December 2021
CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 22 YEARS
From
Broadcasting To Biofuel
Shady Side Students Explore Questions Big and Small
Also... Holiday Guide | Christmas Worship Guide | Christmas Nativity Trivia
www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2021
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
NORTHERN CONNECTION
December
P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046
18
NC Features
7 December Events 7 Family & Small Business Profiles 16 Worship Guide 28 Home Guide
Holiday Guide
8 2021 Holiday Guide 9 2021 Ben Avon Holiday House Tour 12 Facts From the Farm: Triple B Ron Eichner
Health & Wellness
24 How Dry I Am Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm
Kids & Education
18 Cover Story: From Broadcasting to Biofuels – Shady Side Students Explore Questions Big and Small 20 School Movers & Shakers
Advertorials 5
Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey
In Every Issue...
4 Movers & Shakers 6 Mover & Shaker of the Month: North Allegheny Students Raised Funds for Glimmer of Hope with their Pink Out Campaign Paula Green 10 Trivia Connection: Christmas Nativity Trivia Paula Green 26 From the Editor: Are You a Reader? Janice Lane Palko 27 Support Our Troops: Veterans Honored by Local School Districts Paula Green
Welcome to the December issue of Northern Connection Magazine! We are now in our 22nd year of connecting you to the community. We would like to thank all our advertisers and readers for your support. Together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. Enjoy reading our December issue! Marion Piotrowski, President & Publisher
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Phone: 724-940-2444 ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com President & Publisher
Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor
Janice Lane Palko Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator
Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator
Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive
Mary L. Simpson Design & Production
Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc. Web Master
Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers
Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year. The mission of the Swanson Publishing 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.
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Movers & Shakers Vincentian announced the appointment of Dean Owrey as the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Dean Owrey
Riding for the Cure group presented a check to Ken DeFurio, President & CEO of Butler Health System, in the amount of $60,080.25 to assist cancer patients in Butler County. Since 2012, the group has raised $376,500 overall and has donated more than $281,000 to the BHS Foundation. These funds assist cancer patients with their co-pays, medications, utility bills and other every day needs.
John Marshall of John Marshall Catering has been awarded “The Best Dish Award” at the 2021 Taste of Cranberry, by the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce. John John Marshall is an active member Marshall of the Cranberry Twp. afternoon Rotary and The Guatemala Mission Group at St. Richard Church. The catering company has been the recipient of many awards over the years and John Marshall Catering is booking for the events for the holidays. Be sure to call soon to set up your party at (724) 444-1384.
Sign-On
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Available!
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to reserve your advertising space for the Winter issue!
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DECEMBER 2021 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
ADVERTORIAL
HOPE
Frank S.
Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have
Ten years ago I hurt my foot and it continued to get worse over the years. It got to the point that my feet were so sore and cold all the time. Outdoor activities are very important to me and I was losing the ability to do them. I felt there was no hope. A friend of mine learned of Tri-State Neuropathy Centers and I made an appointment. The results have been unbelievable. I have no more pain and my feet are no longer cold. My range of motion is so much better, and my balance is back. I am now enjoying all the outdoor activities I use to and am nearly 100% better.
Don’t Give Up!
Janie C. It seems like it became noticeable about 20 years ago. At first my feet would ache from time-to-time, then my feet would ache so bad that I had to limit my time standing or walking. In the last two years I have had to change the way I have lived my life. I could no longer go hiking with my husband or just take a walk. I knew it was just a matter of time before I would need a wheelchair. I heard about Tri-State Neuropathy Centers and went for my free consultation to see if I was a candidate. To date, I see a significant improvement. I can take short walks, cook and I have even been gardening. It feels like a miracle. I plan to get back into volunteer work.
Paula C. It all began with major surgery in October 2020 with an ankle break on two major bones from a fall. I was getting very depressed as my foot was numb on the side of the incision and it was affecting my life. I decided to meet with Tri-State Neuropathy Centers for a free consultation. I have completed the program I am pain free and 90 percent better. I highly recommend anyone needing help to go see a Tri-State Neuropathy Center. I am 68 and a Grammy of six grandchildren. The treatment has helped me walk without a cane and be more active with my active family as my balance has improved tremendously. The staff is truly compassionate and kind. Thank you Tri-State Neuropathy and your staff for your kindness and helping me walk 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 TRI-STATE NEUROPATHY CENTERS. It includes the combination of very specific, noninvasive, FDA approved and painless treatments that are designed to get rid of symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. With over 90 percent satisfaction rate and the experience of seeing over 8000 patients, they are able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, don’t wait until they get worse.
Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: • Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs Take o • Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands PREQUA ur LIFYING • Extreme Sensitivity to Touch SU www.M RVEY at aryDan • Loss of Balance or Coordination cedIn.c om • Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles • Weakness in the Arms and Legs • Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers • Dependency on Medications If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait till they get worse. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation.
Call for your FREE consultation to begin your path to recovery. Call Dr. Shawn Richey at 724-940-9000 to schedule your time.
