August 2020
CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 21 YEARS
An Alternative to Open Heart Surgery at UPMC Passavant
Also... Back-to-School | Home & Garden Potato Trivia | 75th Anniversary of V-J Day
Pages 14-15
www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2020
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
August
Features 19 Facts From the Farm
Ron Eichner
Health & Wellness 12
10 Include Health & Safety to Your Back-toSchool Checklist Belinda Burchick 12 Cover Story: An Alternative to Open Heart Surgery
Back-to-School 14 Agora Cyber Charter School 16 School Movers & Shakers 18 Online Learning Done the Right Way: CCA Prepares Your Child for Success
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Home & Garden 24 Go Best Contracting Janice Lane Palko 26 This is the Sweet Spot Weaver Homes
Advertorials 5
Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey
21 Heartland Payments Aids Entrepreneurs Janice Lane Palko
23 PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events usually featured in our Happenings and Senior Happenings have been cancelled. Therefore, we have not published those sections in the August issue. We will update our website when we learn of activities resuming. Also, it would be advisable to check with any business or organization hosting an event to make sure that it is still scheduled before venturing out.
In Every Issue...
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From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski
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Movers & Shakers
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Mover & Shaker of the Month: Nourish to Flourish Paula Green
AUGUST 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
20 Trivia Connection: Potato Trivia Paula Green 22 From the Editor: The Fine Line Janice Lane Palko 23 Support Our Troops: The 75th sAnniversary of V-J Day Paula Green
www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2020
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
Welcome to the August Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!
NORTHERN CONNECTION P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722
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he August issue is traditionally our back-to-school issue. This year, going back to school is going to look a lot different. Every day it seems like there is something different in the news about how to handle COVID-19. I hope we can navigate a way through this pandemic so that the students, teachers and staff can get back in the classrooms and continue to learn in a healthy and safe environment. This month’s cover story will bring you up to date on an “Alternative to Open Heart Surgery at UPMC Passavant Hospital.” We are extremely fortunate to live in a community that offers state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and physicians, who provides the absolute best treatment for their patients. August 19 is National Potato Day and this month’s trivia will inform you on why this is one of the most healthy and versatile vegetables. See how much you know about the ever-popular spud! This month we also celebrate the 75th year of V-J Day, a day that changed the course of history. Support Our Troops this month “Keep away from people who try highlights the importance of that to belittle your ambitions. Small day and reminds us of how grateful we are to live in this country people always do that, but the and to thank all the men and really great make you feel that women who have served and are you, too, can become great.” serving so that we can live in the Mark Twain “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.” Enjoy reading this month’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! n
Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com
President & Publisher
Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor
Janice Lane Palko Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com
Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator
Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator
Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive
Mary L. Simpson Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com
Design & Production
Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master
Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers
Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
Joella Baker Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution
Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
Keep in touch with Northern Connection on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest
Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year. The mission of the Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. is to connect the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest community publication, Northern Connection. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, and recreational needs of the area. The contents of Northern Connection magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Northern Connection magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.
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AUGUST 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
ADVERTORIAL
Cindy P. As heard on KDKA
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The most rewarding change is I no longer suffer from electrical shocks in my feet especially prior to and during sleep. The anxiety caused by the anticipation of electrical shocks were horrible. Also, my numbness is gone and they are no longer freezing. I am walking, shopping, sleeping and walking bare foot again. My improvements are amazing, close to a miracle is all I can say. Fourteen years of suffering, fear of walking even in my own home, the dread of going to bed, tired of disappointing friends and family… ALL GONE!! All in the past!! A new me in 2020!! I’m already a walking advertisement. I have never been to any Doctor’s office where I felt more welcomed. It was more like family than a patient, welcomed with open arms. Everything is all up front and honest. Everything was explained and all questions were answered. I also made lifelong friends at the office that I’m going to miss seeing on a regular basis.
Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH Three Locations: Sewickley 2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd, Suite 207
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MaryDancedIn.com (724) 940-9000
1901 Ligonier Street
Washington, Pa
www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2020
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MOVERS & SHAKERS
Movers & Shakers Butler Memorial Hospital was named to Newsweek’s 2020 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals. The distinction recognizes facilities that have excelled in providing care to mothers, newborns and their families, as verified by the 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Best Maternity Care Hospitals is part of Newsweek, powered by data from The Leapfrog Group. Richard Redlinger, Jr., MD, RPVI, FSVS, recently joined Heritage Valley Multispecialty Group Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery located on the first floor of Heritage Valley Beaver hospital. Heritage Valley Heart & Vascular Center in Beaver welcomed Stephen D’Auria, MD, to their location in Beaver at 605 Sharon Road. Dr. D’Auria specializes in advanced interventional cardiology and began seeing patients in July.
Dr. Stephen D’Auria
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) and UPMC partnered to perform the VA’s first living-donor liver transplant, in which a portion of a healthy person’s liver is transplanted to someone in need of a liver.
