVIA CONNECTION | August 2017

Eclipse Trivia

BY PAULA GREEN

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you can outshine this celestial query. Get set to cast the right answers….because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. While stranded in Jamaica, this explorer was saved by the lunar eclipse of February 29, 1504. He read about it in his almanac.

2. The U.S. city of Carbondale will see this year’s eclipse and will also catch the following one on Apr. 8, 2024. Which state is this located?

3. Name the song that contains the lyrics “You flew your Lear jet to Nova Scotia to see a total eclipse of the sun.”

4. What type of solar eclipse occurs when only a portion of the sun is blocked by the moon?

5. How many U.S. states will the Aug. 21 eclipse pass through?

6. In what year was the Twilight Saga: Eclipse released?

7. When the earth casts a shadow on the moon, what is this called?

8. Pink Floyd released a song called Eclipse. Which album was it on?

9. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. since?

10. Name the songstress who released the hit Total Eclipse of the Heart.

11. What color does the moon turn during a lunar eclipse?

12. Eclipses do not occur every month because the moon’s orbit is?

13. Solar eclipses occur during a new moon, and lunar eclipses occur during _________ ___________?

14. What is the average duration of “totality” in a total solar eclipse?

15. This Hollywood film is slated to be released on Aug. 21, 2017. lll Sources: eclipse2017.nasa.gov/, timeanddate.com, www.funtrivia.com, https:// www.sporcle.com/games/william2/august-21-eclipse-slideshow, http://discovermagazine.com/2009/jul-aug/30-20-things-you-didnt-know-about-eclipses, http://us.mcqlearn.com/science/g7/eclipse-mcqs.php, http://www.astronomyquiz.info/solar-eclipses-quiz.html, http://www.softschools.com/facts/space/ solar_eclipse_facts/436/ Answers: 1. Christopher Columbus 2. Illinois 3. Your So Vain (by Carly Simon) 4. partial eclipse 5. 14 6. 2010 7. lunar eclipse 8. Dark Side of the Moon 9. 1979 (38 years ago) 10. Bonnie Tyler 11. red 12. tilted 13. full moon 1 4. 2-3 minutes 15. Solar Eclipse: Depth of Darkness

M

ark your calendars for Monday, Aug. 21, since that is when North America will be treated to a total solar eclipse. This rare phenomenon occurs when the new moon comes between the sun and the earth and casts the darkest part of its shadow, the umbra, on earth. A full solar eclipse is almost as dark as night. This year’s eclipse will stretch from Salem, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina.

The beautiful symmetry of a total solar eclipse happens because—by pure chance—the sun is 400 times larger than the moon, but it is also 400 times farther from Earth, making the two bodies appear the exact same size in the sky.

Total eclipses are divided into four phases. During first contact, the moon’s shadow moves across the sun’s disk. In second contact, Bailey’s beads appear. This phenomenon is the result of the moon’s cratered surface, allowing through uneven beads of light in the ring around the moon. During totality, the sun’s disk is obscured, while in third contact, the lunar shadow moves across to reveal more and more of the sun until the eclipse ends.

Looking at a solar eclipse without any protective eyewear can severely harm your eyes. The safest ways to watch a solar eclipse is by wearing protective eclipse glasses or viewing it through a pinhole projector.

The term eclipse finds its roots in ancient Greek. It comes from the word ékleipsis, meaning to fail or to abandon. The minimum number of solar eclipses that can occur in any given year is two; the maximum number is five. During a total solar eclipse, some animals tend to act confused or prepare for sleep.

A total solar eclipse causes a decrease in temperature of up to 20 degrees. After a total solar eclipse, it takes about an hour before total daylight is restored.

Eclipses, solar and lunar, have fascinated scientists and lay people for centuries. In ancient times, eclipses were seen as phenomena to be feared – many cultures came up with stories to explain the temporary darkening of the sun or the moon.

Numerous people thought an eclipse was a sign that the gods were angry or that bad things were about to happen.

In recent centuries, eclipses have been sought after by scientists and astronomers who use the events to study and examine our natural world.