Five Locations: Sewickley
2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd., Suite 207
Monroeville
4314 Old William Penn Hwy, Suite 105
Washington, PA
1385 Washington Rd., #100
Poland, OH
70 W McKinley Way, Poland, OH 44514
Weirton, WV
3350 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite A, Weirton, WV 26062
MaryDancedIn.com • (724) 940 -9000 www.PittsburghFiftyFivePlus.com | Fall 2021
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MOVERS & SHAKERS
Pink Out committee (left to right) Matt Miller, Maggie Bridges, Glimmer of Hope’s Diana Napper & Brady Quatman
Pink Out T-shirt maker Nathan Green
Pink Out T-shirt makers Sara McGuigan, Syler Corona, Eddie Seskey & Grace Deeter
Mover & Shaker of the Month
North Allegheny Students Raised Funds for Glimmer of Hope with Their Pink Out Campaign By Paula Green
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n October 8, North Allegheny students shelved their usual black and gold school colors, and sported pink for their Homecoming game. During that evening, the North Allegheny
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Student Section held a Pink Out campaign. The event was held to raise funds for Glimmer of Hope, a local foundation that provides services, programs, research, and technology in the fight against breast cancer. This annual event has proven to be quite successful for NASH. According to NA’s Students Section, activities director Sharon Volpe, “The student section leaders have been doing this fundraiser pretty steadily for seven years. I reached out to them only a month before the Pink-Out game, and they pulled it together in just such a short time. The students in our Special Ed department work in a T-shirt shop to get work experience. They did quite a bit of the work making the Pink Out shirts. They did it under the direction of vocation teacher Melinda Beck and Tiger Shop coordinator, Shawn Connors. “The special ed teens did a wonderful job and enjoyed seeing everyone wearing the shirts they made,” Melinda said. “The students that coordinated this year’s Pink Out campaign were Maggie Bridges, Matt Miller and Brady Quatman. Brady and Matt often worked after school to make the shirts. Maggie took the lead on sales. Thanks to the efforts of this year’s campaign, $7,000+ has been raised for Glimmer of Hope. Everything that these teens did was really impressive,” Ms. Volpe added. The project had a positive effect on those who were involved. “I was the student head of this project, taking on the commutations, organization, and outreach for this fundraiser. The support Glimmer of Hope provides made me want to put my full effort into making this an impactful fundraiser. It was stressful initially, but what kept me going and continued perseverance was the fact that I could make an impact as a high school student. I stayed after school every day to hand print the shirts, pulled late hours organizing orders, and reaching out to the community to get involved,” Maggie remarked. “I helped make the shirts every day after school for about a week. In addition, help pass them out at lunch as it led up to the football game Friday night. I love how I got to be a part of something that is making a difference outside of NA, and I enjoyed the process of doing it,” Matt said. The money raised for Glimmer of Hope gets donated to Allegheny Health Network, Magee Women’s Research Institute, the Hillman Cancer Center, and Allegheny General Hospital. For more information on Glimmer of Hope, visit https://www.symbolofthecure.com/. n
HAPPENINGS
December Events Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive, runs thru Dec. 15. For
details, go to pittsburghkids.org/sweaterdrive or e-mail: hi@pittsburghkids.org.
Open to the public with free admission. Light snacks & beverages sold at the concession stand. Face coverings are required indoors. For info, contact Julie at julie. makuta@laroche.edu
EduNations Benefit Concert, 7 p.m., Dec. 3, Memorial
Holiday Village sponsored by Pittsburgh North Regional
Park Church Sanctuary. Features singer-songwriter Sandra McCracken. A goodwill offering is encouraged. For info, visit EduNations.org/Benefit-Concert.
Gingerbread Display is being held 9 a.m.-9 p.m. thru Jan.16 at The Block Northway. Nearly 80 gingerbread houses have been created by individuals, families and various organizations. The sugary exhibit will be in the South Corridor Lower Level between DSW and Land’s End. It is free to the public.
Holiday Craft Show, 3-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, in the Kerr Fitness & Sports Center at La Roche University.
Chamber, 5-8 p.m., Dec. 4, at the Cranberry Township Farmer’s Market, 2525 Rochester Rd. for info, visit pghnorthchamber.com.
Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA (MGA) Virtual Holiday Paint & Sip Celebration, 7-8:30 p.m.,
Dec. 9. to benefit MGA’s FREE patient support services. For details, contact MGA at mgaoffice@mgawpa.org or (412) 566-1545.
Northland Library, has numerous events scheduled for
December. For a complet list, visit www.northlandlibrary. org or call (412) 366-8100.
Private screening of Polar Express, two showings
11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Dec. 4, at the Strand Theater in Zelienople. Limited seating. Bring a donation for Glade Run. For details, call (724) 452-4453 x1277 or email cmartin@gladerun.org.
UPMC Passavant Hospital Auxiliary Membership Opportunities, are you looking for a stimulating opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of our community hospitals—UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Join the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary’s long tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month, 10 a.m., Sept. through June. New members are welcome. For info, contact Nicole Kaib at (412) 748-6640 or kaibn@upmc.edu.
Women’s Business Network has meetings scheduled in December at various times and locations. For a detailed list, visit www.wbninc.com.
