December 2019 issue Northern Connection Magazine

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2019

Where Technology & Design Meet Shady Side Academy’s Glimcher Tech & Design Hub

Also... Holiday Guide • Chris Jamison – Beyond The Voice • Andrew McCutchen Gives Back to the ‘Burgh

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2019

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I N T H I S I SSUE

NORTHERN CONNECTION December 2019

Contents 10

16

Features

Health & Wellness

10 Cover Story: Where Technology & Design Meet: Shady Side Academy’s Glimcher Tech & Design Hub

22 Business Spotlight: Chiropractic & Naturopathic Medicine: Bringing You the Best of Integrative Medicine Appalachia Chiropractic & Wellness

44 Presents for Patients: Celebrating 36 Seasons of Giving

2019 Holiday Guide

24 Building Resilience – Preparing for Life’s Challenges Dr. Joseph C. Maroon

14 The American Christmas Weston Waite

28 Give the Gift of Failure in the New Year Joella Baker

16 Image & Style: 5 Fun Ways to Add Some Holiday Sparkle to Your Outfits Kelly A. Smith

Kids & Education

17 Facts from the Farm Ron Eichner 18 Chris Jamison – Beyond The Voice Janice Lane Palko 19 Holiday Worship Guide

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34 School Movers & Shakers

Senior Living 38 Happenings for Seniors

Advertorials 7

DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Get Your “ING” Back: Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

17 In Every Issue...

4 From the Publisher: Marion Piotrowski 6 Movers & Shakers 8 Mover & Shaker of the Month: Andrew McCutchen Paula Green 24 From the Editor: I Get It! Janice Lane Palko 32 Trivia Connection: Bowl Games Trivia Paula Green 37 Support Our Troops: The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge Paula Green 40 December 2019 Happenings

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2019

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P U B LI SH E R ’S NOT ES

Welcome to the December Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

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

Phone: 724-940-2444

Christmas and the Holiday Season are well upon us.

This is a good time to reflect on all our blessings.

A

s we are about to enter our 21st year of publishing Northern Connection magazine, I certainly realize how blessed we are to have so many loyal readers and advertisers.

We appreciate all the support and kind words that so many of you have shared with us over the years. We look forward to a new year with excitement and enthusiasm as we continue to promote our amazing community in our print publication as well as our online version.

Enjoy reading this month’s special features along with our regular monthly columns.

There is no better time to say thank you for your continued support. Together, let us continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! 4 4 4

All of us at Northern Connection and Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazines wish all of you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Holiday Season full of love, peace and joy!

Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

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

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko

Mary Simpson

Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc.

Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

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

Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Distribution

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer

Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-9402444) 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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DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

M OV E R S & SH AKERS

Movers & Shakers Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) has received $112,500 in funding from A Glimmer of Hope Foundation (GOH) to further research of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and to enhance patient support services at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital has achieved Magnet recognition as a reflection of its nursing quality, professionalism and teamwork patient care. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.

St. Margaret Foundation announces a $3.4 million capital campaign for a new home for the UPMC St. Margaret New Kensington Family Health Center where patient volume has grown 127% over the past 15 years. The proposed site will be located on a vacant lot at 1080 Fifth Avenue in the Innovation Corridor in New Kensington.

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Heritage Valley Health System announced the installation of new scanning technology at Heritage Valley Kennedy that combines the advancements in Magnetic Resonance (MR) with the sophisticated engineering of a 1.5T wide-bore system. This new scanner provides an increased level of patient comfort with flexible coil designs and novel applications designed to minimize scan times and improve image quality.

Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS) announced that Zachary Senft, chief administrative officer, has been recognized by the Pittsburgh Smart Business Magazine as one of the top executives of the 50 smartest companies in the Greater Pittsburgh region.

The board of trustees of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh has named Steven Knapp, Ph.D., the institution’s 11th president.

DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Farmers National Bank announced the addition of Beth Fruehstorfer as Mortgage Loan Consultant.

Beth Fruehstorfer

Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley has hired Craig Gyergyo as their new Senior Pastor.

Franklin Park resident and author, Ron Kaiser, published his first book, Herbert’s War. The non-fiction work that tells the story of a coal miner’s son who rose through the ranks to become one of the best battalion commanders in Vietnam.

Jaylin Fischer is the newest nurse practitioner to join the Genesis Medical Associates staff at the Northern Area Family Medicine practice in McCandless Township.

Jaylin Fischer

Get Your “ING” Back Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have HOPE

Announcing Our Newest Location!

Dr. Shawn Richey has restored the lives of thousands of peripheral neuropathy sufferers.

Carla S. walkING to watch my grandson’s soccer game!

Michael walkING again

Gretchen B. sleepING again

Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or

destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body.

Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet.

When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur.

A specialized treatment protocol utilizing brand new technologies is available at the Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH. It includes the combination of very specific, non invasive, FDA approved and painless treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Shawn’s SUPERVISED, MONITORED and IN OFFICE program has a 90 percent satisfaction rate. With the experience of seeing over 3000 patients, he is able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results.

1385 Washington Rd., Suite 100, Washington, PA 15301 Across from the Meadows

Marla C. balancING again

Pat H. wearING shoes again

For a FREE Consultation, contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit marydancedin.com.

Three Locations:

Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands Extreme Sensitivity to Touch Loss of Balance or Coordination Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles Weakness in the Arms and Legs Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers Dependency on Medications If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait till they get worse. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation.

Debra B. sleepING again

Sewickley 2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd, Suite 207

Latrobe 1901 Ligonier Street

Washington, Pa

Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH

1385 Washington Rd., Suite 100

MaryDancedIn.com (724) 940-9000

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

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2019

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M OV E R S & SH AKERS

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Andrew McCutchen Gives back to the ‘Burgh

By Paula Green

H

e played in Pittsburgh for nine great years. The Pirates chose Andrew McCutchen in the first round (11th overall) of the 2005 MLB draft. At the age of 22, he made his debut with the Pirates on June 4, 2009. It was only fitting that he proudly wore jersey number 22. McCutchen was born on Friday, October 10, 1986, in Fort Meade, Florida. Throughout his major league career, he was honored with numerous accolades - The Silver Slugger Award, Player’s Choice for the National League’s Outstanding Player, the coveted Most Valuable Player Award for the 2013 season.

In 2017, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants, then to the New York Yankees. In 2018, he was dealt yet again. This time across the state to Philadelphia. Although McCutchen is now a member of the Phillies, he harbors no ill feelings towards our city. It is quite the opposite; he embraces Pittsburgh and helps the residents as much as possible. Cutch

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DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

and his family still reside in the area, and he is committed to doing community service in the ‘Burgh. McCutchen recently held a Project Pittsburgh Week. It is a grassroots organization that he founded along with his wife, Maria.

During the week of November 16 through November 23, McCutchen worked with the underprivileged in various capacities in the region. He invited folks to work along with McCutchen with a him to help make a difference in the community. group of Slippery Rock University students McCutchen helped high school seniors during the Development Day, which was held at Macy’s South Hills Village in Upper St. Clair. Cutch served up soup, distributed coats and did a community cleanup at the Light of Life Mission on the North Side. He spent time doing art and music activities with patients at UPMC Children’s.

McCutchen conducted a City Volunteer Day. During this particular day, he read to the blind and physically disabled at the Carnegie Library and packed supplies for homeless children’s education fund.

He participated with Habitat for Humanity as he painted and did interior homework.

Finally, McCutchen led a 412 Food Rescue Day, where he and his volunteers distributed food donations. He ended his all-star week, with the Dick’s Sporting Goods Free Youth Baseball Clinic. For McCutchen, it was a busy but successful, charitable week. He touched the lives of so many area residents. No matter what baseball diamond McCutchen ends up playing on, he will always hit a home run in the lives of his fellow Pittsburghers. 4 4 4 Sources: https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mccutan01

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2019

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The Glimcher Tech & Design Hub is a 12,000-square-foot STEAM facility at Shady Side Academy Senior School.

COV E R S TORY

Where Technology & Design Meet: Shady Side Academy’s Glimcher Tech & Design Hub Physics students building musical instruments and solar-powered mini-cars. Latin students creating laser-cut Roman curse tablets. Spanish students 3D-printing Day of the Dead masks. Computer science students building robots.

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hese are just a few of the projects happening in Shady Side Academy’s new Glimcher Tech & Design Hub, a $2.9 million STEAM facility dedicated to innovation, creativity, technology and design. The 12,000-square-foot space opened this fall on SSA’s 130-acre Senior School campus in Fox Chapel, which enrolls 450 day and boarding students in grades 9-12. The new facility includes a Fabrication and

The Computer Science Wing houses two spacious new computer labs.

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Robotics Wing, Computer Science Wing and café.

