February 2018 issue - Northern Connection Magazine

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2018

Passavant Hospital Foundation People Like You Make a Strong Foundation

Plus...

• 2018 Health Care Guide • Fabulous February Trivia • February Happenings

I N T H I S I SSUE

NORTHERN CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2018

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Features

Kids & Education

7 Be Inspired by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano at St. Barnabas Founder’s Day

39 BC3: Many paths to success at state’s two-time No. 1 community college

11 Cover Story: People Like You Make a Strong Foundation

40 Shady Side Academy Offers New Elementary Campus in the North

2018 Health Care Guide 16 2018 Health Care Guide 28 Fit Families: Why Should You Hire a Personal Trainer?

Joella Baker

42 A.W. Beattie Career Center Providing Students with a Stepping Stone to the Future Janice Lane Palko 44 School Movers & Shakers

30 Why Oils Work in Your Prayers

46 St. Gregory Catholic School

30 2018 Health Care Directory

Advertorials

31 Four Ways to Love Your Dog John Payne, PVSEC

Senior Living 32 Town Crier: February: Smack Dab in the Middle of Winter Joe Bullick 34 Happenings for Seniors

8 Don’t Let Fear Prevent You From Investing in Real Estate Vince Parrucci

In Every Issue...

4 From the Publisher: Marion Piotrowski 6 Movers & Shakers 7 Mover & Shaker of the Month: Casey Foreaker Paula Green 9 Where Was I?: Ah...

Romance! Janice Lane Palko 36 Support Our Troops: The Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Four Chaplains Paula Green 37 Trivia Connection: Fabulous February Trivia Paula Green 47 February 2018 Happenings

10 What is Socially Responsible Investing? Michael Labos 33 Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

Corrections: In the January 2018 issue, it was stated that The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth founded Vincentian High School. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth did not found Vincentian High School, the Vincentian Sisters of Charity did. The Vincentian Sisters of Charity were merged into the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 2008.

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On the Cover: The John Weideman family at the dedication of the new Family Resource Room in the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant,

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P U B LI SH E R ’S NOT ES

Welcome to the February Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

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his month’s cover story will update you on what Passavant Hospital Foundation and some very generous donors are doing to help make UPMC Passavant Hospitals state-ofthe-art facilities. Passavant Hospital Foundation’s mission is to advance the health and wellness of the community through education, outreach and grant-making.

In this issue we feature the annual Health Care Guide, which will inform you of some of the advances in health care that are available to us right here in our communities.

Although February is a short month, there are many special dates in the month to celebrate. Check out this month’s Trivia and see how much you know about the month of February. February 14 is not only Valentine’s Day, but it also marks the beginning of Lent, and we have highlighted some of the local “The best thing about Fish Fries. This is a great way telling the truth is to enjoy some fabulous food and contribute to some very worthwhile that you don’t have fundraising!

There is a lot to do around the to remember what area in February. Be sure to check you said.” out this month’s Happenings section to see what fun activities are Unknown available for you and your family to enjoy.

Enjoy reading this month’s feature articles and Northern Connection magazine’s regular monthly columns. Thank you for your support. Together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. 4 4 4

Keep in touch with Northern Connection on Facebook and Instagram

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

Phone: 724-940-2444 Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: northcon@consolidated.net www.northernconnectionmag.com President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko

Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

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

Paula Green

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer

ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

The mission of the Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. is to connect the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest community publication, Northern Connection. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, and recreational needs of the area.

The contents of Northern Connection magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Northern Connection magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.

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With Dr. Bridget Chufo’s Weight Loss Program

MOVERS & S HA KE RS

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Movers & Shakers In 2017, The Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival hosted a Creative Open Studio which was part of the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge. One hundred and fifty pillowcases were sewn and donated to the UPMC Cancer Center for patients who were receiving treatment. The festival has been a long-time supporter of the Salvation Army Fabric Fair and the Hog Heaven Rescue Farm and continues to reach out to help support organizations helping others.

Consolidated Communications employee Brad Spiker received the company’s highest honor, the President’s Award, at the company’s annual employee meeting. The prestigious award is presented to a few select employees who demonstrate extraordinary performance on a project or who continually exceed expectations.