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Army veteran Timothy Yablonski received a portion of liver from his daughter, Alyssa Last. Both transplant surgeries were completed at UPMC in mid-March. The official ground-breaking for UPMC St. Margaret New Kensington Family Health Center’s New Home to provide care was held on Friday, June 26. De’ Netta BenjaminMiller has been named as the executive director for Sojourner House’s and Sojourner House MOM’s. Prior to her appointment, Benjamin-Miller served as FamilyLinks director of Behavioral Health. Jordan Corcoran recently released the children’s book Little Lucy. The story focuses on discussing mental health and anxiety with elementary school-aged kids. Antonio Aiello and Lisa Brooks have been named Five Star Wealth Managers, 2020
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Mover & Shaker of the Month
Nourish to Flourish By Paula Green Lorelei Schreiber
Rylee and Ryan Gadomski
Natasha Lightner with Amy Gadomski
Natasha Lightner presented her donation check to Rylee, Lorelei and Ryan
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C
hances are you know someone who has had some form of cancer. This horrible disease rears its ugly head all too often. This past January, Amy Gadomski of McCandless Township was diagnosed with breast cancer. This diagnosis had a profound effect on not only Amy but also her husband, Ron, and their two children, Rylee, 13, and Ryan, 11. Feeling the need to get involved, Ryan, Rylee, and their friend, Lorelei Schreiber, 14, decided to do something to help cancer patients. The trio partnered with the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute in Wexford (AHNCI) to raise funds for various snack options. The name of their initiative is called “Nourish to Flourish.” It all began when Amy mentioned to her children that there were not many snack choices for chemo patients at AHNCI. “They need to have healthy snacks and nothing too acidic, things they enjoy. Chemo patients love granola bars, trail mixes and nourishing drinks such as Gatorade and Premier Protein.” The threesome came up with a plan to help alleviate this problem. “The Nourish to Flourish drive is a way to help cancer patients during chemo. This program will give us the ability to provide patients with a variety of snack options while they receive their treatments. Our goal is to keep patients nourished as long as the funds are available to do so,” Rylee and Lorelei said. To date, they have raised $5,751.10, and their goal is $10,000. Nourish to Flourish was launched as an early Mother’s Day present for Amy while on her journey. Amy’s chemo finished on May 8, but the need to help other cancer patients with nourishment surges on for these three kids. “There will always be patients entering the AHN Cancer Institute’s doors who need to keep up their strength to continue their fight,” said Rylee and Lorelei. However, Amy didn’t stop there. She knew she needed a more prominent social media presence to raise more funding and awareness about this campaign. Amy decided to reach out to her dear friend Natasha Lightner for help. Natasha, an Avon Sales Leader & Influencer, has been fundraising for many years for essential causes like Breast Cancer and ALS. Through her Avon business, Natasha can help organizations in the community raise money and awareness. Customers purchase Avon products, and proceeds are donated to the organization. During June, an online fundraiser was set up where customers could “Shop For A Cause” to support the Nourish to Flourish Campaign. With the generosity and support from the community, the Nourish to Natasha Lightner Flourish Avon fundraiser raised $1,800. “I thought Rylee, Ryan, and Lorelei did a wonderful job raising funds during a pandemic. I am so appreciative of Natasha’s passion, support, and generosity for donating 100% of the Avon proceeds for this cause,” Amy added. For more information on how you can contribute snacks or monetary donations to the Nourish to Flourish drive visit, https:// give.everydayhero.com/us/nourish-to-flourish. n
AUGUST 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
Include Health & Safety to Your Back-to-School Check List By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm
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he anticipation and preparation for going back to school can be thrilling. Sending our children back to school these days includes more than pencils, paper and new clothes. It is not only a time to consider immunizations and well-child exams, but a time to do health and safety checks. Today’s children face a set of health challenges practically unheard of a generation ago. The childhood obesity rate is epidemic, and record numbers of children suffer from food allergies and asthma. Bullying, which was once thought of as an unpleasant part of school life, is considered a serious threat to a child’s emotional and physical well-being. Cyberbullying, which is silent but deadly to any age, is on the rise. Add all of this to what’s happening in 2020 with the pandemic, and you have yourself a notebook full of considerations. Below is just a list to get you started. Because optimal health and optimal learning go hand in hand, add the following to your list this school year: • Schedule a well-child exam, which should include a physical examination, height, weight, blood pressure monitoring,
August Events Tuesday, August 11 – 12pm-6pm Telehealth: Certification Event & Parkinson’s Webinar Anu Anand
Friday, August 21 – 12pm-6pm Telehealth: Certification Event Kelly Warshel
Tuesday, August 11 - 12pm-1pm Parkinson’s Webinar (Richard Greer) Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania
Monday, August 24 – 10:30am-6pm City Mission Golf Outing (Sponsorship) SouthPointe Gold Club 360 Southpointe Blvd, Canonsburg, PA 15307
Wednesday, August 12 – 11am-5pm Squirrel Hill: Coffee & Cookies Solevo 5600 Forward Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Wednesday, August 26 – 11am-5pm Squirrel Hill: Coffee & Cookies Solevo 5600 Forward Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Thursday, August 13 – 4pm-8pm Cranberry: Coffee & Cookies Main Street 205 S Main St., Zelienople, PA 16063