The Fabrication and Robotics Wing houses a fabrication lab, robotics arena, workshop, wet lab and collaboration room called the “Think Tank.” The fab lab and workshop are equipped with high-tech equipment including a Tormach CNC mill, Forest Scientific CNC router, Epilog laser cutter, Roland vinyl cutter, Roland VersaPrint garment printer, SawStop table saw, Formlabs 3D resin printer, three Prusa 3D printers, and augmented, mixed and virtual reality (AR, MR and VR) technology. An art installation spells the word “CREATE” on the pillars of the corridor. These new maker spaces are open to all students and teachers, no matter the academic discipline or experience level. They also provide a state-of-the-art workspace for the school’s Robotics and

DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Science Olympiad teams.

Just down the hall is the Computer Science Wing, which has two spacious computer classrooms and a computer collaboration lounge equipped with new HP computers, laptops and interactive SMART Boards, plus a faculty office. Together with the robotics arena, it serves as the new home of SSA’s Computer Science Department, which has seen course enrollment grow in recent years.

In addition to a required foundational problem-solving course, the department offers electives in subjects including game design, web design, mobile app development, artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D modeling, computer architecture and more.

Jesse Robinson, who joined Shady Side in August as director of the Glimcher Tech & Design Hub, is spearheading ef-

Junior Erin Canning uses the CNC mill to carve a block of titanium.

forts to integrate the new facility into the curriculum. He hosts a “Maker Monday” professional development series to introduce faculty to the equipment and partners with teachers across disciplines to brainstorm class projects – from a German class using the laser cutter to create German Christmas pyramids to a metalwork class using the 3D resin printer to create casting molds for pewter artwork.

“Learning by doing and project-based learning are so important. You see levels of engagement from students go up as they start tinkering and making things, and there’s a bigger connection between the student and the work,” says Robinson. “The Hub really provides a space for teachers to augment their existing curriculum, giving them the ability to break the boundary of the classroom and go into this collaborative beautiful space that promotes creativity and innovation.”

Computer Science Department Chair Dawson Haytock says the new spaces are more conducive to collaborative learning.

“We have an open space where students can collaborate and problem solve together – because that’s really how computer science is done. Being adjacent to the new maker space gives us a lot of possibilities for how we conduct our projects and what we do with our classes.”

Junior Caleb Massie of Plum agrees.

“The idea of having such a high-tech

The art installation in the Fabrication and Robotics Wing corridor spells “CREATE.”

workspace, and everything that’s here – it’s just awesome.”

The Glimcher Tech & Design Hub has opened up a world of possibilities for students to design independent study projects. Junior Eve Mango of Pine is creating an interactive living wall of plants in the Think Tank that will use technology to monitor moisture and sunlight and a robotic arm to water the plants, with advice from vertical gardeners at Phipps Conservatory. Junior Erin Canning of Hampton will be learning foundry techniques and using the CNC mill to fabricate reusable water bottles made from recycled aluminum cans. And sophomore boarder Angela Xue of China plans to combine woodworking, electronics and coding to create magic wands equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for a Harry Potter-themed library scavenger hunt.

Mango says the new facility is inspiring more students to think about pursuing independent study projects. “My friend was talking to me about possibly doing something with design, and it’s nothing I’ve ever heard from her before – and it made me really excited. This place is so inspiring that I think it makes people want to come.”

Connecting the two wings is the SSA Café, which serves coffee, tea, smoothies and snacks during the school day and has quickly become a popular hangout

Learn more and tour the Glimcher Tech & Design Hub at Shady Side Academy’s Senior School Admissions Open House on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. RSVP online at www.

ShadySideAcademy.org/Visit. Or call the Admissions Office at 412-968-3180 to schedule a personal tour any time.

Dr. Scott Peterson and physics students carve wood designs using the CNC router.

spot. Large glass windows allow students in the café to see what’s happening in the Fabrication and Robotics Wing, piquing their interest.

“At Shady Side we have always thought of ourselves as problem-solvers, and we teach critical thinking and problem-based learning throughout our curriculum – whether it’s in math or computer science or English or history,” says Senior School Head Sophie Lau. “But this is a whole new venue for kids to solve problems and to use new tools to do that.

Our hope is that the learning opportunities this new space provides will continue to build our students’ capacity to take on real-world challenges and solve realworld problems.”

“This is a game-changing space for Shady Side,” says SSA President Bart Griffith. “I can’t wait to see the creativity it inspires and the potential it unleashes in our students. Together, the Glimcher Tech & Design Hub and the McIlroy Center for Science & Innovation give us some of the most distinctive high school facilities in the region, which will prepare our students to lead and serve in an increasingly creative economy.” 4 4 4

The new virtual reality (VR) equipment is a hit with students.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2019

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2019 HolidayGuide It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we have the most wonderful section for you. In our 2019 Holiday Guide, you’ll find fun holiday events, great places to shop, ideas for gifts, and places where you can worship during the season.

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DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2019

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The American Christmas

By Weston Waite

A

hh, Christmas, one of America’s favorite holidays.

Every year, families get together to enjoy music and feasts to celebrate their faith. Have you ever wondered how our celebration of Christmas came about?

Grab a hot chocolate, have a seat and read about the history of Christmas in America.

The celebration of Christmas is unique in America.

Christmas had been celebrated years before the United States was created. This was especially so in England, but of course, after independence was declared, all things that were cherished by the English fell out of favor with the Americans. For the next few decades, Christmas, for the most part, would not be celebrated. It really wasn’t until the Victorian era, when Christmas would start to gain popularity. It celebrated unity, which brought people of different classes together to enjoy a holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. The reintroduction of Christmas in America revived old traditions and tales that are still around today. The pine tree serves as a reminder of life during winter, and the tale of Santa flying through the night sky is inspired by the god of Oden. Americans created Santa’s image, who sports Victorian era attire (red velvet robe, long beard and hair, and a smoking pipe). President Ulysses S. Grant made Christmas a federal holiday in 1870. Eventually, businesses and manufacturers would use the image of Santa Claus, and the excitement of the Christmas season to boost their sales. Today, this is why we spend exorbitant amounts of money buying gifts and decorations. Although capitalism has greatly influenced the American Christmas, the holiday still serves as a time of peace and joy for people everywhere.

I hope that everyone enjoys the upcoming holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year! 4 4 4 Weston Waite is a senior at Duquesne University, majoring in Political Science and French. His academic specialties are those of American history and American politics. In addition, Weston is a member of the Duquesne Men’s Hockey Team and Sigma Nu Fraternity. He is a lifelong resident of McCandless, where he currently resides with his family.

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DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Huntington Bank Laurie’s Hallmark Life Uniform McIntyre Beer My Eye Doctor National Tire & Battery OfficeMax Once Upon A Child Original Pancake House PNC Stein Mart Subway Tan Seekers Nails Center Ting’s Kitchen Valley Pool & Spa Weight Watchers

McIntyre Square Ross Park Mall

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I-2

McIntyre Square McIntyre Square Drive Ross Township /Town of McCandless

To Wexford

McKnight Road

Visit our New Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection

Route 19

Ace Hardware At Home Choice Medical Chuck E. Cheese Citizens Bank CopyMax CosmoProf Dollar Bank Dunham’s Sports Edible Arrangements Fine Wine & Good Spirits Fitness 19 Gabe’s Giant Eagle GNC Great Clips H&R Block

To Downtown Pittsburgh

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2019

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I M AG E & S T YL E

Fun Ways to Add Some Holiday Sparkle to Your Outfits

By Kelly A. Smith

T

he month of December is the perfect time to bust out your best holiday bling! I look for any occasion to sparkle and shine but not every event calls for head-to-toe shimmer. I’m definitely a fan of all things bling-tastic, but there are ways to add subtle sparkle without becoming a virtual Christmas tree. You only need a few touches in the right places to amp up your holiday look!

SEQUINED CAMI/TANK – This is a perfect undergarment that is meant to be seen! You can top it off with a sleek blazer or a classic black cardigan by day, then step into your evening looking merry and bright.

looking sweater. Try colors of the season in emerald, burgundy and, of course, the ever ready black, with just a touch of twinkle.

SILVER AND GOLD – These colors are synonymous with the holiday season, so do incorporate them. But do so with care.

Accessories are the perfect choice to complete a look; try intermingling a gold clutch with a complimentary belt, or you can showcase a pair of flats or booties that sparkle in shades of silver with an equally bedazzled scarf.

The idea is to light up your look without looking loud.

STATEMENT JEWELRY – The brighter, the better! I like a bold dangling bauble hanging from my ears to add much-needed illumination around my face, but do try to keep your love for all things lustrous to a minimum, or you’ll be heading into bling overload.