Family & Small Business PerryWorks PerryWorks offers an affordable shared workspace for freelancers, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the North Hills area. Founded in 2019 by Brandon Craig, PerryWorks is locally owned and committed to creating an environment that will help deliver shared knowledge and collaboration. Shared coworking spaces like PerryWorks allow for more freedom in your business venture and flexibility. The value sits not only in your bottom-dollar line, but also in the conversations, the exchange of ideas that spark innovation, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect and collaborate. Whether you are looking to escape the isolation of your home office or the hustle and inconvenience of your neighborhood coffee shop or have the need to downsize and move out of your current office space, you won’t need to look any further. Located in the West View neighborhood at 454 Perry Highway with free parking and a variety of other businesses and restaurants in walking distance, PerryWorks is minutes from downtown Pittsburgh and McKnight Road. It offers private office space, dedicated desks (semi-private desk space), flex desks (open seating), virtual business membership (mail services and business address), daily pass (open seating for the day), conference room, high-speed internet, printing and photocopying, mail services, business address, computer and monitor rental, private phone booth, kitchen with complimentary coffee and tea bar. No contract is required and memberships are month-to-month. For more information on PerryWorks, call: 412-695-3497 or visit: www.perryworks.com.
Healthy Pet Products Pittsburgh-owned and operated by owner Toni Shelaske, Healthy Pet Products first opened in 2008 in McCandless and now has two more locations—McMurray and the newest location in Cranberry near Fun Fore All. Healthy Pet Products’ employees have a wealth of experience and knowledge to help you find the best diet for your dog, cat, or small pets like rabbits and hamsters. “We do lots of research to select only companies that hold the highest of standards. We also take the time to use and experience the products with our own pets in order to understand and explain their benefits to our customers,” said Shelaske. Healthy Pet Products can also help pet owners find the right diet that works with their pet’s medicinal needs, alleviating many side effects associated with different medicines. “We evolve with the industry and stay up to date with the newest and best products for our customers by going to conventions, attending seminars, and constantly reading articles. We then in return relay this information to our customers and employees,” said Shelaske. Healthy Pet Products not only educates its employees, but they also educate their customers and community. “We have never classified ourselves as veterinarians, but we are the local neighborhood store that can help assist with your pets’ dietary and behavioral needs,” said Shelaske. www.healthypetproducts.net | 412-366-0700 | 724-776-5700
www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2021
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2021
HOLIDAY GUIDE Make your holiday season perfect with these local vendors and fun, memorable activities!
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2021 Ben Avon Holiday House Tour
T
he Avon Club proudly presents the 2021 Ben Avon Holiday House Tour, to be held on December 4, in historic Ben Avon. This year, we welcome you to the Borough of Ben Avon, where all the homes on this year’s tour are located. The homes we have chosen represent a wide variety of architectural styles and designs, and special attention has been paid to preserve the original character of each house. Each home is beautifully decorated, to not only honor the historical features of the home, but also to demonstrate the unique style and taste of the homeowners. The tour features seven unique and beautiful homes in Ben Avon Borough, and represent a wide variety of architectural styles and designs and diversity in age. Pictured are two of this year’s featured homes, located at and 325 Breading Avenue and 149 Dickson Avenue, respectively. If you are new to Ben Avon, or even if you have visited before, you may not be very familiar with this lovely little community on the Ohio River. Ben Avon was founded and grew on the land defined by the ravines, runs, and hillsides. The industrial and commercial expansion from Pittsburgh outward stopped before it could reach Ben Avon and its immediate neighbors. The original inhabitants, who were the Dickson heirs, moved slowly in the subdivision of their property into residential lots. When residential development did come, it came with the services and utilities that early 20th century home owners had come to expect. Ben Avon was not an isolated community. The railroad, street cars, and Ohio River Boulevard all provided vital contact between Ben Avon and the surrounding world. It remains, in the words of many real estate agents, a quiet suburb only minutes away from the big city. There are three main purposes of this year’s house tour. One is to provide visitors with a deep historical perspective of our area from the earliest records of settlement through decades of change, represented by architectural diversity. The second is for visitors to simply have fun as we share our community with you during this most festive holiday season. Finally, the tour is the Avon Club’s major fundraising event. The proceeds of this event will allow us to continue our mission: to provide needed support in the areas of education, recreation, preservation, and social responsibility. Event proceeds provide scholarships and grants in our communities. The homeowners are happy to share their journey with guests regarding their home, including any upgrades or improvements made during their ownership. Guests will also be provided with a detailed history of the homes, providing a fascinating look back into times past. Tickets can be purchased for either of tour tours. The Daylight Tour takes place between 10am until 4pm with a ticket price of $25 in advance or $30 day of tour. The Candlelight Tour will be held from 6pm until 9pm, and tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day of tour. The tours also feature Gourmet Goodies and live entertainment. COVID-19 precautions will be in place to ensure the health and safety of our guests. For tickets, more details, and a list of FAQs, please visit: https://theavonclub.org/house-tour/ or visit us on Facebook at @avonclubavonworth. n
www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2021
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TRIVIA CONNECTION