Thursday, August 27 – 4pm-8pm Cranberry: Coffee & Cookies Main Street 205 S Main St., Zelienople, PA 16063
Friday, August 14 – 4pm-8pm Washington: Coffee & Cookies Loft Office Suites 100 Adios Dr., Washington, PA 15301
Friday, August 28 – 4pm-8pm Washington: Coffee & Cookies Loft Office Suites 100 Adios Dr., Washington, PA 15301
Wednesday, August 19 – 12pm-6pm Veteran: Certification Event Who: Dr. Joseph Dicroce Loft Office Suites 100 Adios Dr., Washington, PA 15301
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AUGUST 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
vision screening, developmental and behavioral assessments and counseling on safety, diet and exercise. • Spend time with your child talking about the upcoming school year. Discuss their anxieties and fears along with their eager anticipation. • Review their school schedule and discuss clear study habits. • Check with the school about special forms or requirements for participating in sports. Schedule physicals well in advance because appointments fill up fast around Labor Day. • Make sure your child has sufficient sleep, usually eight hours for a growing child and even more for a teen. • Keep their backpack small and light – The American Academy of Pediatrics says weight should not exceed 20% of the child’s body weight. And use both straps. Consider a rolling backpack. • Review immunization records; keep track of visits and shots. While most children should receive their basic immunizations before age two, some diseases like tetanus, measles and hepatitis B require booster shots for ages 11 - 18. The American Academy of Pediatrics website fully explains childhood vaccinations, advising you what is needed at what age. Today, there are more shots, including, chickenpox, and a booster of the MMR. (even flu may be recommended, and still waiting to hear about vaccine for COVID-19). • Meet with the school nurse if your child has a chronic health condition, no matter how minor it may seem. It is important that the school health nurse is aware, even if intervention is not needed. • Schedule a dental appointment for your child. • Stress the importance of routine physical activity with your child. • Make sure your child eats a balanced diet. A nutritious breakfast is vital to daily physical and mental performance. • Remove drawstrings on jackets and sweatshirts around neck area, and keep drawstrings less than 3 inches at the waist or bottom of jackets. This will prevent catching it in a car, school bus door or on playground equipment. • Frequent handwashing, sanitizing, social distancing and face coverings will most likely be part of the school routine this year. It would be a good idea to start practicing now. Take steps to ensure that your child’s school year starts off safely and healthy, and they will have an enjoyable and successful learning experience throughout the year. n Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states. Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.
www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2020
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COVER STORY
David West, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon and director of cardiac surgery at UPMC Passavant reviews the screen while performing a TAVR procedure.
UPMC Passavant is introducing an exciting minimally-invasive procedure for severe aortic stenosis
U An Alternative to
Open Heart Surgery
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AUGUST 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
PMC Passavant has taken a major step as a heart care leader with the addition of the groundbreaking transcatheter aortic valve replacement known as TAVR. The new procedure gives patients of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant a welcome alternative to traditional open heart surgery. “We’re excited to bring this life-saving procedure to UPMC Passavant,” says Susan Hoolahan, president, UPMC Passavant. “It’s another example of UPMC’s ongoing investment in advanced cardiac care.” “This technology allows us to replace the aortic valve by going in through a tiny incision in the groin, similar to a heart catheterization. It’s less invasive with a faster recovery,” says David West, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon who joined UPMC Passavant in February as director of cardiac surgery.
The Pathway to TAVR UPMC’s TAVR program — the first in western Pennsylvania — was established at UPMC Presbyterian in 2010. Since then, UPMC surgeons have performed more than 1,700 procedures. That expert team is now bringing the program to UPMC Passavant, which meets — and exceeds — the high standards needed to offer a TAVR program. Hospitals offering TAVR are required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to have a robust open heart surgery program, performing at least 50 aortic valve replacements yearly. Both a cardiothoracic surgeon and an
interventional cardiologist are required to be present for the procedure — a collaboration that improves patient outcomes. TAVR is used to treat patients with aortic stenosis — a common and serious heart ailment in older adults caused by a buildup of calcium. Since the aortic valve can’t open wide enough, the heart has to work harder to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Left untreated, it can lead to heart failure and death. Replacing the valve is the only treatment for this condition. Until recently, the only option was open heart surgery — a major operation requiring a large incision and the heart to be stopped. In contrast, the TAVR only requires a small incision where the new valve is inserted with a catheter and expanded with a balloon — and the heart is never stopped. Most patients spend one to two days in the hospital. Compared to the open heart procedure, TAVR’s benefits include less anesthesia, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery. “The TAVR will save lives and allow patients to spend less time in the hospital,” adds Dr. West. “It’s a win-win.” n
CONGRATULATIONS to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Passavant, which recently earned the goldlevel Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). The award represents a significant milestone on the path to optimal outcomes and exceptional patient care.