Since we’ve covered elliptical facts, we must now see if

Pets

ALL ABOUT PETS | August 2017

Dr. Jaime Griffin

D

r. Jaime Griffin knew when she was five 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 five 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. 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 a cat. Away from work, she spends most of her time with friends and family. She also enjoys making glass jewelry and doing a variety of crafts. l l l

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Events

HAPPENINGS | August 2017

August 2017 Community Sisters of Divine Providence Ketteler Award for Social Justice Ceremony, 7 p.m., Aug. 5, at Providence Heights, 9000 Babcock Blvd. Honorees are Dr. Zane H. Gates & Jane Kerr. Open to the public. For info, visit https://cdpsisters.org/.

Happenings

423 Fox Chapel Road in Fox Chapel. Learn more at www. thehillman.org.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m., Aug. 7, Arrival; Aug. 14, Allied; Aug. 21, Hacksaw Ridge; Aug. 28, The Space Between Us, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless.

Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Babcock Dental Center’s Free Dental Event, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 15, 3372 Babcock Blvd. Freedom Day-show appreciation to current & retired veterans, police officers, firemen and first responders. Mention Freedom Day when scheduling the appt (412) 369-9010.

Free CPR/AED Class, 7 p.m., Sept. 18, Heritage Church’s

Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 12, The Ultimate Elvis Tribute by Rick Alviti; Aug. 26, Pure Gold, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sept. 16, The Martin & Lewis Tribute Show, Oct. 7, The Marcels, Oct. 21, The Legend of Hank Williams Tribute Show. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegac-

Body & Soul Wellness Ministry, 2262 Rochester Road, Franklin Park. Instructor Dan McSorley, a Paramedic from McCandless/Franklin Park Ambulance Authority. $2 fee if you’d like a certification card. All are welcome.

Space is limited. For more information and to reserve your spot, call (412) 366-1356.

2, Avonworth Community Park, 498 Camp Horne Rd. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved inside.

ReelAbilities Film Festival, Sept. 6-13. For details, visit

Outreach

Free Jazz & Dinner, 5-7 p.m., Aug. 6, Community

Health & Wellness

North Hills Community Outreach. For details, visit communityauto.org or (724) 443-8300.

Arthritis Expo presented by UPMC, noon-4 p.m., (reg-

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt. Royal Blvd. in

Arts & Entertainment Bodiography, 8 p.m., Sept. 23, Succop Theatre, BC3. For info, visit www.pgharts.org or call (412) 456-6666.

Chris Denem’s Tribute to Neil Diamond, 7-9 p.m., Aug.

Presbyterian Church, 7501 Church Ave., Ben Avon.

Rib/BBQ cook off. Proceeds benefit Pleasant Valley Men’s Shelter. All are welcome. For info, visit http:// CPCBAJazz.weebly.com.

Hillman Center for Performing Arts at Shady Side Academy, The Jason Bishop Show, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 21,

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ylineup.com.

Pittsburgh.ReelAbilities.org.

istration 11:30 a.m.), Sept. 29, Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless Twp. Contact, Jessica at jszramowski@arthritis.org or http://arthritisexpo.kintera.org/pittsburgh or (412) 250-3340.

NC August 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Donate your car to Community Auto, a program of

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 has speakers avail-

able for congregations, businesses and civic groups. To find out more email JLKissel@nhco.org or (412) 487-6316 opt. 1 x3112.

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

Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway. Call, (412) 366-7477 or www.northhillsfoodbank.com. Donations always welcome.

UPMC Passavant Auxiliary is looking for dedi-

cated people who wish to support UPMC Passavant McCandless & Cranberry. The group meets 10 a.m., the 2nd Mon. of each month. (Sept-thru Jun.) For details, call (412) 748-6640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu.

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

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

Bereavement Support Group, Beyond Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Passavant

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

Bereavement Support Group (for widows/widowers

over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian Parish, Haber Hall. To register, call Anchorpoint at (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. To register, call (724) 334-6600.

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group, noon-1:15

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

Brain Injury Support Group, Mind Matters, 7-9 p.m.,

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

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

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

Breast Cancer Support Groups, 5:30-7 p.m., 3rd

Mon., AGH Hospital; 7-8:30 p.m.,1st & 3rd Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry; 6-7:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Bridge to Hope, 7 p.m., every Wed., of the month,

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

General Cancer Center Support Groups, 6:30-8 p.m.,

2nd & 4th Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students.

Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

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.

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.

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

each month, HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd. Contact Jessica, at (412) 828-1300 x7710.

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.

Stroke Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m., once a month on

Weds., HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd., For info, contact Valerie at (412) 826-2784 or valerie.bucek@ healthsouth.com.