Christmas Nativity Trivia esus is the reason for the season.” So, this month, we put aside the hustle and bustle of the holidays to focus our attention on the Nativity story. It’s believed that Jesus Christ was born around 5 or 6 B.C. in Bethlehem. Even though we celebrate Jesus’ birth on December 25, the Bible never specifies an exact date for this blessed event. Many Bible scholars think that Jesus was born in the autumn. Shepherds aren’t out in the fields that time of year because, in December, it’s often cold and rainy, but in the fall, the shepherds were still out in the fields in Israel. Most of Jesus’ life is told through the four Gospels writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In Luke 1:26-38, we hear of the angel Gabriel’s visit with Mary. She was initially frightened until Gabriel told Mary that she had found favor with God. Gabriel explained that she would conceive a child by the power of the Holy Spirit. Gabriel also visited Mary’s betrothed, Joseph, in a dream and told him that Mary would be pregnant from the Lord. She would have a son named Jesus who would save the people from their sins. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to register for the census. The couple arrived in Bethlehem and was told that there were no places to stay. The inns were full, but seeing that Mary was with child, an owner told Joseph they could stay in his stable. Mary went into labor, and Jesus was born in the stable. They laid their newborn in a manger. After Mary gave birth to Jesus, an angel appeared to shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem. The angel told them the good news was that our Savior Christ the Lord was born in the City of David. So the shepherds went to find baby Jesus. After some time, a few wise men, known as the Magi, saw a bright star shining in the sky. They traveled from a distant eastern country to find the new king. The wise men continued to Bethlehem and found Jesus right where the star pointed. They knelt and worshipped the Savior and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod, who, upon hearing of his birth, felt threatened and tried to kill Jesus by ordering all of Bethlehem’s male children under age two to be killed. But Joseph was warned by an angel and took Mary and Jesus to Egypt until Herod’s death, where upon he brought the family back and settled in Nazareth.
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Since we concentrated on Jesus’ birth, we must now shine our thoughts on this Christmas query. So, get set to don those thinking caps because it’s time to get a little trivial. 1. Which prophet foretold that a virgin shall give birth to a son and call him Immanuel? 2. How many miles did Mary and Joseph travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem? 3. What is a manger? 4. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to register for the census under whose decree? 5. Bethlehem is the land of ______? 6. Two of the Gospel writers talk about the nativity; one is Luke, who is the other? 7. With what did Mary wrap newborn Jesus? 8. What direction did the wise men travel to Jerusalem? 9. The Bible doesn’t specify, but it’s believed how many wise men visited baby Jesus. 10. The Christian church celebrated Christmas for the first time on this date. 11. How many days after Jesus’ birth did Mary and Joseph name him? 12. What was the shepherd’s first reaction when the angel appeared to them? 13. Name of the 2006 drama that focused on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. 14. The names of the Magi were Balthasar, Melchior and _____? 15. This 2017 animated Christmas tale of the birth of Jesus is told from the animals’ point of view. n Sources: https://www.biography.com/religious-figure/jesus-christ, https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/the-birth-of-jesus-christ-bible-storysummary, https:biblestudytoolscom/bible-stories/birth-of-jesus.html, https://gatheredagain.com/20-fun-christmas-bible-trivia-questions/, www.funtrivia. com, https://faithinthenews.com/7-trivia-questions-birth-jesus/
Answers Answers: 1. Isaiah 2. 80 miles 3. feeding trough for animals 4. Caesar Augustus 5. Judah 6. Matthew 7. swaddling clothes 8. westward 9. three 10. December 25, 336 A.D. 11. eight 12. they were afraid 13. The Nativity Story 14. Caspar 15. The Star
“J
By Paula Green
Saturday, December 18 • 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Santa will be escorted on a fire truck through the center!
Letters to Santa Sweepstakes – 10 Winners Winners chosen by random drawing on Monday, Decmber 20 Winners receive a $50.00 Visa Christmas Gift Card!
(Winners chosen and contacted by telephone on Monday, December 20)
Drop Off Your Letter to Santa: Santa’s North Pole Mail Box – McIntyre Square – 7900 McKnight Road North Pole Mail Box is located between Gabes and Fitness 19
At Home Chuck E. Cheese CosmoProf Edible Arrangements Fine Wine & Good Spirits Fitness 19 Gabe’s GNC Great Clips H&R Block Laurie’s Hallmark Life Uniform
McIntyre Beer My Eye Doctor National Tire & Battery Once Upon A Child Original Pancake House PNC Subway Tan Seekers Nails Center Ting’s Kitchen Valley Pool & Spa Weight Watchers
Drop off your Letter to Santa by December 18 Include your Name, Address & Phone Number Children 12 & Under No Purchase Necessary Bring to Santa’s North Pole Mail Box (Between Gabes and Fitness 19) McIntyre Square – 7900 McKnight Road
McKnight Road
McIntyre Square Ross Park Mall
79
I-2
McIntyre Square McIntyre Square Drive Ross Township /Town of McCandless
Route 19
To Wexford
To Downtown Pittsburgh
www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2021
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FA C T S F R O M T H E FA R M
Triple B By Ron Eichner
Hi folks, it is an understatement that we are liv-
ing in interesting and uncharted times. With two holidays, Christmas and New Year’s, a week apart, it feels as though they are miles away. Christmas gifts may be a series of pictures of items that currently can’t be purchased because the things are out of stock. Heck, we don’t know what the prices will be when the gifts are available. As farmers, we know that if you feed livestock, you generally get crap in the end. So it indeed parallels Triple “B”- Bring Back Better, you can feel it, and for sure, in the end, you get crap. Triple “B” warrants being a series, and it can be the best cellar with a race to the bottom. Owning your farm or business meant you could never be laid off or have your job offshored. Best of all, you could employ others and bestow on them the gifts of learning life skills. Look around, and all you hear and see is businesses need workers at every level, and farms are no exception. In the farming community, countless jobs can give individuals some life skills which can be used throughout their lifetime. Work has been the cornerstone of most citizens’ identities and certainly not inspired to live off government checks. So, instead of the government stepping back and letting businesses do what they do best, the government feels it’s better to pay people not to go to work and stay home. As a multi-generation family farm, we learn to manage and understand costs. The joy my dad had was, it seemed, the managing skills came naturally to me.