Think UPMC Passavant for State-of-the-Art Cardiac Care
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hen you need heart surgery, you want to be treated by skilled and experienced surgeons and cardiologists using the best and latest technology. At UPMC Passavant, area residents have access to a full range of open heart and minimally invasive procedures delivered by an expert heart surgery team. For two days in late March, Michael Ferguson ignored the ache in his chest, thinking he’d pulled a muscle moving furniture. Then the Mars resident called his brother-in-law — a gastroenterologist — who said, “Get to the hospital! You’re having a heart attack.” Minutes after arriving at UPMC Passavant– Cranberry, Michael was whisked by helicopter to UPMC Passavant–McCandless. There, he underwent an emergency heart catheterization to keep blood flowing in his coronary arteries. Doctors also discovered another serious blockage that could only be repaired in a separate open heart procedure. Without surgery, he’d be at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. “I’m not sure what surprised me more — Michael Ferguson, patient the fact that I had a heart attack or that UPMC Passavant performs open heart surgery,” says Michael, 71. Although COVID-19 restricted many cardiac surgeries nationwide, Michael’s case was considered essential. On April 27, he returned to UPMC Passavant–McCandless where Dr. West performed an open heart double coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Michael, who is director of business enablement at Prodigo Solutions — a UPMC Enterprises company — praises Dr. West and the entire open heart surgery team for doing “an excellent job.” “I was very impressed. The level of care was exceptional,” says Michael, who is recovering well. “I’m glad I had the surgery at UPMC Passavant. It was a great experience for me.” Dr. West says the hospital combines training and technology to provide a high-quality, comprehensive heart surgery program, including coronary artery bypass, valve repair and replacement, and atrial fibrillation surgery. In addition to the new TAVR program, UPMC Passavant offers the minimallyinvasive Watchman™ procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. Its team of board-certified cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists perform hundreds of heart surgeries and procedures each year with excellent results, he adds. Patients also benefit from a support team that includes cardiac anesthesia specialists and critical care nurses. “It’s an exceptional team. Everyone plays a critical role in the care of patients,” says Dr. West. n
www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2020
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL
Agora Cyber Charter School: Providing Students the Uninterrupted Education That They Deserve and Need
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ffering a student-focused program where the staff rally around families, Agora Cyber Charter School is an online public school for Pennsylvania students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 2005, Agora offers a rigorous curriculum taught by PA-certified teachers who educate through live instruction five days a week. Agora students receive an engaging education that prepares them for life, all from the safety and comfort of their home. The individualized and uninterrupted nature of learning at Agora makes it a powerful choice for families in Pennsylvania. Especially now, as societal conditions dictate changing schedules and “forces beyond our control” challenge the notion of educational stability, Agora’s ability to provide uninterrupted education tops the list. Whether it’s a snowstorm, a heat wave, an asbestos hazard or a pandemic, learners at Agora just keep learning. Since the school’s inception, Agora students have found success in a virtual classroom, realizing that as long as they have an internet connection and a computer (provided free upon enrollment), their education continues. Agora consistently prioritizes a continuance of education, ensuring that it remains within the control of every student and family. When they first come to Agora, parents and students cite many reasons—maintaining an uninterrupted education, safety in school, previous academic challenges not being up to par, bullying and more. However, the list expands the more they realize the benefits of Agora, and the longer the students remain at Agora. There are many ways Agora empowers students to get ahead, and here are a few key elements that continually rank high for parents and students: • Students interact with each other in class and have a direct line to their teachers, including after-class hours and help sessions. • Agora’s live instructional platform allows students to raise their hands, ask and answer questions, go back and review entire lessons, and interact with their peers. • It’s a no-cost option to families thanks to School Choice in Pennsylvania. Students attend live class Monday through Friday and then have additional time for electives, coursework and teacher office hours. • Agora offers fewer distractions than traditional brick-andmortar schools. • Students leave Agora with more independence and a maturity level not found at other schools, growing critical timemanagement skills along the way. • Agora nurtures important social growth and lifelong friendships through classroom interactions, Agora Days Out, over 25 clubs and more.
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• Agora specifically prepares high schoolers for college and careers, with vocational offerings, internships, careerfocused courses, over 80 electives and Destinations Career Academy—which allows students to explore career interests in business, health and sciences, and information technology. The program provides real-world experience leading to certifications for in-demand jobs and jump-starts a student’s college or career path while they’re working on a diploma. • Learning coaches, usually a parent or guardian, are an essential and required component of the Agora model who guide and support student success. • Upon enrollment, a special education student’s IEP is implemented. Within 30 days, the Agora team reviews it, meets with the family and adapts the IEP to cyber education. • Agora was the first cyber school in the country to be designated as trauma informed and has worked with more than 1,000 students to help them navigate difficult experiences and anything else that may come their way. • Students from grades 4-12 can be a part of the National Honor Society, and the older NHS students tutor those Agora students who request extra help. Year after year, test scores show that Agora students improve over time, and the stories of success are endless. They range from a 13-year-old who just graduated from Agora and the Community College of Allegheny County with two degrees, and is headed to the University of Pittsburgh, to a student who was falling fast at her brick-and-mortar school—she came to Agora and recently just completed her second year on dean’s list at Seton Hill University, with a scholarship. With Agora students and staff from throughout Allegheny County, hundreds locally have already experienced what a true difference-maker Agora can be. At Agora, education comes first—always. Virtual learning won’t work for everyone and enrolling in a cyber school can be a big decision. But Agora—a school that has been perfecting virtual, continual learning for 15 years—can make that an easier decision. n
Visit Agora.org to register for an open house tour. Or speak with an enrollment concierge by phone at 844-462-4672 to begin the enrollment process.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL
School Movers & Shakers Seneca Valley Seneca Valley earned five awards in the National School Public Relations Association’s (NSPRA) 2020 Publications and Digital Media Contest and four awards in the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association’s (PenSPRA) “Excellence in Education Communications” 2019 Contest. The Seneca Valley communications department received two Awards of Merit for their social media campaign #SVIntheClassroom and for their video Transformation by Redesign: Student Rigor. Additionally, they received three Honorable Mentions for the 2019-20 SV
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Calendar See the Good, the SV Raider Pride E-Newsletter and the digital version of the SV Annual Report, Transformation by Redesign.