Counseling Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church is offering its 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.

Employment help is available at NHCO. For details,

contact NHCO resource coordinator, Jackie at jmboggs@ nhco.org or (412) 408-3830 x3217.

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.

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Events

HAPPENINGS | August 2017

Networking AM Spirit Cranberry Chapter, a business network-

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

North Hills Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 9 a.m., Aug. 4 & 18, Eat N Park, Rt. 8 &

Saxonburg Blvd. in Etna. Call Christine at (479) 721-5804.

Sarver Chapter of the Women’s Business Network

AM Spirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, a business

meets 11:30 a.m., Aug. 3 & 17, Coopers Station Restaurant, Rt. 356 in Sarver. Call Miriah at (724) 6817956.

AM Spirit Wexford Chapter, a business network-

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

networking group, meets 8 a.m. every Thurs, at Sports Grille at Cranberry. Call Glen (412) 916-8699. ing group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village. Visit https://www.amspirit.com/chapter. php?chapter=Wexford.

Amity Lodge #45 affiliated with Italian Sons & Daughters of America is welcoming new members. Meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of the month with a social & refreshments. If interested, call Joanne at (724) 443-8303.

Association of University People (serving the educat-

Restaurant, Rt. 8, Gibsonia. Call Mary Ann, at (724) 9352221 or www.wpabusiness.com.

Wexford Chapter of the Women’s Business Network

meets 8 a.m., Aug. 8 & 22, Monte Cello’s Restaurant, 10441 Perry Hwy., Wexford. Call Judith at (412) 848-7986.

Volunteer Opportunities

ed mature) is looking for new members. Requirements: four-year degree from a college or university, single, widowed, divorced or separated. Visit, aupsinglepittsburgh.org or (412) 734-8445.

American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to

Cranberry Chapter of the Women’s Business Network

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council volunteer tutors

Criders Corner Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets at noon, Aug. 10 & 24, The Sports Grille,

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers for their

meets 7:30 a.m., Aug. 3 & 17, Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church, 2662 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. For info, call Teresa at (724) 316-3427.

1294 Freedom Rd., Cranberry. Call Jan at (724) 991-3289.

drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon. stalter@cancer.org. needed to work with adult literacy students on basic literacy skills, 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutor training provided. Call (412) 393-7600 or http://www. gplc.org/become-a-volunteer.cfm.

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.missionvision.org.

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

to sit with hospice patients, we would love to have you.

Call Bethany Hospice, at (412) 921-2209.

Tutoring volunteers needed for Anchorpoint’s Fall Tutoring Mentoring Program. For details, call (412) 366-1300 x123.

Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah Street on the Southside. Help

make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Call (412) 381-0277 or www.EmmausPgh.org.

School & Classes Butler Community College is offering five $3,500 scholarships to high school juniors who enroll in

Little Sisters of the Poor Rummage Sale

T

he Little Sisters of the Poor are having a rummage sale of clothing, furniture, household items, jewelry, books and assorted items. The sale is from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m, Aug. 10-12. Saturday is the “bag sale.” Their Sts. Peter and Paul Home is located in the Brighton Heights neighborhood at 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15212.

All proceeds benefit the elderly residents living at the home. This will be the final sale for this year. For information or directions, contact the home at (412) 307-1100. l l l

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NC August 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Doubletree Cranberry

T

he DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Cranberry is now beautifully renovated, and it’s a must-see! With eclectic furnishings and an open concept atrium and lobby, the space has been transformed into a functional, yet comfortable common area that was strategically designed to accommodate social gatherings, corporate meetings and quiet work spaces.

The grand ballroom is 13,440 square feet, making it the largest hotel ballroom in suburban Pittsburgh. The space can be divided into eight smaller sections and has the capacity to host dinner events for up to 900 people.

Situated in the center of the atrium is the new Ember & Vine Woodfire Oven and Social Bar, a delicious, sophisticated restaurant convenient for hotel visitors and open to local guests.

Award winning Executive Chef Sam Castrale creates each delicious dish using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Ember & Vine’s menu showcases Chef Sam’s specialty soups and sauces and features his signature, flavor-packed dishes like the House-Cured Duck Reuben with pastrami, sauerkraut, dijonnaise and gruyere cheese and the Woodfired Oysters with fresh thyme.