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No farm or business can succeed or prosper if it functions and manages the way government at every level functions. If the government had to manage pennies as most small businesses are masters of, maybe they could clearly define how they will cover spending one and half-trillion dollars on infrastructure, and it doesn’t cost us a dime! Any business would welcome their model of protecting their spending by going to the Federal Reserve and telling them to print the money to cover the debt. An interesting deflection is it is often said, “That no business person can function in government and succeed, but the model of government would fail in business every time.” We hear the average person can’t run for most elections because of the vast sums of money needed to run a campaign. Well, maybe if the government would say you only can spend whatever the annual income is of that position. Then perhaps everyone could have the opportunity to step up and serve and then return to the private sector. So Triple B will be a series to shed light on the paths we can choose in the maze of life and hopefully find the light at the end of the maze is the path to our future as, “One nation under God for which it stands!” As a family farm business, we wish your families and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2022. If you’re seeking some trimmings for a traditional Christmas, Diane’s homemade cookies by the dozen are a good start. A “breakfast of champions” is our high-energy eggs and homemade sausages. Canadian bacon and slab bacon are also a hit if you have visitors. Finally, you are welcome to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm & Greenhouses and let it be your year-round destination for 2022, at 285 Richard Road in Wexford, and get “the rest of the story.” n
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W and e wish y Chr our fa all of Sea istmas mily a you s and on full and a Merry Ho joy o and f love liday , Hap a py N healt peace, h ew Yea y and Fro mt r ! he S ta ff
of
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Worship This Chirstmas! 16
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Christmas Eve Service December 24 at 7PM Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church 1828 Roosevelt Road Sewickley, PA 15143 (412) 741-6880
www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2021
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COVER STORY Junior Delaney Mulderig interviews an SSA player for her football documentary
From
Broadcasting To Biofuel
Shady Side Students Explore Questions Big and Small Shady Side Academy junior Delaney Mulderig has always had a passion for sports. During the spring 2020 quarantine, as she was binging sports documentaries such as The Last Dance and 30 for 30, it hit her: she could be a sports broadcast journalist. “It dawned on me that I could be the next Erin Andrews or Hannah Storm. And when I told my advisor, she said, ‘This sounds like a good idea for an independent study.’”
S Senior Steven Liu conducts algal biofuel research in SSA’s McIlroy Center for Science & Innovation.
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SA’s independent study program allows students in grades 10-12 to design their own for-credit courses for a term or full year. They must submit a proposal to be approved by a faculty committee, then meet regularly with a faculty mentor while completing their project during dedicated time in their class schedule. For her independent study, Mulderig is producing a documentary on Shady Side’s 2021
football team. She’s spent the fall learning not just how to shoot interviews and game footage, but also how to ask good questions and see where the story takes you, under faculty mentor James Knox, a former photojournalist. The experience has opened her eyes to the work that goes into a good story. “When you see that perfect interview with the quarterback before a game, so many people, so many hours were involved – the preparation, figuring out the storyline, editing – it’s a lot more than just looking good on camera.” She’s also been inspired by how the school has embraced her project. “That’s the thing about Shady Side. When I brought this idea to adults, everyone said, ‘I can help you.’ And they really want to do it – they want me to be successful.” Mulderig is just one example of how Shady Side encourages students to pursue their passions and enables them to customize their educational journey. Programs such as the Independent Study, Senior Project, Science Research Seminar and Social Innovators Program allow students to delve deeply into an area of interest in ways not typically available in a classroom. Senior Karen Linares Mendoza of Fox Chapel knows what it’s like to learn a second language. A native of Mexico, she learned to speak English when her family emigrated to the U.S. in 2012, and now she’s learning French at SSA. As a junior, she took the Science Research Seminar, which advances students’ research skills and places them in laboratories for summer internships. She spent last summer in the University of Pittsburgh’s Sound Brain Lab, doing cognitive and neurobiological research on the role of speech cues in auditory processing. Afterward, the lab invited her to stay on, and she decided to lead her own research during the school year as an independent study under faculty mentor Dr. Jill Schumacher. Now she’s recruiting fellow SSA students, including some Chinese boarding students, to serve as subjects as she compares the neural tracking of speech sounds in native and non-native English speakers. “Even before this research, I was interested in majoring in cognitive sciences, and this has solidified my interest,” she said. “I’m grateful because Shady Side has prepared me more than I could ever imagine.” Senior Crystal Ma of Hampton has been drawing for as long as she can remember. A few years ago, she found an old sew-
Senior Crystal Ma is creating a multimedia art installation related to the fashion industry.