Saint Joseph High School Saint Joseph High School rising Robert Brody seniors Lipnichan III Porter Robert Lipnichan III and Brody Porter have been bestowed with the Wilkes University Colonel Emerging Leader Award. They have each received a scholarship for $10,000 a year for a total
AUGUST 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
of at least $40,000 for Wilkes University.
Mars Area Mars Area School District welcomed Dr. Mark Gross as Dr. Mark the District’s next Gross Superintendent of Schools. On May 19, Mars Area School Board formally appointed Dr. Gross for a five-year contract, which began on July 1. Mars Area High School junior Ellie Coffield was named the Gatorade Pennsylvania Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
Ellie Coffield
BC3 Tom Martin, Carol Achezinski and Gary Rauschenberger are three new directors for BC3’s Education Foundation.
University of Pittsburgh The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has renewed a five-year grant for $5 million for the Alliance for Regenerative Rehabilitation and Training (AR3T) to continue its work expanding scientific knowledge, expertise and methodologies focused on science and regenerative medicine. AR3T is a multi-institutional network of laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh, Stanford University, Mayo Clinic and the University of Texas at Austin.
www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2020
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ADVERTORIAL
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Online Learning Done the Right Way: CCA Prepares Your Child for Success
ith questions lingering over what attending school will look like this fall because of the COVID-19 pandemic, families might want to explore other educational options. One that could be a perfect match is Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA) — Pennsylvania’s largest K through 12 public cyber charter school with nearly 20 years of experience in providing an online education to students across the state at no cost to families. Unfortunately, traditional public schools con-
Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights) Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com
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tinue to deliver learning in person or remotely, teach everyone the same thing at the same time at the same speed. At CCA, we know every student learns differently. We work with families to ensure we meet their children’s needs and interests, as well as their family lifestyle, all with the goal of developing independent, career- and college-ready young adults. Among the many differences between a public cyber charter school and a traditional brick-and-mortar school is the inherent flexibility offered by a cyber school. CCA students can learn online in real-time from our Pennsylvania-certified teachers, or they can complete the lesson at a time that better suits them. That opens a world of possibilities — more time for internships, art or music lessons, jobs, sports, extra family time — in short, pursuing whatever ignites a student’s passion. CCA is dedicated to helping students identify and pursue those passions. In addition to a classic public school curriculum, CCA offers a dizzying array of electives, with course offerings from foreign languages and coding to digital art and design, more than two dozen clubs, hands-on learning opportunities and more than 500 field trips each year. Our customized curriculum is combined with a schoolwide commitment to providing all students with 21st century skills to help them discover their interests, identify career paths and succeed in whichever direction they choose, be it pursuing higher education, entering the workforce or enlisting in the military. As part of our commitment to keeping students ahead of the curve, we plan to open the TechWorks at CCA facility in Pittsburgh this year to provide hands-on learning in everything from STEM and robotics to information technology and computer programming. That comes on the heels of AgWorks at
AUGUST 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
CCA, the country’s largest public educational aquaponics facility, at our Capital Campus in Harrisburg. Students work in a controlled environment agriculture center and gain experience in career fields from hydroponics and plumbing to supply chain management. The facility also offers a research and development lab, a tissue culture lab and a genetics lab. We also take our learning on the road with a mobile aquaponics lab and two fully equipped mobile classrooms. It’s easy to get started at CCA. We are open for enrollment every day of the year. We provide the free use of a laptop and an internet subsidy so students can learn on their own schedules from wherever they are. CCA students come from all across the state, allowing students to meet classmates from different backgrounds with different experiences. We realize that going from a brick-and-mortar experience to a cyber school could be a big change. Our family mentor program helps newly enrolled families adjust to online learning. Family mentors offer yearlong, nonacademic support by scheduling face-to-face meetings as needed for learning management system support, hosting gatherings for newly enrolled families in the region, maintaining a family mentor Facebook group and hosting weekly virtual drop-in support sessions to answer nonacademic questions. Supporting families is woven through everything we do at CCA. Couple that spirit with customized, hands-on coursework and years of experience in delivering a quality education online, and CCA could be the answer to what your child’s education should look like. Put yourself in the spirit by checking out our back-to-school tips. Then learn more about CCA by visiting ccaeducate.me or calling toll-free 844590-2864. n
Facts from the Farm By Ron Eichner