WAKE-UP YOUR MAKE-UP – Because your face and nails deserve to shine too. A set of smoky eyes and sparkle on your fingertips can go a long way. Now, I’m not implying to revert back to Halloween and slap on the sparkle haphazardly, but by adding just a sprinkle of strategic sparkle, it will truly make your face the most festive in a crowd full of plainJane faces!

SHIMMER SKIRT OR LEGGINGS – You don’t need head-to-toe sequins or rhinestones to look and feel festive. Sometimes just a flicker of shimmer is the perfect partner. A metallic skirt or iridescent leggings can really amp up an otherwise sleepy

Whether you’re heading out to a work event, going to Grandmas or stepping out with your boo, be sure to add some sparkle and shine, or glitter and gold because a little shimmer goes a long way. May your holidays be merry and, of course, bright! 4 4 4

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DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Facts From The Farm

By Ron Eichner

H

i, folks! With Christmas and New Year’s right around the corner, this is the time of the year that hams are most popular. When most people think of hams, they don’t necessarily think of all the variations of hams that are available. Hams can be quite different from one another, and those differences are reflected in the range of prices you see at the store.

When a fresh ham is unprocessed, it is often called a pork roast. Hams that go through a curing process are referred to as being a cured ham. The “curing” involves injecting a liquid brine into the ham for a minimum of ten days. Smoked, cured hams can be whole, short-shanked, semi-boneless, boneless, untrimmed, trimmed, and/or fully cooked hams. Half hams are known as a butt or shank. Most cured hams that are not fully cooked have a lot of water weight because water is the carrier of the different cures.

When you are buying a ham by the pound, you are paying extra for that water weight. When you bake a ham, most of the water bakes out of it.

However, fully cooked hams have already released that extra water weight, and they are ready to just heat and serve.

At our farm market, we only produce super lean and fully cooked, low-salt, maple sugar cured, short shanked, semi-boneless ham, half or whole hams that you just heat and serve. They’re delicious! With our fully cooked hams, you are not paying for that extra weight because all of the shrinkage was already done in our smokehouse.

As you can see, all hams are not the same, and you get what you pay for. We hope you make Eichner’s Whole Farm a destination for your ham needs and the “rest of the story.” 4 4 4

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2019

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Chris Jamison – Beyond The Voice

By Janice Lane Palko

I

t’s difficult to believe that five years have passed since Ross Township native Chris Jamison catapulted to fame when he finished third during the seventh season of The Voice, NBC’s singing competition show, dazzling celebrity coaches, Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Pharrell Williams, and the national audience as well. Since then Chris has learned a lot,

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achieved much, and charted a course for his life that is truly his own.

“Being on The Voice was an incredible experience that changed my life.

Everyone involved with the production of the show was awesome to work with, including the four coaches. Things were definitely different when I returned home from the show, but it was super cool meeting so many people who had followed my journey on The Voice. Their votes are what allowed me to continue moving through the competition,” said Chris, who is now 25 and lives in Valencia. On June 19, 2017, he married his junior high sweetheart, Jansen, and they are expecting their first child in April.

Although music has always been and always will be important in his life, being on the show helped Chris to clarify his priorities. “Being on The Voice showed me that I could compete with the best on one of the biggest stages in the world, and it gave me a sneak peek into what life in the entertainment business would look like. I loved my time in Los Angeles filming The Voice, but Pittsburgh is more my speed,” he said.

“Jansen and I have been together since we were thirteen, and I always envisioned us settling down in our hometown. While my time on the show was great, I came to realize the lifestyle that comes with being in the entertainment business wasn’t necessarily something I wanted. Of course, I’d love to see my music become successful, but I never want it to be at the expense of my family. In order to get a career off the ground, you need to be able to sacrifice everything, dive in, and direct all of your attention and focus on growing your career, at least during its the early stages.

Personally, that wasn’t a sacrifice I wanted to make,” he said.

Since the voice, he’s been working with a local record label, The Vault Records, to produce and release new

DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

music. “This past July, we released a fourtrack EP, titled, Puzzle Pieces, and we plan to release more music in the coming year.

Along with new music, I’ve been traveling around playing shows at various colleges and many private/public events. Although I was able to pursue music full-time, five months ago I began working full-time at Orchard Hill Church as part of their worship arts team. I will continue to write/ record/release new music and play shows as opportunities arise, but my faith is incredibly important to me and so is my family,” Chris said.

“Being able to use the gift God gave me to point people toward him has been one of the greatest blessings and has given me the ability to travel less and focus on being home more as our family begins to grow,” he said.

“My faith and relationships with family and friends are much more important and are what’s going to last beyond this lifetime. My underlying mission is ‘Faith, Family, Music.’ I can’t make good music if my faith and family life aren’t strong.”

Presently, Chris is focusing on his upcoming Christmas show, Christmas with Chris, December 5 and 6 at The Strand Theater in Zelienople. “I grew up attending B.E. Taylor’s Christmas show and left feeling inspired year after year,” said Chris. “His show was a holiday tradition for my family and my hope is to produce a show that becomes a holiday tradition for other families as well!”

For more information on the show, visit: www.thestrandtheater.org/shows/ Chris_Jamison.htm 4 4 4

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2019

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2019 PARISH CHRISTMAS EVE MASS SCHEDULE Neighbors North Catholic Community CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24: 4:00 PM – INCARNATION OF THE LORD VIGIL MASS 4:00 PM – ST. ATHANASIUS VIGIL MASS ST. SEBASTIAN VIGIL MASS ST. TERESA OF AVILA VIGIL MASS 6:00 PM – ST. SEBASTIAN VIGIL MASS 10:00 PM – ST. ATHANASIUS VIGIL MASS ST. TERESA OF AVILA VIGIL MASS 12:00 AM – ST. SEBASTIAN MIDNIGHT MASS

CHRISTMAS DAY 8:00 AM – ST. ATHANASIUS CHRISTMAS MASS 9:00 AM – INCARNATION OF THE LORD CHRISTMAS MASS 10:00 AM – ST. SEBASTIAN CHRISTMAS MASS 11:00 AM – ST. TERESA OF AVILA CHRISTMAS MASS

NEW YEARS EVE, DECEMBER 31, 2019 4:00 PM – ST. ATHANASIUS HOLY DAY VIGIL MASS ST. TERESA OF AVILA HOLY DAY VIGIL MASS 6:00 PM – ST. SEBASTIAN HOLY DAY VIGIL MASS

JANUARY 1, 2020 9:00 AM – INCARNATION OF THE LORD HOLY DAY MASS 11:00 AM – ST. SEBASTIAN HOLY DAY MASS

neighborsnorth.org

Little Sisters of the Poor Christmas Cards

T

he Little Sisters of the Poor are once again offering Christmas Cards sketched

by Sister Martha, lsp. This year’s card is beige with a red sketch of Mary holding baby Jesus. The previous year’s cards are also available. The cards are: 7 for $10 (plus $2.00 shipping), 12 for $15 (plus $3.00 shipping) or 30 for $25 (plus $6.00 shipping). Cards can be viewed and ordered online at www. littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org, by calling (412) 307-1100, sending a check made payable to Little Sisters of the Poor at 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 or stopping at the Main Entrance of the Home. All proceeds from the sale of the cards help to support the elderly poor Residents in the Little Sisters care. 4 4 4 20

DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

From the Editor

I Get It!

By Janice Lane Palko

W

ith the coming holidays and the turning of the new year, I’ve already started to think about some resolutions for 2020. I mulled over the same old objectives: get in shape, spend less, pray more, etc. Recently, however, I think I’ve come across a key that may supersede all of those and prove to be more fruitful and more life-changing in the end.

Last month, I attended the Harvest Festival at the Block Northway. In addition to a fun afternoon spent with my daughter and granddaughters, I was given a buy-oneget-one pizza coupon for Blaze Pizza. As my husband had been traveling for work all week and was due to arrive around dinner, I thought I’d cash in on that Blaze pizza offer before heading home.

As I expected, the place was crowded with all the doings going on at the mall, but the workers were hustling and serving customers as quickly as possible. When I got to the end of line where you wait for your pizza to come out of the oven, I couldn’t help but notice the young man plating the pizzas for those dining in and boxing those for takeout. He was doing his job with such joy, enthusiasm and kindness, that it made me think. I go to a lot of stores and restaurants, and he was a standout among service employees.

What did he have that the others didn’t?

He was too busy to ask, but it was apparent that he had a different attitude toward his work. He had what I’ve come to call a “get-to” rather than an “I have to” attitude.

Instead of becoming surly from the volume of work and “having to” wait on people, he flipped that and was working with gratitude and appreciation that he got to work.

Lately, I’ve made a concerted effort to change my “have to” attitude to an I “get to” one. Sometimes that’s not easy, but to boost my mood when I’m really not enthusiastic about doing something, I’ve decided to cite three positive things about an undesirable task to reinforce my attitude.