ing machine and taught herself to sew, sparking an interest in fashion. “Fashion is another canvas where I can create art that’s wearable,” she said. Last spring, she explored that interest further through an independent study in fashion entrepreneurship, interviewing and working with three female fashion entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh. That led to a summer internship with designer Kiya Tomlin, where she learned more about the day-to-day aspects of running your own fashion brand. This year, Ma is combining her interests in art and fashion in another independent study, a multimedia art installation, under faculty mentor Cari Batchelar. “It’s a take on how multimedia art can be used to critique problems I see, specifically within the fashion industry,” she said. First, she’s creating a three-dimensional eye with a mirrored pupil. Next, she’ll create statues representing specific issues she sees, which will be positioned to be reflected in the eye. Ma says the independent studies and internship helped clarify her desire to launch her own fashion brand. “It’s given me a concrete vision of what I see myself doing in the future,” she said. “And that’s made my path really linear in terms of what I want to pursue in college.” When senior Steven Liu of McCandless was young, his family used to go on long fishing trips, fostering a love of nature and the environment. It was there he first encountered algae. “It was a nuisance,” he said. “It covered the water. I couldn’t see where I was casting my line.” But when the budding scientist learned that algae could be used to make biofuel, it sparked an interest – and also nearly sparked a fire when he attempted to make
Senior Karen Linares Mendoza talks with Chinese boarding students participating in her neuroscience research.
biofuel on the kitchen stove. A passionate environmentalist, Liu is now completing his second yearlong independent study under Dr. Devon Renock, researching the most efficient and effective method to produce algal biofuel. Last year, he spent long hours conducting his research in SSA’s McIlroy Center for Science and Innovation, and this year he’s writing it up for submission to a journal for publication. Liu’s research helped him earn admission to the 2021 Research Science Institute, a prestigious six-week summer program for high school students. “This independent study has changed my life in a lot of aspects,” Liu said. “One big thing is the incredible equipment we have in the McIlroy Center that a lot of colleges don’t even have. It’s been a central part of my research. But also, it’s the teachers – I’m really grateful for Dr. Renock. He stayed after school basically every day with me last year, especially during crunch time. I’m just incredibly grateful for this program. It’s been one of the best experiences of my life.” n
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K I D S & E D U C AT I O N
School Movers & Shakers Blessed Francis Seelos Academy Lynne Rosenbaum Ravas visited the eighth grade class at Blessed Francis Seelos Academy. Ravas is a child of a Holocaust survivor. Their teacher Mary Smolter arranged the visit to help her studeants understand more fully the events of the Holocaust.
Hampton
The Hampton Varsity football team and their coaches pitched in to help neighbors clean up fallen trees and debris after a tornado hit Green Valley Drive.
Pine-Richland The Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Performance Excellence (MAAPE) program announced that Pine-Richland School District has been named a 2021 Excellence Award recipient. The Excellence Award is the alliance’s highest award level.
Quaker Valley Quaker Valley High School junior Spencer Wiehe recently completed
Speech and Debate Tournament. Ian Mackey-Piccolo and sophomore Adhitya Thirumala placed at The Meadows Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament, and they advanced to the quarterfinal round and finished in the top eight at the tournament.
selected to receive a $7,500 grant through the Highmark Foundation School Grants and Awards program.
his Eagle Scout project. With help from Trail Pittsburgh, Spencer built two mountain biking bridges in North Park. The entire process took six months, with the help of about 20 Scouts and volunteers, the two bridges were completed over the course of two weekends in October.
Seneca Valley
In October, Seneca Valley Band members held their annual campaign called “SV Band Gives Back.” Their designated charity this year was Cancer Bridges in support of SV’s very own Athletic Director Ms. Heather Lewis. The band raised over $2,100. Seneca Valley ‘21 Graduate Zach Garcia is one of 356 students in the world who received a perfect score on the Advanced Zach Garcia Placement (AP®) Computer Science A Exam. Zach took the exam as a senior last May. Connoquenessing Valley Elementary (CVE) School in the Seneca Valley School District was
Seneca Valley senior Liam Volk-Klos scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT while simultaneously earning a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT.
Four Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the annual M and M Lake Erie Invitational Tournament. The following students won honors - Ian Mackey-Piccolo, Adhitya Thirumala, Caleb Hahl and Swati Mylarappa.
Liam VolkKlos
Mars Area
Shady Side Academy
Mars Area School District collected $9,503.89 to benefit Susan G. Komen Foundation as part of an annual Pink Out & “Hats for Heroes” fundraiser, held Oct. 15.