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i Folks! With the start of school around the corner, maybe a focus should be to prepare for the challenges of daily learning. Developing a balanced breakfast combination that includes protein is a great start to that preparation. Protein, which is often overlooked at breakfast, can benefit setting up the brain for the day for both the young and the old. Why is protein important? It supports our brains, enabling it to perform at the highest levels and is essential in developing lean muscle, bones and increasing body immunity. Too many refined carbohydrates like processed breakfast cereals spike blood sugar levels and leave you hungry about an hour later as well as leading to snacking or craving more food later in the day. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines, it is recommended that adult men get 56 grams and an adult woman to get 46 grams of protein per day. Growing kids ages 4-8 should get 19 grams per day and the recommendation for age 9-13 increases to 34 grams per day. Keep in mind good sources of protein are essential at every meal. Back in the mid-1960s, it was recommended to eat a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet, which resulted in more cereal on the breakfast table. That outcome had a direct effect on breakfast behaviors that reduced egg consumption. Fast forward to today, the advanced nutritional research is suggesting that we need less carbs and more good fats and protein. When it comes to great sources of protein and providing a ton of nutrition, you cannot go wrong with an egg. In fact, whole eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on earth. Keep in mind that eggs aren’t created equal in nutritional values. The whole eggs contain healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and several brain nutrients that most people do not get enough of regularly. Due to researched nutritional feed fortification, we can increase the nutritional values of eggs with added minerals, trace elements and vitamins. This is why and how our laying hens produce the high energy eggs we sell at our farm market. It is truly “ear candy” when customers say how much better our eggs taste than store-bought, massproduced eggs. You are welcome to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses and experience Farm Fresh at 285 Richard Road in Wexford and get the “rest of the story.” n www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2020
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TRIVIA CONNECTION
Potato Trivia By Paula Green
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Every year enough potatoes are grown worldwide to cover a four-lane motorway circling the world six times. Since we’ve sliced into spud facts, we must now mash this tasty tater test. Get set to eye the answers because it’s time to get a little trivial... 1. In 1952, this was one of the first children’s toys to be advertised on television. 2. This famous spuds eatery can be found at Kennywood Park. 3. Name the Asian country that is the world’s largest producer and exporter of potatoes. 4. What is the name given to cold potato, leek soup? 5. When you lounge around on your sofa, you are referred to as this? 6. A fungus destroyed most of this country’s potato crops from 1845-1849; it was called the Great Potato Famine or the Great Hunger. 7. What is another name for potato pancakes? 8. Name the Pittsburgh Pirates spuds pierogi that wears a blue hat. 9. French fries were introduced to the United States by this former president, who served them in the White House during his presidency (1801-1809). 10. In 1959, James Brown liked to sing this spuds tune. 11. This popular pasta dish is made with potatoes, eggs and flour. 12. Which U.S. State is called the “Potato State?” 13. Name the kid’s electronic musical passing game, and it is also a tune sang by The Wiggles. 14. This Kraft Heinz Company was founded in 1952. They sell various frozen fries and tater tots. Their logo is “Potatoes Done Perfect.” 15. The U.S. city of Blackfoot houses this interesting gallery. Sources: http://www.foodreference.com/html/potatoes.html, http://www.gardenersnet.com/fun/spuds.htm, https://www.oregonspuds.com/potato-trivia, https:// www.oregonspuds.com/potato-trivia, https://idahopotatomuseum.com/potatofacts/, https://facts.net/lifestyle/food/potato-facts, http://www.vegetablefacts.net/ vegetable-facts/potato-facts/, https://www.livescience.com/45838-potato-nutrition. html Answers: 1. Mr. Potato Head 2. Potato Patch Fries 3. China 4. vichyssoise 5. couch potato 6. Ireland 7. latkes 8. Potato Pete 9. Thomas Jefferson 10. (Do the) Mashed Potato 11. gnocchi 12. Idaho 13. Hot Potato 14. Ore-Ida 15. Idaho Potato Museum
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K, let’s see a show of hands – how many of you like potatoes? Chances are many of you love spuds. The average American eats approximately 124 pounds of potatoes each year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, potatoes are the number one vegetable crop in the United States and the fourth mostconsumed crop globally, behind rice, wheat and corn. There are two National Potato Days: August 19 and October 27. The beauty of the potato is you can prepare it several ways – baked, boiled, mashed, fried. There are tater tots, potato pancakes, hash brown potatoes, potato salad, potato soup, potato dumplings, potato skins, scalloped potatoes and numerous other popular variations. Currently, there are around 100 varieties of edible potatoes. While the flesh is mainly water (80%), an unpeeled potato contains a rich source of vitamins. A potato has more Vitamin C than an orange, more potassium than a banana and more fiber than an apple. One baked potato contains 21% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin B6, 40% of vitamin C, 20% of potassium and 12% of fiber. The word “potato” comes from the Spanish “patata.” The nickname “spud” comes from the digging tool used in planting potatoes: “espada” in Spanish, “spyd” in Dutch and “spade” in English. Potatoes are starchy, enlarged modified stems called tubers. Sweet potatoes aren’t part of the potato clan. They belong to the morning glory family and are actually swollen roots. Potatoes first originated in South America between 3,000 and 7,000 years ago. They were accepted into Incan culture and were believed to make childbirth more manageable as well as being used to treat injuries. Potatoes were scarce in the U.S. until 1836 when missionaries began moving westward and planting potato crops. It took another 40 years for these potato farms to flourish and to develop the Russet Burbank, one of the most popular in grocery stores today. Sorry to report that mashed potatoes were not part of the Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving feast. According to DoorDash, French fries are the most popular potato food item in the U.S. Sixty-nine percent of potato dishes ordered have been French fries, making them the number one pick in the spud rankings. Another popular food item is the potato chip. The invention of this trendy snack came about by mistake. In 1853, a chef named George Crum was working at a restaurant in Saratoga, New York, when he fried thinly sliced potatoes.