For instance, I had to go to the doctors for a check-up.

Instead of thinking I have to go to the doctors, I corrected myself and said I get to go to the doctors. I get to take care of myself. I get to enjoy excellent medical care. I get to ignore my cell phone for a while!

As I’ve been practicing the “get to” attitude, I’ve noticed I’ve become less irritated with the little daily annoyances we all must endure. So, this year instead of a list of resolutions, I’m going with one: turning my “have tos” into “get tos.” I’m so thankful that I get to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & Happy New Year! 4 4 4

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H E A LT H & WEL L NESS

Health Spotlight:

Chiropractic & Naturopathic Medicine: Bringing You the Best of Integrative Medicine

A

t Appalachia Chiropractic & Wellness, our team holds a unique holistic care model striving to make each and every patient feel and function at their highest level without drugs or surgery.

We offer the community a whole system approach. Patients are never rushed. They

are heard and truly cared for. We value the doctor and patient relationship, as we believe it is part of the treatment.

Chiropractic and Naturopathic medicine are both forms of natural medicine, as they hold the belief that the body has the ability to heal itself after obstacles to

health have been removed and proper care is given. They also both seek to restore and maintain optimum health by emphasizing nature’s inherent self-healing process.

Chiropractic and Naturopathic medicine complement each other very well.

Chiropractors specialize in musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions, which often means chronic pain. They treat structural misalignments and muscular imbalances whereas naturopathic doctors complement by adding complementary treatment using herbal medicine, diet and nutrition, homeopathy, lifestyle modifications, stress

reduction and other areas to help symptom relief and optimize chronic disease management.

For example, someone who suffers from back pain or arthritis, Dr. Horne can offer spinal manipulation or muscle release whereas Dr. Chan can address inflammation, diet and nutritional therapies. Or for someone who experiences frequent headaches, Dr. Horne can correct a structural misalignment and increase blood flow to the area, whereas Dr. Chan can look for underlying contributors such as chronic stress, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, dehydration and food or environmental sensitivities.

Other common conditions treated include: sports injuries, sciatica, disc bulge/ herniation, migraines, fatigue, fibromyalgia, sinus congestion, weight loss, digestive and hormonal conditions.

For more information, contact Appalachia Chiropractic & Wellness at (724) 553-5312, www.appalachiachiropractic.com, or email at appalachiawellness@ gmail.com. 4 4 4

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H E A LT H & WEL L NESS

Building Resilience – Preparing for Life’s Challenges

by Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS

I

n my career as a neurosurgeon, I have helped numerous patients often with similar conditions. It still amazes me how one person’s emotional reaction to a certain disease or condition can be totally opposite to another experiencing the same problem. Of course, there are easy explanations for this. None of us have the same upbringing, physical condition, perception of pain, disease load, education or social supports. Add to this variability in age, sex, race and other differences and how could we possibly believe people would react the same. And yet, observationally, I consistently find patients with similar diagnoses react very differently.

These reactions in a condensed form

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are, “alright now I know, I want to get better, what do I need to do,” or “you’re kidding, I can’t do this now, I’ve been through so much already.” Both are legitimate reactions and reflect how the person feels about it. Both reactions, however, in my experience, can often subtly predict how the patient will ultimately recover or not.

The point is, whether we are told bad health news, lost our pet, or become upset about the bills that never seem to stop, we all have stressors that enter our lives. Epictetus the Greek philosopher 2,000 years ago observed that it is not the stressful stimulus itself that causes us pain or angst, but rather, our response to

DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

it. And although difficult to comprehend at the time, we do have some control over our responses.

One way to improve our stress reaction is to improve our resilience to stress.

Just as an athlete can train and build stronger muscles to lift heavier weights, resilience training can improve coping skills and help foster better decisions and outcomes to daily stressors. Traditionally used as part of warfare training, the military has led in both the study and implementation of resilience training. POW training and other physical and mental tests have been used by the military to build better and more capable soldiers who face life and death situations on a

regular basis. In recent years the study and implementation of resilience training has become more common in the civilian world.

Resilience is the process of healthy adaption in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress. In short, it means the ability to “bounce back” from difficult or stressful experiences. Resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that can be learned and developed by anyone.

According to the American Psychological Association, here are things you can try to build your resilience: • Make connections - Good relationships provide help and support.

• Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems – Look beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better.

• Accept that change is a part of living - Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can alter.

• Move toward your goals - What’s one thing I know I can accomplish today?

• Nurture a positive attitude Developing confidence in your abilities and trust your instincts.

• Keep things in perspective Consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective.

For me, physical exercise is also part of my resilience training. It has allowed me to clear my thoughts, suppress anxiety, distract from stressful emotions, and as an added bonus help with sleep.

Poorly controlled stress can have physical consequences including, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, and cortisol levels that can affect memory, immune and other systems throughout the body. So, to be told not to “stress out” is good advice, but you can also build resilience to better cope with stress for a lifetime.

Source - https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience

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H E A LT H & WEL L NESS

Give the Gift of Failure in the New Year

By Joella Baker

A

s a coach, I spend a lot of time reading books and articles on how to help my athletes succeed in their sport and their races. I love my job, but it’s not always easy, especially when I coach kids. As a mom, I want nothing more than to see my son be as successful as he can be. I’ve been caught up in making sure he’s always doing the best he can and trying to help him to the point where he’s not really learning anything from the process. It’s not easy to let go of that but knowing he will be off to college in a couple years, I know I have to let go.

How do we do that? I always tell my athletes, young and old alike, you will learn more from failing than you will from succeeding. I truly believe this. My son has never been the best at everything. He works hard to do well in school, at his athletics and in his new job. But he has failed a lot along the way. I truly believe those failures are what makes him such a great young man.

It’s not just about letting our kids fail; it’s more about what they learn from failing. I believe it’s the journey.

It’s teaching them to accept they don’t have to be perfect. They don’t have to be number one all the time. It’s more about what they are learning along the way and what they are giving back to their family, friends and their community.

Raise an Independent Child

Independence is not something our kids can gain on their own. Kids don’t have the perspective, the experience, or the skills to develop independence separately from us. Instead, independence is a gift we share with our children and 28

one they will cherish and benefit from their entire lives. How can we help them find their independence?

• Give your children love and respect.

• Show conf idence in your children’s capabilities.

• Teach them that they have control over their lives.

• Provide guidance and then give them the freedom to make their own decisions. If they make the wrong decision, simply give advice and some guidance on how they could have done things differently and make sure they learn from the decision they made.

Teach Your Child the Gift of Responsibility

Your child needs to realize they are responsible for their actions. It may be choosing to not study for a test or saying something unkind about another person, to not following rules. If they make these decisions, are they held responsible for the consequences?

There should always be consequences for not fulfilling responsibilities. What consequences do you provide if your child does not uphold their responsibilities? If you offer a punishment or you offer a way to follow-up,

DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

perhaps an apology to the person they hurt, do you follow through as a parent? Do you make sure your child is fulfilling their end of the deal?

The American culture has a way of telling kids that nothing is their fault. I have fallen into this trap and sometimes I still do. For the athletes I coach who have high anxiety, I often find their inability to take responsibility for their actions is based on their desire to protect themselves from failure. This is where the parents come in.

It’s up to us to tell our kids it’s ok to fail. They need to know that perfection is not achievable in life and once they can let go of the notion that they have to be perfect they can finally relax and learn to succeed on their own.

When our kids are young, we need to protect them. But as they grow, we must start to let go. My son just started driving this year. Certainly not an easy thing to adapt to. But trusting him and trusting him with the independence he’s earned was easier because we have an understanding that he must take responsibility for his actions if something happens.

Therefore, when your children have established their sense of security, you must then encourage them to explore the world beyond the safety net that you provided them for so many years.

When we allow our kids to explore the world and do things on their own, that’s when they find their own sense of competence, security, and independence within themselves.

This year give your kids a new gift.

Let them fail, let them be independent, let them take some responsibility and let them find out who they are and what they want to be. It’s the best gift we can give. 4 4 4

Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert Friday, December 13, 2019 Celebrate the Season with a festive evening for the whole family!

Featuring Pine Creek Community Band

Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre 700 Cumberland Woods Village Allison Park, PA 15101 5:30 PM - Reception & Gift Basket Raffle Free and open to the public.

Enjoy light refreshments, purchase basket raffle tickets & shop local vendors.

7:00 PM - Holiday Concert Tickets are $10 each 100% of ticket sales benefit the Passavant Hospital Foundation Nursing Education Fund.

Call 412-748-6640 to purchase your tickets 30

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T R I V I A CO NNEC T ION

Bowl Games Trivia

By Paula Green

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1. In college football, what does BCS stand for?