Stop by the Doubletree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Cranberry and experience the new space and taste the delectable dishes at Ember & Vine Woodfire Oven and Social Bar. l l l

BC3’s 15-credit Oil & Natural Gas Industry Workplace Certificate this fall. For details, email erin.cioffi@bc3. edu or call (724) 287-8711 ext. 8254.

North Hills Community Outreach Let’s Cook Workshops, 10:30 a.m.-noon, the 3rd Sat. of the month, thru Nov., NHCO in Millvale. Register at (412) 408-3830 x3225.

North Hills School District is accepting nominations for the 2018 North Hills Distinguished Alumni Award thru Nov. 15. For info, email mannarinop@nhsd.net or call, Dr. Mannarino at (412) 318-1004.

Camps Civil War History & Reading Camp, 9 a.m.-noon (half-

day option) or 9 a.m.-3 p.m., (full-day option), Aug. 7-11, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall. For details, visit www. soldiersandsailorshall.org.

Historical Depreciation Lands Museum is open to visitors 1-4 p.m., thru Oct. 30. For more info, visit www.

DepreciationLandsMuseum.org.

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the

3rd Monday of every month 7 p.m., Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Aug. 28 topic is “Sickles Gets Away with Murder.” Free & open to the public. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.

Spiritual Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry Program,

Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Preparation Course, two-part, five days, Sept. 15, 16 & 30 and Oct. 6 & 7. Register by Sept. 5. For info, visit https://www. pittsburghmercy.org/.

5K Events & Walk-a-thons Hemophilia Walk, 10 a.m., Sept. 9, North Park

Boathouse, Pearce Mill Rd. For info, visit https://hemophiliawalk.donordrive.com/.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk Pittsburgh, 8:30 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. walk,

Sept. 23, Schenley Park-Flagstaff Hill. Benefits research for type one diabetes. Register at www.walk.jdrf.org

St. Barnabas Free Care 5K Run/Walk, 9 a.m., Aug.

5, St. Barnabas Gibsonia Campus. Fun music, prizes, free food & post-race party. Register online at www.

FreeCare5K.com or call (724) 625-3770. Proceeds benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund.

Walk, run or volunteer in the BubbleRun and help

NHCO. The 5K will be held Aug. 19, Hartwood Acres. For info, email hzgibbs@nhco.org or (412) 408-3830 x3204.

Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter of the Regional Trail Corporation Poker Run, 8 a.m., registration, 8:30

a.m., run on Labor Day, Sept. 4., Arthur H. King Access Area of the Great Allegheny Passage in West Newton.

Cost $20 per person, children age ten and under $10.

Each participant who registers before Aug. 17 receives a Poker Run T-shirt. Rain or shine, no refunds. For info, visit www.bikewytc.org or email wytcnews@hotmail.com

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

Seneca Valley School District Special Veteran Recognition Day, 6 p.m., Sept. 8, prior to the first Raider home football game. If you are veteran & are interested in attending, contact Linda at andreasill@svsd.net by Aug. 31, or visit www.svsd. net/VeteranRecognition.

Pennsylvania Community-Based Programs Awarded VA Grants to Support Disabled Veterans

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

Veterans Breakfast Club Meetings, held every

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

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) 779-8323, discoverhopehere@gmail.com or www.discoverhopehere.com.

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Ring Pittsburgh Auditions Set for Tuesday, August 22

R

ing Pittsburgh, an auditioned handbell performance group, has scheduled open auditions at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Road, in Allison Park. Ring Pittsburgh was formed with 13 experienced ringers during the summer of 2016 under the direction of Jim Rossetti. During its inaugural year, eight concerts were held at various sites in the area, including The Benedum Center (a pre-Nutcracker performance), the Grand Lobby of Heinz Hall and Northland Library, as well as area churches and nursing homes. Rehearsals for the 2017-2018 year start in late August at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Anyone who has experience ringing handbells and is interested in playing with a community handbell ensemble is encouraged to contact Jim Rossetti at ringpittsburgh@comcast.net for more information. l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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Events

HAPPENINGS | August 2017

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.

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.

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.

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.

Modern Western Style Square Dancing, 8-10 p.m., Sept. 5, St. Paul’s United Methodist, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park, or 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 7, North Hills Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. Presented by the North Hills Squares & Y-Knots SQ Dance Clubs. For info, visit http://www.y-knotdance.org/.