ADVERTORIAL
Heartland Payments Aids Entrepreneurs By Janice Lane Palko
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ith the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost every aspect of life has had to adapt including business. Heartland Payments, a direct credit card processer to Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, can help businesses during COVID-19 make seamless, secure and touchfree purchases. It can also include a transition from everything in-store to adding an online or mobile platform. “The curbside pickup, online ordering and overall e-commerce has increased dramatically with the Tyler Franklin pandemic,” said Ty Franklin, Relationship Manager for Heartland. “We have ways for retail, restau412-737-0802 rants, service professionals and others to collect payments online or by mobile in addition to what is tylerfranklin@heartland.us in their facility,” said Ty, who is a Penn State grad, and became associated with Heartland because he was given an opportunity to start his own business, eventually own his portfolio and build a personal brand through Heartland’s business solutions. “One area in particular would be helping businesses who are cash only or do not offer online ordering. Our Heartland Guest phone app comes with online ordering and is helping customers adapt to this pandemic with our technology,” Ty said. In addition to helping customers accept payments in-store, online, on the go (mobile) and via gift cards through Heartland’s different point of sale methods, Heartland also specializes in HR/Payroll, Customer Engagement and Lending options for businesses. “Our motto is ‘Entrepreneurs Respectfully Serving Entrepreneurs,’” said Ty, who takes a different approach to business. “I believe kindness is the answer—in business and in life. So many reps are worried about their paychecks, as opposed to building a nice long-lasting relationship with business owners and bringing value to their business,” said Ty. “I think having a personal approach that is all about the customer and how I can help them sets me apart from others.” For more information on how Ty and Heartland Payments can help your business, visit the website at: https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com or call: 412-737-0802 or email Ty at: tyler.franklin@heartland.us. n
www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2020
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FROM THE EDITOR
The Fine Line By Janice Lane Palko
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ave you ever read Elie Wiesel’s masterpiece autobiographical Holocaust account Night? The book details how the Nazis rounded up the Jews in his village, in what is now Romania, when he was a teen and how his family was sent to the Buchenwald and Auschwitz concentration camps. It is a short book and brutal to read, but one you won’t ever forget. I’ve read many Holocaust accounts, but there is one part in the book that has stuck with me even though I read the book more than 10 years ago. It occurs early in the narrative when Moshe, a fellow villager, is deported by the Nazis and escapes death to return to the town to warn everyone that the Germans are rounding up Jews and murdering them. You’d think the villagers would appreciate the headsup; however, what he tells them is so unfathomably evil,
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that they dismiss him as crazy. Who can comprehend that much hate? They conclude that could never happen. Sadly, not long after that, Moshe is proven to be a prophet of doom; the Nazis come for the whole village. Of his family of six, only Elie survives the concentration camps to tell of its horrors. As a writer, I’m a bit of an information junkie; I like to know what’s going on. If you are paying the least bit of attention, you know that we are experiencing protests, division, riots and violence in our streets. Some pundits have opined that we are on the verge of a second civil war or that we are at the beginning of a complete cultural and societal collapse, much like Ancient Rome. If either of those scenarios is true, we are in for a long, painful ordeal, and who knows what life will be like on the other side. It’s all very heartbreaking and frightening. So much so, that for sanity’s sake, I find myself trying to walk a fine line. I find myself pulling back from the news yet wanting to stay informed. I know others are feeling this way too; I’ve heard several people remark that they don’t even watch the news anymore. They can’t bear it. I can sympathize and have at times withdrawn to find solace in prayer, family, friends and the soothing beauty of nature. But then I remember the book Night and how the villagers were warned about what was coming, and I find myself being sucked into watching the news, scouring the internet, and scanning social media, trying to read the tea leaves to discern what’s in our future, as if knowing what’s ahead will inoculate me and those I care about from suffering. Had Elie Wiesel’s family heeded the warning of Moshe would they have lived? Maybe. But with six million Jews perishing in the Holocaust, 20 million military personnel and 40 million civilians dying in World War II, even if they had not been murdered, their lives and much of the world’s would never be the same. For now, I plan to try to walk that fine line; I plan to stay informed and to take time to hope and pray for the best—emphasis on prayer—because if things do go south, and the unthinkable happens, unlike the Wiesel family, we have no good options for escape. Abraham Lincoln once described America as always being the “last best hope of earth.” Let’s hope and pray that we avert this strife, that we don’t destroy ourselves and that we continue to be a haven of hope for generations to come. n
SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS
The 75th Anniversary of V-J Day By Paula Green On this occasion of Victory Over Japan, we can at least try to be brave just like the courageous souls who have been integral in ending the darkest times. – Unknown