2. Which bowl game is nicknamed the “Granddaddy of Them All?” 3. The Peach Bowl is played in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Which fast food restaurant is its sponsor?

4. The PlayStation Fiesta Bowl will be on December 28 in which western city and state?

5. In the 2012, Orange Bowl, which team broke an NCAA record for most points in a bowl game when they trounced Clemson 70-33?

6. On December 27, the Military Bowl will be played in Annapolis, Maryland, in which stadium?

7. This bowl game has been around since 1935 and is played in El Paso, Texas.

8. The 1987 Fiesta Bowl pitted two undefeated teams—Penn State and Miami. Who won this matchup?

9. This tasty fruit snack was the name of a bowl game. It was played four times from 1946-1949.

10. Name the bowl game played in New York City in 1961 and 1962. It was created as a fundraiser for the March of Dimes.

11. In 1976, Pitt won the coveted National Championship under which coach?

12. Name the famous musician who performed at the 1956 Cotton Bowl.

13. This bowl is played in Memphis and is dedicated to veterans who fought in both World Wars and the Korean War. 14. Which team defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the covet championship in 2019?

15. The 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship will be played where on January 13? 4 4 4 Sources: https://www.britannica.com/sports/Rose-Bowl-football-game, https://www.ncaa. com/news/football/article/2017-11-06/college-football-history-heres-when-1st-game-wasplayed, www.funtrivia.com, https://www.barrystickets.com/blog/history-of-college-footballbowl-games/, primesport.com/s/college-bowls, https://triviachamp.com/NCAA-FootballTrivia-Quiz.php, https://worldstrides.com/blog/2018/12/interesting-facts-about-college-bowlgames/, https://theoutline.com/post/2632/college-football-bowl-sponsorship, https://www.sporcle.com/blog/2018/12/funny-college-football-bowl-game-names/.

Answers: 1. Bowl Championship Series 2. The Rose Bowl 3. Chick-fil-A 4. Glendale, Arizona 5. West Virginia, Mountaineers 6. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium 7. Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl 8. Penn State 9. The Raisin Bowl 10. The Gotham Bowl 11. Johnny Majors 12. Elvis Presley 13. The Liberty Bowl 14. The Clemson Tigers 15. Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans

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re you a huge football fan? If you are, then you are going to get “bowled” over with lots of college football. The 2019–20 NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football bowl games will begin on December 20. It will conclude with the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship on January 13, 2020.

November 6 marked the 150th anniversary of what is considered the first college football game ever played between Princeton and Rutgers in 1869. The competition took place in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with an audience of about 100. Rutgers won 6-4.

The term “bowl” originated from the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California, which is shaped like a bowl. The Rose Bowl is the oldest American postseason college gridiron football contest. The first game was between Michigan and Stanford in 1902. Michigan won by a large margin 49-0. The famous Tournament of Roses Parade precedes each Rose Bowl game.

Before World War II, there were just a handful of bowl games. In 1984, the number increased to 18. Over the next two decades, ESPN appeared on the scene and quickly got involved in the broadcasting and operation of bowl games. The number increased to 32 and today we are at 40.

There are six major bowl games, known as the New Year’s Six. These playoffs determine the final college football national championship game – Fiesta Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl.

Some Bowl games have unusual names. For the health-conscious, the Salad Bowl was played from 1947-1955. The current veggie matchup is the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, which will take place on January 3 in Boise. How about naming a game after a cracker? Well, the Cheez-It Bowl is slated for December 27 at Chase Field in Phoenix.

A few other funny names included - Glass Bowl (1946–1949), Poulan Weed-Eater Independence Bowl (1990–1997), Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl (2013–2015), TaxSlayer Bowl (2015–2017), Popeyes Bahamas Bowl (2014–2016), Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl (2017–present), Refrigerator Bowl (1948–1956), Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl (2017–present) and Duck Commander Independence Bowl (2014).

Since we’ve run through some bowl game info, it’s time to see if you can pass this football query. Get set to tackle these pigskin questions because it’s time to get a little trivial.…

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K I D S & E DUC AT ION

School Movers & Shakers Holy Cross Academy Holy Cross Academy welcomed grandparents on Grandparents Day with Mass. Each grandparent was given a Saint Anne medal to commemorate Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus.

Holy Cross partnered with Catholic Charities for its second annual Winter Warming Station Collection. Students gathered bins full of gloves, hats, scarves, coats, socks and sleeping bags to distribute to people in need throughout the city. Students and their families then participated in the 2019 Love Walk to deliver the HCA donations to Catholic Charities.

Departments and the Northern Regional Police Department were in attendance for the event.

Mars Area Mars Area students raised $6,798.64 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, through the schools’ annual “Hats for Heroes” fundraiser on Oct. 18.

The Enrichment Center of Western PA The Enrichment Center of Western PA announced that three of their middle school students won awards at the Northland Library “We the People” constitutional poster contest. Front - 2nd place winner Jack Peterson, left is honorable mention winner Luke Schroeder, middle - teacher Mrs. Ruth Butler, and right - honorable mention winner Sebastian Pagano.

Mars Area High School technology education students dedicated two Adirondack chairs, a table and plaque created in memory of Elliana Boatwright, who unexpectedly passed away shortly after graduating from third grade the end of the 2018-2019 school year.

Holy Cross Academy announced its 2019-20 Student Council officers: Mia Brown and Tyler Collins: Co-Presidents; Ethan Lu: Vice President; Jorji Goldstein: Secretary; Ryan Costello: Treasurer; Joanie Zilaitis: Service Director; Alessia Mattucci and Alexa Murphy: Social Directors; Sarah Bertocchi and Grace Zickefoose: Historian/Advisors; Josh Brown and Veronica Harless: 6th Grade Representatives. Karen McDunn is Faculty Advisor and Patricia Osekowski is the Principal.

Holy Cross Academy students collected $1200 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Glimmer of Hope Foundation for cancer research. The also gathered hundreds of canned goods for the Saint Sebastian food pantry. Additionally, students collected wrapped Halloween candy for distribution to the homeless and those in need in downtown Pittsburgh.

Holy Cross Academy Junior Varsity Blue girls’ volleyball team earned second place in the Diocesan championships.

Blessed Francis Seelos Academy

Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park)

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

Members of the Blessed Francis Seelos Academy service club, the Seelos Samaritans, hosted a dinner for Wexford area First Responders on Tuesday, October 22. Wexford and Marshall Volunteer Fire

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Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights)

Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com

Vincentian Academy (North Hills)

Mrs. Rita Canton (412) 364-1616 www.vincentianacademy.org

The Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team won the 2019 WPIAL Class 3A Girls Varsity Soccer Championship Title.

Mars Area Middle School eighth grader, Nameer Dheen took first place in the 2019-2020 Mars Area Geography Bee Final Round Qualifier.

Seneca Valley

The Seneca Valley Academic Decathlon Team placed first among 15 schools, and brought home over 10 medals, in the Academic Decathlon Competition at Meadville High School on Nov. 9.

The Seneca Valley Junior Reserved Officers’ Training Corps has been named a 201920 “Honor Unit with Distinction” by the U.S. Department of the Army.

Four Fox Chapel Area High School freshmen placed in the regional CalcuSolve competition. The team of Elijah Conklin, Ananth Kashyap, Jonathan Li, and Ethan Tan won third place in the team competition for grades nine and ten. Additionally, Jonathan placed third in the individual category of the competition.

Fox Chapel Six Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the annual Upper St. Clair Novice Forensic Tournament. The students that placed are Alaina Kaslewicz, Mona Gerges, Marie Romero, Prajval Sreenivas, Sonny Hur and Dawson Krisky.

Several Fox Chapel Area High School students won awards at the University of Pittsburgh High School Model United Nations (UN) Conference. Winners were - Rajeev Godse, Noah Hertzman, Gavin Hitchens, Henry Jacques, Alaina Kaslewicz, Zeynep Ozkaya, Cecilia Rike, Aaron Santilli, Ameya Velankar and Siddharth Yende.

Six Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the M & M Forensic Tournament in Erie. Jackson Romero and Siddharth Yende won first place. Marie Romero and Prajval Sreenivas won fourth place in Policy Debate. Hannah Jahnke and Annabella Zgurzynski were awarded first place in Duo Interpretation. Hannah also won third place in Dramatic Performance.

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S UPP O RT O UR TRO O P S

The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge

By Paula Green

“This is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war, and will, I believe, be regarded as an ever-famous American victory.” — Winston Churchill

B

ritish Prime Minister Winston Churchill knew the Allied Forces had their backs against the wall when he uttered these famous words during World War II. The Allied Powers were led by Great Britain, the United States, France and the Soviet Union. They were battling against the three principal partners in the Axis alliance - Germany, Italy and Japan.