Saturday Singles Dance, for ages 40+,

8 p.m. to midnight, Aug. 12, Free Pizza Party Dance & Social Event. Optional group dance lesson 7:30 p.m., West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. 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.

Gardening Fall Hosta & Garden Forum, Sept.

16, Frank G. Pogue Student center at Edinboro University. Sponsored by Daffodil & Hosta Society of Western PA & Western NY. For info, visit www.dhswp. com.

St. James Parish Farmer’s Market, 9

a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays thru Nov. in the church parking lot, 200 Walnut St. in Sewickley. Fresh vegetables, organic farm products, pierogis, pasta plus much more. For info, visit www.saintjameschurch.com or call (412) 741-6650.

Environmental EIC Worksite Safety Course, noon-4

St. Ferdinand Family Festival, 6-11 p.m., Aug. 11; 5-11 p.m., Aug. 12; 4-9 p.m., Aug. 13, 2535 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Games, prizes, rides & nightly dinners.

For info, call (724) 776-2888 or StFerd. org.

Fundraisers Books Are Fun, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Aug. 1,

UPMC Passavant McCandless. Sponsored

by UPMC Passavant Auxiliary. For info, visit http://www.passavanthospitalfoundation.org/company/events.

Brusters of Ingomar, 9600 Old Perry

Rid Your Home of Unwanted Chemicals, Electronics & Freon Appliances, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 14 &

Wexford-Bayne Rd., Sewickley. Outdoor music festival & picnic benefitting seven local cancer charities. For details, visit www.cindystock.org.

28, Nov. 18 & Dec. 16, 129 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City. Pre-registration if required 1-866-815-0016.

Sales & Flea Markets Sats & 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Sun., Aug. 5-6, Sept. 9-10, Oct. 7-8, St. Aloysius Church, 3616 Mt. Troy Rd., Reserve Twp.

Flea Market, 7 a.m. (early shopping $10

Hwy., is offering fundraising and catering. For details, call (412) 366-9899.

Cindystock 14, 4 p.m., Aug. 26, 2552

Sisters of Divine Providence Summer Sweepstakes, enter for a chance to win

$2,000, $500 or $100. Proceeds benefit the ministries and mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence. No purchase necessary to enter, sweepstakes ends Sept. 1. For details, visit cdpsisters.org/ SummerSweeps.

Summer Events

per person), free entry 8 a.m.-1 p.m., & 5- 8 p.m., Aug. 18; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. & 5-8 p.m., Aug. 19; 8:30 a.m.-noon, Aug. 20; St. Mary of the Assumption - Church Hall, 2510 Middle Rd., Glenshaw. Half-price sale 5-8 p.m. Saturday, $5 bag sale 8:30noon on Sunday. Food available along with a bake sale. For details, call (412) 486-4100.

Breathe Pennsylvania Asthma Day at Kennywood Park, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug.

Gently Used Clothing Sale, 9 a.m.-3

The Hydref, fall festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Oct. 7; Lantern Tours, 6-9 p.m., Oct. 21 & 28; 1-4 p.m., Oct. 29, last Sunday to visit the museum for the season, 4743 S. Pioneer Rd., Allison Park. For info, visit http://www.depreciationlandsmuseum. org/

p.m., Aug. 5, St. Alphonsus Parish in the gymnasium beneath the church, 201 Church Road, Wexford (Pine Twp.).

Proceeds benefit the parish’s annual Passion Play. For info, contact Mary at musicdirector@saintalphonsuswexford. org

3. For info, visit www.breathepa.org or www.facebook.com/BreathePA or (724) 772-1750.

Fall Events Depreciation Lands Museum events:

Golf

Craft Shows

Anchorpoint Golf Classic, Sept. 15, Olde

Crafters needed for the Sisters of Divine Providence Craft Extravaganza to be held Oct. 7. Tables

Mars Planet Foundation Golf Outing,

awarded on a first come, first served basis. For details, visit cdpsisters. org/2017CraftExtravaganza, or call (412) 635-5401 or pserafini@cdpsisters.org.

Festivals San Rocco Festa, 6 p.m., Aug. 11-13,

Center Township Municipal Park. For details, visit www.sanrocco.org or (724) 252-7732.

NC August 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Aug. 2-5, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford.

Games, rides, nightly dinners. For info, visit www.stalexis.org or (724) 935-4343.

p.m., Aug. 29, Sept. 26, Oct. 31, Nov. 28 & Dec. 19, Butler County Community College main campus. Call (724) 287-8711 ext. 8355.