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e are approaching the 75th anniversary of V-J Day, which stands for Victory Over Japan. This critical date, August 15, 1945, marked the time frame when Imperial Japan surrendered in World War II. It brought an end to the most significant conflict in history. The Second World War was a long and bloody war that began in 1939 and ended in 1945. Over those six years, it is estimated that globally 50-56 million people died. According to the National World War II Museum, 418,500 Americans perished. Before V-J Day, there was V-E Day (Victory Over Europe), which took place on May 8, 1945. This event was followed by the suicide of Adolph Hitler and the surrender of the Nazi army. Even though Germany withdrew from the war in the spring, the Japanese troops surged on and continued to fight. The battle for Iwo Jima and Okinawa during the first half of 1945 was marked by massive carnage. On August 6, the United States dropped the first atomic bomb “Little Boy” over the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Three days later, the U.S. struck again and dropped a second atomic bomb, “Fat Man,” on Nagasaki. After these bombings, the Japanese surrendered on August 15, 1945. The Allies were finally able to proclaim victory after many years of bloodshed. Even though this historic event occurred on that fateful day in August, the UK, and the U.S. celebrate V-J Day on different dates. The U.K. commemorates it on August 15, on Japan’s surrendered date, while the U.S.’s annual observation is held on September 2. The reason why the U.S. celebrates on this date, is because it’s when the Japanese formally surrendered to the Allied Powers. The ceremony was held on the deck of the USS Missouri on Tokyo Bay. President Truman declared September 2 to be the official V-J Day. Seventy-five years later, we remember those who courageously gave their lives during this conflict. We honor them for their bravery and their support of our country. n Sources: www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/v-j-day, www.portsmouth.com.uk/heritage-and-retro/ heritage/vj-day, www.historyonthenet.com/when-did-ww2end
Scholarships for Veterans and their families Paying for higher education can be challenging for anyone. But for veterans, service members and their families, it’s particularly difficult. Every year, money is returned to scholarship sponsors simply because there were no applicants. The goal at Zippia is to provide a straightforward guide to what resources are available for veterans, service members and their families so that money gets put to good use. To access a comprehensive list of scholarships available to veterans and their families, visit https://www.zippia.com/military-jobs/ scholarship/.
www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2020
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HOME & GARDEN
Business Spotlight
Go Best Contracting By Janice Lane Palko
When your name is “Best,” you have a high standard to meet, and Go Best Contracting has a reputation for reaching that standard time and again. The general contracting company was founded by Greg Best, who has been in the construction business for 35 years and who personally oversees each project.
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ver the years, I’ve learned that I feel more comfortable overseeing our work and acting as project manager. I walk the site and personally meet with customers to make sure that their project is completed with the utmost in skill and professionalism, and that means being finished on time and on budget,” said Best, who is a Beaver County native. “Our company focuses on light commercial and retail construction as well as site improvements, new homes and additions,” said Best, who has completed numerous projects in the tri-state area. He has four employees and works only with the most reputable subcontractors. Best has a Construction Science degree from Kansas State University and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1983. “After I graduated from college, I played for a year with the Steelers with some of the greats from the 70s Super Bowl teams, and I also played for the Cleveland Browns and in the Arena Football League. When my football days were over, I decided to get to work,” said Best, who looked to put that college education to use and spent time working for a land developer and home builder in Northern Virginia. He then decided to come back home and opened his company in Beaver County. Best Contracting has worked on government, commercial and residential projects throughout the area creating the vision their customers have come to fruition whether it is new construction, an addition or renovation. “We work on $2 million office buildings to $200,000 homes. We like the variety of the work and strive to ensure that Go Best Contracting is the best choice for your project,” said Best, who invites you to view their photo gallery of completed projects on the website at: www.gobestcontracting.com. You can also call Greg at: (724) 622-1719 or email him at: greg@bestbuildersinc.com to explore how Go Best Contracting can serve your needs. n
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www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2020
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HOME & GARDEN
This is the Sweet Spot
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Style & Function: Woven Seamlessly
e build homes that are synonymous with happiness — spaces that are open and filled with light, and personalized to each homeowner. Our innovative homes throughout North Pittsburgh imagine happier, healthier living through open-concept designs that beckon family and friends to come together and feel right at home. We want your comfortable, personalized Weaver home to be your sanctuary. With us, you don’t just have the choice of floor plan; you have the ability to edit and expand upon it so it fits your unique style. Our level of personalization ensures your home is in sync with your family, and tailored to your tastes. In our design studio, First Impressions, our design specialist will walk you through all the options you have to make your home entirely your own. This way, when you step inside for the very first time — and every single time after that — you’ll know you’re right where you were always meant to be. Welcome to your happy place. Make yourself comfortable. We think you’ll be staying for a while. To get started building your dream home, visit WeaverHomes.com n 26
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