After the Allies successful D-Day invasion in Normandy, France, it seemed that World War II was nearing an end.

However, the Nazi leader, Adolph Hitler had other plans since he wasn’t ready to surrender. On December 16, 1944, the Germany army launched a counteroffensive. It was Hitler’s desperate attempt to salvage victory on the deteriorating western front. The Allies were unprepared for the attack, the German offensive made considerable progress, creating a large bulge in the allied line.

The battle is sometimes referred to as the “Ardennes Counteroffensive” because it was held in the 75-mile stretch of the Ardennes Forest in Belgium. Winter was fast-approaching, so the soldiers endured hazardous weather conditions of freezing rain, thick fog and snow. The record-breaking low temperatures brutalized the American troops. More than 15,000 cold injuries – trench foot, pneumonia and frostbite were reported. It wasn’t until Christmas day that the weather conditions finally cleared, allowing Allied air forces to strike.

The Allies continued to rage their battle against the 30 divisions of Germans, which encompassed nearly 250,000 troops. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme Allied commander, and Lt. Gen. George S. Patton Jr. led the American defense to restore the front. Through January, American troops waded through deep snowdrifts and attacked both sides of the shrinking bulge. They fought a bloody battle until they had restored the front and set the stage for the final victory drive.

In all, according to the U.S. Department of Defense, 1 million-plus Allied troops, including some 500,000 Americans, fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

There were approximately 19,000 soldiers killed in action, 47,500 wounded and 23,000 plus MIA (missing in action). About 100,000 Germans were killed, wounded or captured.

Claiming victory over the battle on January 25, 1945, the Allies headed for Berlin. The courage and the fortitude of the American soldiers were tested against great adversity. Their valor brought the victory of freedom over tyranny. Seventyfive years we honor them for bravery. 4 4 4 Sources: https://wwiibattleofthebulgewwii.weebly.com/summary.html, https://www.army.mil/botb/, https://www.britannica. com/event/Battle-of-the-Bulge, history.com/topics/world-warII/battle-of-the-bulge, www.reference.com/history-did-battle-bulgehappen.

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SE N I OR LIV ING

Happenings for Seniors Collections North Hills Community Outreach is collecting

safety items for seniors. For details, visit nhco.org or call Cathy, at (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Health & Wellness

Spiritual 2nd Act, ages 55+, 10 a.m.-noon, 2nd Thur. thru

May 14, Wexford, lobby, Orchard Hill. Fosters spiritual growth thru music, inspirational speakers & outreach projects. For info, visit orchardhillchurch. com.

Senior Facilities

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) 4490151 to schedule an in-home registration visit.

UPMC Senior Communities offers independent

living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-3245523.

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.

North Hill Community Outreach provides Safety Checks for Seniors. Interested seniors

who reside in northern Allegheny County should email Cathy at clpschirer@nhco.org or call (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Pennsylvania consumers are encouraged to sign up for a text alert system through his

Bureau of Consumer Protection to raise their awareness on how to avoid becoming a scam victim. For info, visit https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/ consumer-alerts/

Meals on Wheels Aspinwall Meals on Wheels provides home-

cooked, home-delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Blawnox, Aspinwall, Fox Chapel, Sharpsburg, and O’Hara. Call (412) 820-8350.

Senior Meetings Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. The club features activities, social events and local trips. For info, call Bill at (724) 776-1933.

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) 816-2159.

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. from 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. from 11 a.m.1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon., 1-2:30 p.m., at Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church, Sangree Rd., Ross. Call (724) 444-0064.

AUP Club, have fun & meet new people with the

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

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.

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 7795020.

Stay in Touch with Your Community!

Deadline for submissions is by the 12th of the month.

Volunteer Opportunities Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit Hospice patients. Call (412) 367-3685.

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors with disabili-

North Country Meal on Wheels provides home

medication safety screenings for seniors living in northern Allegheny County, north of the city of Pittsburgh. For details contact, Cathy at (412) 3070069, ext. 3313.

Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/

Social Groups Amazing Singles, for singles in the Pittsburgh

North Hills Community Outreach offers free

Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. Call Suzie, at (724) 799-7049.

Lighthouse Foundation is looking for volunteers

Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. Call (412) 7414900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.

delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkeley Hills, Swan Acres, McCandless, Shaler & Hampton Townships.

Call (412) 487-4088.

Medical

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st

Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ

McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home-

delivered 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.

Support Groups

region, visit, http://www.amazingsingles.com/pittsburgh.html.

Association of University People/AUP. We are looking for single, 4-year college graduates over 50 to join us for monthly dinners, meet at various social spots, gatherings and Scrabble. For info, call (412) 734-8445 or visit us at 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.

DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

to help in the food pantry for prep and packing, distribution, & greeters. For details, contact Lee Ann at (724)586-5554.

ties with yard tasks. Visit NeedsbyNeighborhood. org.

North Hills Community Outreach needs volunteer dispatchers for their senior shuttles. For info, contact Kerry at kkmulhern@nhco.org or (412) 449-0151.

North Hills Community Outreach urgently needs volunteers in the upper Route 28 corridor to help seniors. Visit http://nhco.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-help-seniors/. For details, call Kerry, (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org.

Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program is seeking volunteers (50+) to tutor in

Pittsburgh Public, Wilkinsburg and Woodland Hills School Districts in grade K-4. Trainings held at 411 Seventh Ave., Suite 525 (Duquesne Light Building) downtown Pittsburgh. Training, materials & clearances are provided. For info or to register, call 412) 393-7648 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances pro-

gram assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. Register at (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.

CALL NOW

to reserve your advertising space for the next issue!

724-940-2444

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December 2019

Happenings Arts & Entertainment Cranberry Artists Network Show: A Season of Joy, runs thru Dec. 20,

at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. Visit www.cranberryartistsnetwork.com.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m.,

Dec. 2, Yesterday; Dec. 9, Lion King; Dec. 16, White Christmas, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Legacy Theatre Seminars: 11

a.m., Dec. 10, Memory Decline and Aging: When Should I Be Concerned, Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless.

RSVP to, (412) 635-8080.

Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7, Johnny Angel: The Halos

Christmas Show; 2 & 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14, Pittsburgh Big Doo Wop Big Band Christmas, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http:// www.thelegacylineup.com/productions.

Bereavement Support Addiction Bereavement Support Group Beyond Bridge to Hope,

7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Cumberland Woods Village Chapel, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary.

Call (412) 748-5120.

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.

Grief Share, 7-8:30 p.m., thru Dec. 5, Orchard Hill, Room 206, Upper Level. For details, visit https://www. orchardhillchurch.com/.

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/

Pittsburgh L.A.M.P.S. is 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@lifeaftermps.org.

Cancer Support Brain Tumor Group, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 3rd Thurs., Wexford. Visit www.cancercaring.org.

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.

Cancer Caregivers Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m., the 3rd Tues, in

the North Hills. Visit www.cancercaring.org.

Cancer Caring Center free exercise programs for cancer patients, 8:30-9:30 p.m. every Wed.,

Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA; 9:30-10:30 a.m., every Sat., Sewickley YMCA. Registration is required, call (412) 622-1212.

Cancer Support Groups at Our Clubhouse, 6:30-8 p.m., 1st Tues,

DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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.

Metastatic Cancer Support Group, 5-6:30 p.m., 1st Thur. of each month, UPMC Passavant HospitalMcCandless. For cancer patients and survivors with metastatic disease.

Caregivers are welcomed. No cost to attend. Led by Wendy Myers, MSW, LSW. Free parking & light refreshments. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) “Teal Hearts Network” meets 6-8 p.m., the

3rd Monday of every month at the Cancer Caring Center. This network group is for ovarian cancer survivors.

Visit http://ovarian.org/component/ events/event/483.

Young Adult Cancer Group, 5:307 p.m., 4th Tues, North Hills. Visit www.cancercaring.org.

Colleges & Universities Butler County Community College (BC3) free certificate program provides training for entry-level health care jobs. Email kelly.mckissick@ bc3.edu or call (724) 287-8711, ext.

8171.

La Roche University has launched

Pennsylvania’s first prelicensure master’s program in nursing. Classes begin May 11. For info and to apply, visit laroche.edu/elmsn.

Concerts

Breast Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer Groups; 6-8 p.m., 2nd Tues, Multiple Myeloma; 6-8 p.m., 3rd Tues, Living Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer; 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd Thurs., Pancreatic Cancer Group, 2816 Smallman St., Pgh. Call (412) 338-1919 to register.

EduNations Benefit Concert, 7

Gentle Yoga Cancer Support,

North Hills Chorale Chorale Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., Dec.

5:45-6:45 p.m., 3rd Mon., North Hills. Visit www.cancercaring.org.