Members of Girl Scout Troop 28842 (Mars) have been working to spruce up Middlesex Township Volunteer Fire Department as part of a community service project.
Fox Chapel Five Fox Chapel Area High School students competed and placed at two speech and debate tournaments. Swati Mylarappa, Joshua Brown, and Moonyoung Hwang placed at the annual Upper St. Clair Novice
Shady Side Academy has partnered with Allegheny Health Network (AHN) to bring The Chill Project to SSA. The Chill Project has three components: (1) a “Chill Room” on campus; (2) mindfulness instruction provided by a full-time, school-based wellness educator, Larissa Evans; and (3) on-site therapy provided by a full-time, school-based counselor, Megan Tierney. Shady Side Academy has announced the appointment of James E. “Jim” Rohr Jr. ’92 as its next chief financial and operations officer (CFOO), effective January 3, 2022.
Jim Rohr
Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights) Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com
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St. Joseph Nigh School Saint Joseph High School senior Samuel Wygonik is a Semifinalist in the 67th National Merit Samuel Scholarship Program Wygonik and has an opportunity to continue in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship competition.
BC3 In October, Butler County Community College (BC3) broke ground for the Victor K. Phillips Nursing and Allied Health Building that will include simulated medical-surgery and ICU rooms. In November, Butler County Community College’s Dr. Nick Neupauer became the longest-serving president in the history of western Pennsylvania’s first community college.
A Butler County Community College dual-enrollment program has set records in seat count and in BC3 credits pursued by high school sophomores through seniors across seven counties in western Pennsylvania. The 654 seats occupied and 1,887 credits pursued in the fall 2021 semester are the most in the 24-year history of BC3’s College Within the High School program. Lydia Seaton, a 19-year-old English major and student editor, of Butler County Community College’s Lydia annual art and literary Seaton magazine had one of her poems recognized. Seaton placed behind the works of only two published authors in the Writers Association of Northern Appalachia’s open-mic competition this fall.
Dr. Nick Neupauer
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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
How Dry I Am Impact of Winter Drought on the Inside
to infections such as cold and flu viruses, and sinus infections. Viruses have a tendency to linger longer in dry air. Although mucus is an unwelcomed guest for those suffering from COPD, drying out, thickening, or hardening the mucus can lead to exacerbations and infection.
By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm
There are ways to increase moisture indoors:
I
t feels so cozy and comforting to be inside a warm home during the cold winter months, but when your home becomes dry and hot with no air circulation, your health may be at risk. Outside, the colder air can maintain a level of moisture from exposure to vegetation, grass, trees and the overall moist earth. Inside, moisture is not as easy to naturally maintain during the cold winter months. The dry cold air that seeps inside triggers most of us to turn up the heat to dispel the cold, which evaporates any remaining moisture in the air. High indoor heat, especially from forced-air heat, can dry out the indoor air significantly. In addition, moisture evaporates from your skin, and leaves your lips, mouth, nose, and throat parched. This can be a recipe for disaster if you suffer from allergies, sinusitis or respiratory conditions such as COPD. The purpose of moist mucus and nose hair is to trap the particles that you inhale, preventing it from reaching your lungs. Dry nostrils and throat may make you more vulnerable
Keep cold, dry air out. Close all doors and windows, and seal up any spaces, leaks, or cracks that let air in. Consider replacing old weather stripping. As you better insulate your home, you will notice that you do not need to turn up the furnace heat and may save you money on your heating bill. Decrease your thermostat. Decreasing your thermostat just a few degrees can make the air less drying. It is best to keep the indoor temperature between 65 °F - 75 °F (Ideal being 68 °F). Keeping the indoor temperature consistent for all rooms, may help those with heart conditions. Use a humidifier. Maintain a relative humidity between 35% - 50%. Some furnaces come with humidifiers, but you can also buy a standalone humidifier. They come in many sizes. On the flip side, relative humidity that is too high can cause problems, such as, increase in mold and dust mite production. This is why it is vital to regularly clean your humidifier. Humidity indicators, called hygrometers, can be inexpensive and small, so you can put several throughout your house. If you do not have a humidifier, you can simmer boiled water in a big pot, but keep an eye on it so it does not evaporate completely. Be aware of potential burns if left on a counter. Other options can include leaving a vase of water out, leave bath water in tub or run the shower for several minutes with door open. Hydrate often. Keep your skin and mouth moist by drinking water or clear non-carbonated beverages throughout the day. Adding a hint of juice, lemon, tea, or flavor to your water helps you increase your intake. Moisturize frequently. Apply a thicker moisturizer that is oil-based, such as an ointment-based product, on your skin throughout the day. Moisturizing after a bath or show is important because the hot water can remove oil from your skin, which normally helps lock in the moisture. Frequent application of lip balm or petroleum jelly protects your lips from drying out and becoming chapped. Saline drops or gels help keep your nostrils moist. Consider some house plants. Some plants release water through their leaves. They will help moisturize the air inside your house. Plants such as English Ivy, Jade Plant, Boston Fern, Rubber Plant, and Spider Plant are examples of plants that can increase the humidity indoors. Now, get cozy and enjoy these magical winter months without the dryness. n
Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states. Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.