Church Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.-noon,

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St. Alexis Parish Festival, 6-11 p.m.,

Stonewall Golf Club. For info, call (412) 366-1300.

noon, Aug. 11, at Rittswood Golf Course.

Check-in 10:30 a.m. Register online at www.marsplanetfoundation.org.

Library Northland Library, Food Trucks, Pgh

Crepes and La Palapa; Aug. 3; Twisted Treasure: Wire wrap Bangles Workshop; 7 p.m., Aug. 21; Why 98% of Diets Fail, 7 p.m., Aug. 24; Nonverbal Communication: The Hidden Message, 7 p.m., Aug. 31. For

Editor

EDITOR’S NOTES | August 2017

Starting the Conversation

Handing Back the “Reigns”

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

A

las, my reign as executive editor for Northern Connection and Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazines has come to an end. Being a part of this team’s devotion to creating awareness for our community has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life. Our publisher, Marion Piotrowski, kind and gracious lady that she is, has given me her blessing to pursue a new calling to help serve our community.

Inspired by the dedication that the staff here has for our community, schools, charities and health care services, I have accepted the position of vice president of Stabertson Technologies, LLC. Stabertson has created a new technology that makes having your own app for cell phones affordable and easy-to-use with special editions for schools, clubs and groups, charities and, coming soon, small businesses.

Fortunately, my predecessor Janice Palko, has returned to pick up the reins and lead editorial content for the magazines. Her reign as executive editor has resumed with this issue. I hope you will all join me in welcoming Janice back, and I know you will continue to enjoy her writing as much as I always have.

You can email Janice at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send her a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722, Attn: Janice Palko.

To all the people, schools, businesses, services, charities and nonprofits that I have written for and about, thank you for the opportunity. It is the special and wonderful people like you, so hard-working and dedicated that, as Marion always writes in her column, “continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work.”

With my sincerest gratitude and warmest regards, I hereby relinquish my reign as editor.

Although I hope to still be a contributing writer – you’re not getting rid of me that easy! l l l

Now, Where Was I?

BY JANICE LANE PALKO

Like the Olympics, I’m back after four years.

A

s you may have learned from Marianne Reid Anderson’s column, she is leaving the magazine to pursue a new enterprise. We wish her the best of luck and thank her for the fine job she did as the executive editor for both Northern Connection and Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazines.

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said: “You cannot step into the same river twice.” He’s right, you know. Nothing stays the same. When Marion Piotrowski, our publisher, contacted me several weeks ago to see if I was interested in coming back on board as the executive editor for Northern Connection and Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazines, I dove in. Like the river, the magazine is still the same fine publication it has always been, but it has changed in four years, just as I have changed, you have changed, and the North Hills area that we know and love has changed.

Since I last wrote here, I’ve been writing for the website PopularPittsburgh.com, and thanks to the generosity of its founder, Tom Pollard, I can still work for the website and the magazine. I love doing both and feel blessed to enjoy my work so much. I also did some freelance work for St. Anthony Messenger magazine and published another novel, Most Highly Favored Daughter. I often met many Northern Connection readers at my book signings, and when they told me they missed my column, I had to admit that I missed writing them too.

I am older and hopefully wiser. I am now the grandmother of two beautiful little girls: Sadie, 2, and Hannah, 4 months. My dog, Mickey, who was a puppy when I left, is now a mature, four-year-old pooch, who, when I write, is often nestled next to me. I had a son graduate from college and another move back to the North Hills after living in Washington, D.C., for 10 years. My husband is four years closer to retirement—not that he’s counting down the days or anything.

Coming back to the magazine has been both strange and familiar.

Sometimes it feels as if I’ve never been gone, while little things like how to answer the phone made me realize how much I’d forgotten over the years.

There is a five-year gap between my twins and my youngest son.

When he was born, I remember thinking that taking care of a baby is like riding a bike—it all comes back to you. But that is not entirely true. You do forget little things along the way. I remember how I had forgotten the joy a baby has in the morning as it waits to be taken from its crib, how they smile and giggle and bounce with delight.

I’m remembering, once again, all the joy I had working at Northern Connection and Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus and sharing my thoughts with you. So yes, I’m plunging back into the river. It’s a bit different from before but that doesn’t mean it won’t be even better! l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC August 2017

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