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General Cancer Center Support Groups, 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd & 4th

p.m., Dec. 6, Memorial Park Church Sanctuary. Free of charge, a goodwill offering will be accepted. Hesed Biblical Imagination Workshop, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 7, Memorial Park.

For info, visit EduNations.org/BenefitConcert or phone (412) 522-4756.

7 & 3 p.m., Dec. 8, at Kearns Spirituality Center Visitation Chapel, 9000 Babcock Blvd. Free-will offering.

Bring a non-perishable food donation for the North Hills Community Outreach Food Pantry. For info, visit www.nhchorale.com.

The Nutcracker, 7 p.m., Dec.

6 & 7, Motherhouse Auditorium Providence Heights; 2 & 5 p.m., Dec. 8, Bodiography Center for Movement at La Roche University. For info, visit laroche.edu.

Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO’s) concerts: 1 p.m., Dec. 14, Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University; 7 p.m., Dec. 15, Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland. For info, visit https:// trypo.org/events/.

Yinzer Scrooged: A Pittsburgh Christmas Carol, Dec. 5-21, 937

Liberty Ave. Presented by Bricolage Production Co. For info, visit bricolagepgh.org.

Counseling Ask the Attorney sessions for

low-income families, free legal consultation for noncriminal issues for families in need at North Hills Community Outreach locations at 7 p.m. the 3rd Wed of each month (except Dec.), NHCO Allison Park.

Preregister by contacting Jackie at jmboggs@nhco.org or (412) 4083830 x3217.

Ask the Financial Advisor, free second opinions on 401Ks, social security & other financial related matters.

Contact Kevin, at klingenfelser@ cfnmail.com or (412) 605-7900.

Divorce Care, 7-9 p.m., Dec. 5 & 12 at Orchard Hill Church in Wexford.

For details, visit www.orchardhillchurch.com.

Saturday Singles Dance, ages 40+,

8-12 p.m., Dec. 7, Great Gift Card Giveaway; 8-12 p.m., Dec. 21, Holiday Party. Free Dance Lesson 7:30 p.m.

Dance Line (724) 316-5029, email dancetonight09@aol.com, visit www. dancetonight.weebly.com.

Fundraiser Mars Area Middle School’s Spirit Committee is holding a Holiday Drive through Friday, Dec. 6, to

benefit MHY (Mars Home for Youth) Family Services. For info, visit https:// mhyfamilyservices.org/holiday/ or call (724) 625-3145.

Mister Rogers Neighborhood Sweater Drive, thru Dec. 20. Bring new & gently-used sweaters to the Children’s Museum to donate to local and regional charitable organizations serving families in need.

For info, visit pittsburghkids.org/ fredmemories.

Reindeer Ball & Holiday Auction,

4-7 p.m., Dec. 8, at the Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh Hotel, downtown. For tickets, visit www. pittsburghmercy.org/events.

Health & Wellness First Place 4 Health is a Christian

Bible-based weight loss group that meets 6:15-7:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 536 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. Call (412) 487-4819.

Flu Shots Fridays, every Friday thru

December at Heritage Valley Health System’s Convenient Care walk-in Clinics. Cost $15. No appointment is necessary. For info, visit www.heritagevalley.org/pages/convenient-care.

Parkinson’s Exercise programs

Craft & Vendor Hampton Township Holiday Event, 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5,

3101 McCully Rd, Allison Park, Lowlevel fireworks, Santa arrives on fire truck, cookies and hot chocolate, live holiday music, pictures w/Santa. Call (412) 487-7870, www.hampton-pa. org.

Dancing Events Ballroom Dancing, 7-8 p.m. (beginners), 8-10:30 p.m. (social) 1st & 3rd Fri., thru Dec. 6, gym, Orchard Hill Church. For info, visit www.orchardhillchurch.com.

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) 9316971 or janine.beley@gmail.com.

are available at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford. For details, visit http://www.oxfordathleticclub.com/ knocking-out-parkinsons-with-thenewest-programs-at-oxford/ or call (724) 933-1911.

Revelations Fitness® Fusion (car-

dio, strength & flexibility) classes, 9:30 a.m., Mon; 6:30 p.m., Thurs., 2 p.m., Sundays, Get Moving for those with special needs, Woodland Valley Church, Mars; 6:30 p.m., Tues., Revelations Fitness® Fusion, North Way Christian Community. Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Historical Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meeting, 7 p.m., Dec. 16, Hampton Township Community Center, 1301 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Bill May presents “Stephen Foster: Hotel for Two.” Free & open to the public.

Holiday Ben Avon Holiday House Tour,

10 a.m.-4 p.m. & 6-9 p.m., Dec. 7.

Visit seven homes in the Ben Avon Borough. For details, visit theavonclub.org/house-tour. To purchase tickets, visit squareup/com/store/ avon-club-foundation.

Brunch with Santa, two seating;

10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Dec. 8, at the Aviary. For details, visit https:// www.aviary.org/.

Butler County Chamber Holiday Celebration, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Dec.

6, Butler County airport. For details, visit butlercountychamber.com.

Festival of Lights, 3-9 p.m., Dec. 6, at La Roche University, the Sisters of Divine Providence and Providence Heights Alpha School. For the full schedule of events visit laroche.edu/ lights.

Hampton Twp. Holiday Event,

7 p.m., Dec. 5, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Low-level fireworks, Santa arrives on fire truck, cookies & hot chocolate, live holiday music, pictures with Santa. Free to the public.

For details, visit www.hampton-pa. org or call (412) 487-7870.

Holiday Tour of Homes, 10 a.m.-4

p.m., Dec. 7. Sponsored by the Butler County Symphony. If you want your home included email Sue at sjmor-

row7@gmail.com or call Judith at (724) 496-2782.

Opus I Music Society program,

Christmas Crafts and Caroling, 9:30 a.m., Dec. 9, LifePointe Alliance Church music room, Rt. 228, Adams Twp. Lend a hand making a craft for a local assisted living center and sing holiday music. Call (724) 7721063.

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Holiday Celebration, 6-9 p.m., Dec. 12, Noah’s Event Venue in Cranberry Twp. For details, visit pghnorthchamber.com.

Polar Express, 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.,

Dec. 7, at the Strand Theater, Zelienople. Free admission, but bring a donation of a gift card or toy for a Glade Run child or family in need.

Items should be unwrapped and will be collected at the door. Required reservations, cmartin@gladerun. org or (724) 452-4453 x 1277.

Visit http://www.gladerun.org for details on needed items.

Sensory Friendly Santa, 8-10 a.m.,

Dec. 1, Ross Park Mall; 9:30-11 a.m., Dec. 8, Monroeville Mall. For info, visit www.autismpa.org.

Shadrack’s Wonderland Lightshow, thru Jan. 5, in Butler.

Visit https://shadrackchristmas.com/ pittsburgh-pa.

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Library Northland Library, Crafty Elf

Workshop, 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 1:302:30 p.m., Dec. 2 (for kids) cost $1; Victorian Holiday Traditions, 7 p.m., Dec. 5; Winter Melting Pot (Luck), 6:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 16. Library closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25 & Jan. 1, (closes at 5 p.m. Dec. 31). Visit www. northlandlibrary.org or (412) 3668100.

Lottery Sisters of Divine Providence 2020 Lucky Number ticket based on the Pick 3 Day & Evening PA Lottery.

Cost $25 each and valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31-2020. To participate, visit cdpsisters.org/LuckyNumber or call (412) 635-5401.

Moms Mommy Connection, 9:30-11:30

a.m., Fridays, thru June 5. For newborns thru kindergarten, at Orchard Hill. For info, visit www.orchardhillchurch.com.

Single Moms CARE Group

facilitated by Anchorpoint Ministry, meets 6-8 p.m., 1st & 3rd Weds., at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 2262 Rochester Rd. Call Anchorpoint, at (412) 366-1300.

S.P.I.N. For Single Moms: 6-7:30 p.m., 4th Monday of the Month in Bellevue. Call (412) 366-1300.

Networking 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. Call Joanne at (724) 443-8303.

AmSpirit Cranberry Twp., Referral Based Networking Chapter meets 7:15 a.m. every Wed. at the North Park Lounge in Cranberry Twp. Contact: Mike Hall at rentit@generalrental-center.com or (724) 612-7844.

AmSpirit Business Link McCandless, Referral Based Networking Chapter meets noon every Wed. at the Wildwood Golf Club, Sample Road, Allison Park.

Contact: Stephen Deal at stephendeal@pghdeal.org or (724) 493-3292.

AmSpirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, Referral Based Networking Chapter meets 8:00

a.m. every Thurs. at the Sports Grille Cranberry Twp. Contact: Dan Novakovich at novakovich@zoominternet.net or 724-309-2553.