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FROM THE EDITOR
Are You a Reader? By Janice Lane Palko
A
s you many of you may know, in my spare time, I write novels. This is the time of year for craft shows and festivals, and for the past few years, I’ve been attending several of them to sell my books. Unlike the many handcrafted items showcased at them such as floral arrangements, jewelry, or knitted or crocheted items, books aren’t as eye-catching a ware to sell. To generate interest, I’ve found it best to engage customers as they stroll by my display of novels by asking them a simple question: Are you a reader? I usually get one of three answers: An enthusiastic, “Yes, I love to read!” Or an exasperated “I like to read, but I don’t have the time.” This is the answer usually given by a mom pushing a stroller, which is understandable as little ones require a lot of attention. The third answer is one I have trouble fathoming and that is the short reply, “I hate to read.” Some are apologetic when they admit that, appearing to be ashamed about their distaste for reading, while still others are shockingly proud of it. I’ve even had a few people tell me that they haven’t read a book since they left
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high school decades ago. According to a 2021 Pew Research survey of U.S. adults, nearly a quarter of American say they haven’t read one book in the last year. I am not here to heap scorn on those who don’t read because I suspect somewhere during your formative years you may had difficulty reading or was forced to read books you didn’t like making reading a chore. I understand that; reading is an acquired skill and unless you have a learning disability, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Also, I understand being forced to read boring books. I had to read Heart of Darkness in high school, and even though I loved reading, I found that book insufferably boring. But reading for pleasure is vastly different from reading for a grade, and if you count yourself among the non-readers, I encourage you to try reading again. Here are a few benefits that reading provides to convince you. It stimulates your brain, and some studies even indicate that it may help to stave off dementia. It increases your knowledge. It keeps you from being bored. It stimulates the imagination. It
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allows you to travel to other times and places and enables you to experience things you could never outside of a book. Reading reduces stress as it can take your mind off problems. It is entertaining and is one of the most affordable forms of entertainment. For $25 or less, you can be entertained for hours. It can be free (if you go to your library). Reading is a great conversation starter. Readers love to talk about books. Reading binds people together. Readers love to connect. One of the most encouraging things I’ve learned while selling my books is that book clubs are still flourishing. After all these months of isolation, joining or being in a book club is a great way to socialize. As we approach the holiday season, now is the ideal time to give reading a go again. I once saw that the best Christmas list is one that includes something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read. Ask a bookworm for a recommendation for a good book they loved and then ask Santa to bring you it. Then for January, the time of the year when we make resolutions, commit to reading. You will be holed up for the winter, which makes it a great time to dive into a good book. Reading is also a habit albeit a pleasurable one. Start with reading a page a day. I guarantee you’ll be happy you did. n
SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS
Veterans Honored by Local School Districts By Paula Green
T
he origins of Veterans Day go back to the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918, the Allied Forces and Germany signed an armistice ending war hostilities. The fighting ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Armistice Day was first celebrated in 1919 under a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson. On October 8, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation.” As a result, the name of this November 11 national holiday was changed to Veterans Day. In honor of this special day, several of our local school districts answered the call and supported our troops Mars Area Middle School Student Government collected 248 pounds of leftover Halloween candy as part of an annual drive, held Nov. 1-8 to benefit the Operation Gratitude Halloween Candy GiveBack Program. The students delivered the candy to the 377th Engineer Company SFRG (Butler), which will distribute the candy to troops deployed overseas, veterans, and first responders in the form of care packages. Also, on November 11, Mars Area Middle School’s Spirit Club installed a Veterans Day Wall. In October, the club asked the seventh and eighth graders to provide information (name, military branch, dates of service) for any of their family members who have served in the armed forces, both at home and abroad. Club members incorporated the profile and photos into the Honor Wall display near the middle school’s main entrance. The Hampton School District honored nine heroes on November 9 as part of their Hampton Heroes celebration. This is the 20th year for this annual commemoration. The district recognized these veterans at an event held at Fridley Field at Hampton Middle School. On November 11, a special lighting of the luminaries’ ceremony was held amid a sea of flags honoring our nation’s veterans. The event was held at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall as part of their “Fill the Hill” campaign. In addition, the commemoration included a musical tribute dedicated to all who have served, titled If We Fall - We Gave it All written and performed by retired Shaler Area School District teacher Gene Ritz. Seneca Valley students also held their special tribute to Veterans. On Friday, November 12, Evans City Middle School (ECMS) invited local veterans to participate in their “Veterans Day Drive-Thru Recognition” program. The celebration honored men and women of the Armed Forces with a drive-thru event. Veterans remained in their cars and received recognition as they drove through the Evans City Elementary/Middle School campus. The event concluded with featured performances by the ECMS chorus, band, and orchestra. In the North Allegheny School District, Marshall Elementary students made cards for veterans. NA Marching Band and the JROTC participated in the Veteran’s Day Parade downtown and the JRTOC took part in a Veteran’s Day breakfast at Duquesne University. We salute and thank all veterans for their dedication and service to our country. n
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