AmSpirit Wexford, Referral Based Networking Chapter meets 8:15 a.m. every Wed. at Walnut Grill, Wexford. Contact: Jen O’Donnell at jnodonnell86@yahoo.com or (724) 809-6647.

Butler County Chamber Coffee Club meeting, Dec. 6,

13 & 20, SpringHill Suite by Marriot. For info, email Jennifer@ ButlerCountyChamber.com or call (724) 283-2222.

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

King’s Restaurant, Rt. 8, Gibsonia.

Call Mary Ann, at (724) 935-2221 or www.wpabusiness.com.

Opportunities ESL Conversation Friends,

teaches everyday language skills to immigrants, meets at 10 a.m.

Tues. & Thurs. & 7 p.m. Weds. at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. New students & volunteers are welcome.

Visit www.stbrendans.org or call (412) 364-5974.

Follow us on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM to keep up to date with your community events and more!

Outreach Donate your vehicle to NHCO’s

Transportation Assistance program.

Free pickup or towing and hassle-free donation process. For details, visit nhco.org/donate/donate-car or (412) 408-3830 x3225.

Knitters needed to join the Busy

Hands Group at The Olive Branch Fair Trade Store and Missions. The group meets 9:15-11:15 a.m., 1st & 3rd Monday of the month, at 11160 Perry Highway in Wexford. Bring your needles! For info, call (724) 799-8700.

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517

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DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Mt. Royal Blvd. in Allison Park is a donation site for non-perishable groceries for North Hills Community Outreach for its three food pantries.

Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org.

North Hills Community Outreach’s Pathways program

offers goal-setting help for those who are struggling. Call Abby at North Boroughs (412) 307-0069; Nicole in Millvale (412) 408-3830 or Shela in McKees Rocks (412) 331-1685 x233.

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.

Ridgewood Food Pantry, open

every Tue. 5-7 p.m. & every Wed. 2-6 p.m., 335 Center Ave. Pgh. Street parking available. Helping the West View Community Call Judy at (412) 931-1313.

UPMC Passavant Auxiliary Membership Opportunities,

are you looking for an opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join UPMC Passavant Auxiliary’s tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept.-June) at 10 a.m. Contact Alice at (412) 748-6640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu.

Races & Walks Brendan’s Boots, the hiking group

of St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, hits the trail every three weeks. The group meets at 10 a.m. & each hike is followed by lunch at a restaurant.

For details, visit stbrendans.org or call (412) 364-5974.

Social Great Fellowship Social Club,

meeting noon, 2nd Sat. each month in Wexford, Bella Frutteto, 2602 Brandt School Rd., 15090. Live music, Dixieland, Jazz, & Eclectic sounds. $25 entertainment with a choice from Bella Frutetto’s special events menu. All are welcome! Cash bar opens at 11:30 a.m. Call (267) 838-5622.

Man Night, 7-9 p.m. 1st Wed.,

of every month, thru Orchard Hill Church. Locations vary. For details, email jhaldeman@orchardhillchurch. com.

Mosaic Singles Community (40+), a Christian Family-based community at Orchard Hill. Visit www.orchardhillchurch.com/adults.

Sealarks Women’s Group meeting & entertainment, 12:30 p.m., Dec. 11, at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road, Allison Park. Guests $2. Provide Christian fellowship & social activity for women alone. For info, call (412) 487-7194.

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 a.m.,

Tues., at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. For info, visit www. stbrendans.org or call (412) 3645974.

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) 7492388.

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) 7492388.

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, 6:308 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.

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) 7485120. bridge2hope.org.

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous,

11 a.m., Tues., Prayer Room of Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Rd., McCandless. For info, call Jane at (412) 951-9517.

Lupus Foundation meetings,

7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 2615886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m., Weds, at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. For info, visit www. stbrendans.org or call (412) 9519157.

Parkinson’s Support Group, 10

a.m., 1st Tues of each month, Rose E. Schneider YMCA. For details, contact Dale at (724) 591-8121 or d.reckless@mrsphysicaltherapy.com.

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.

Recovery for Parents of Addicts: 6 Steps to Sanity, 6:30-8 p.m., Thurs., at Orchard Hill. For info, www. orchardhillchurch.com. No meeting Nov. 28, Dec. 26.

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) 8262784 or valerie.bucek@healthsouth. com.

Under One Roof helps people

who are housing extended family members under their roof. Anyone who is experiencing the challenges of extended family living is provided support & advice. For info, contact St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church at www.stbrendans.org or (412) 6352312.

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.

Pennsylvania Community-Based Programs Awarded VA Grants

Exceptional Adventures

E

xceptional Adventures is seeking volunteers to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at our annual New Year’s Eve event, Dec. 31 – Jan. 1 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Pittsburgh Airport. The party includes music, dancing, dinner buffet, prizes and more! Dinner and accommodations are free for volunteers. Exceptional Adventures provides travel and social opportunities for people with disabilities. Please call 412446-0713, email ea-volunteers@PFQ.org, or visit ExceptionalAdventures.com. 4 4 4

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.

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

ESL Conversation Friends, which

teaches everyday language skills to immigrants meets at 10 a.m., Tues. & Thurs., and 7 p.m. Weds, at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., Franklin Park. New students & volunteer tutors are welcome. Visit stbrendans.org or (412) 364-5974.

Hope Hospice is looking for volun-

teers for their patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! Call (412) 367-3685.

Lighthouse Foundation is looking

for individuals or groups to do local food donation pick-ups, help with food pantry distributions & special projects, and office assistant work.

For details, call (724) 586-5554.

Mission Vision needs volunteers

to Support Disabled Veterans in Adaptive Sports at Slippery Rock University. Visit www.va.gov/adaptivesports.

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.

Sgt. Joseph D. Caskey American Legion Post 80 has scholarships

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group, 10 a.m.,

you can find the time to sit with hospice patients, we would love to have you. Call Bethany Hospice, at (412) 921-2209.

“Veteran X” mental health & sub-

Tutoring volunteers needed for Anchorpoint’s Tutoring Mentoring Program. For details, call (412) 3661300 x123.

and camps available for students in grades 9-12. For details, visit www.

Pa-legion.com.

VA Butler Healthcare Flu Vaccination Clinics to Veterans at

the main campus, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, and other community locations this fall. For a list of date and times, call (724) 287-4781 or 1-800-362-8262.

VA Butler Healthcare’s Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Program now offers Veterans the

opportunity to work one-on-one with a personal trainer in its Wellness Center at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center. For info, visit https://www.butler.va.gov/services/ Health_and_Wellness.asp or call, 878-271-6484.

Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call 800-362-8262 ext. 2498.

stance 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/.

Volunteer Opportunities

to help with Provide vision–Give hope. Call (724) 553-3114 or www. mission-vision.org.

Seeking hospice volunteers... if

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.

American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon. stalter@cancer.org.

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NC F E AT URE

Celebrating 36 Seasons of Giving

N

othing lights up the eyes of elderly patients living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities more than the visiting neighbors and children. Individuals, families, businesses and civic groups have long recognized the importance of giving back by simply adding a visit to a local nursing home patient as part of their Christmas tradition.

PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS® has spread Christmas cheer to thousands of patients since 1984. Founded by St. Barnabas Health System President, William V. Day, to help patients combat the loneliness they often feel during the holidays by providing them with a gift and a visitor.

Visit a Patient

The visit is the real gift! Plan now to make a personal visit. Contact a nursing home or assisted living facility near you to schedule a visit during the holiday season!

Group visits are encouraged!

LIGHTS O F LI FE

Light the St. Barnabas giant outdoor Christmas tree with a donation in honor or memory of a loved one and support the Free Care Fund.

Donation:

$10

$25

$50

$75

$100

Other:

In Honor / Memory of (circle one) Please notify: Name

Sponsor a Christmas Tree Light for St. Barnabas Free Care Patients

Address

Your Name Address City Phone

Email

State

Zip

Checks payable and sent to: St. Barnabas Charities, 5850 Meridian Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044 Online payment: StBarnabasCharities.com “Lights of Life” Phone: 724-625-3770

44

If a business or group is planning a gift drive suggested gifts include Pittsburgh sports themed sweatshirts and merchandise – Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins are sure to be a big hit! Warm cozy blankets, PJs, slippers, socks and large print word search books are also common requests. Collected gifts can be delivered to a facility near you.

Plan now to make a difference - a little time will make someone smile this Christmas.

To visit one of the seven St. Barnabas facilities located in Allegheny, Butler and Beaver counties, call 724-625-3770 or email Cheer@PresentsForPatients.com. 4 4 4

DECEMBER 2019 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

More than 15,000 multi-colored Christmas lights will illuminate the largest living Christmas tree east of the Mississippi. The evergreen, at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, will light up St. Barnabas’ Gibsonia campus and has become a bright tradition in Richland Township.