State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana announced $12.85 million in state grants for key local development projects. They include: Heinz Buildings Redevelopment, relocation of the Salvation Army’s Community Center to Bellevue, One Grandview project, Carnegie Science Center expansion, Duquesne University’s Rockwell Hall project, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Museum Lab renovation and construction, Riverfront 47 main roadway project, Pittsburgh Trust for Cultural Resources 119 Sixth Street Multiplex development, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC for the expansion of the cardiac intensive care unit bed capacity, Center for Victims relocation in Pittsburgh Southside, renovation of the former warehouse at 1600 Smallman Street in the City of Pittsburgh and the Moxy Hotel and Lofts building project in the City of Pittsburgh.

The Block Northway welcomes Blume Nail Bar as a new tenant.

The 1,395 square-foot nail care salon is located at 8019 McKnight Road, Ross Township. Blume opened its doors on January 18.

The birds at the National Aviary have a new addition to the flock, a southern three-banded armadillo.

The young armadillo, which was born in spring 2017 and arrived at the National Aviary in the fall, has been getting acclimated to his new environment as he grows.

In January, the National Aviary introduced its new Linnaeus’s twotoed sloth to the public. The baby girl named Vivien was born on Aug. 21, and was named after Gone With the Wind actress Vivien Leigh.

The National Aviary introduced a pair of African Penguin siblings to the public. Visitors can see the chicks up-close through a viewing window into the Avian Care Center.

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Jayden, Bob, Casey & Dalton Foreaker

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Casey Foreaker

By Paula Green

Cranberry Township resident Casey Foreaker is woman who believes in commitment. She was on the Jan. 11, 2016, cover of People magazine. Foreaker was featured for losing half of her body weight. “My starting weight was 220 pounds; I was at Lane Bryant store trying on clothes, and I decided I was done being overweight. I walked into Weight Watchers and started my journey. I got down to a goal weight of 115 pounds! I still follow Weight Watchers today, and I exercise six days a week,” Foreaker said.

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he is also very dedicated to her two boys—Dalton, 10, and Jayden, 7. Things are challenging for Foreaker and her husband, Bob, since Dalton has autism. “My exercise helps me mentally everyday deal with the challenges of having Dalton and the added stress of having a family and multiple children. I feel so much better mentally and physically after my daily workout,” Foreaker said.

“A day in our household is always something interesting. Dalton has a list taped by his bed of his morning routine. I try to teach him life skills because one day I’m not going to be here anymore, and he needs to know how to do things. He makes his bed, brushes his teeth and gets dressed. Somedays there is a lot of prompting with Dalton,” said Foreaker.

He attends school at the Watson Institute, and Foreaker is his aide on the bus. “I ride the van with him every morning. In the evening when we have dinner together, it’s a struggle sometimes to get Dalton to sit at the table with us. He has the same eating habits every night - chicken nuggets, fish sticks, grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly. At the same time, I’m cooking for myself, Jayden and my husband. After dinner we play board games.

Dalton loves lots of tickles, or sometimes he has mental breakdowns where he is kicking holes in walls or wants nothing to do with any of us. Those points I try to stay strong and let him have his space. He is on a medicine for his aggression, and it has been life-changing for Dalton. He’s happy again. I’m never going to change him from being autistic, but if I can make him happy in his world that is my goal. Bedtime, we brush teeth and read a book together,” she said.

Foreaker is also very devoted to her husband Bob. “The relationship between us has come a long way. We go to a marriage counselor. We didn’t realize how important it was to make our relationship a priority with having children—especially one with special needs.

We have date nights. He is my soulmate, and I wouldn’t want to do this journey with anyone else,” Foreaker said.

Foreaker has this advice for families of special needs children: “Get early intervention and start services as soon as you can. Take time for yourself and take time out for your relationships. Don’t give up; have hope! Laugh more and smile more. Look at your special needs child and feel blessed at what you have been given. We have been picked for a reason to have these children with special needs.” 4 4 4

Be Inspired by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano at St. Barnabas Founder’s Day Thursday, April 26, 2018 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Pittsburgh Marriott North 100 Cranberry Woods Drive Cranberry Township, PA, 16066

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eet Judge Andrew Napolitano, Fox News Senior Judicial Analyst and Author. Judge Napolitano will be the guest speaker and receive the Hance Award at the 118th St. Barnabas Founder’s Day Fundraising Gala Dinner at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

Tickets range from $325 to $475 per person. Private photo pass available.

Call 724-625-3770 or visit www.StBarnabasCharities.com. Proceeds benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which provides more than $7 million in care to patients and residents in need.

To donate, text the keyword “GIVE” to 41444, or sponsor a veteran to attend. http://www.stbarnabashealthsystem. com/founders-day/ 4 4 4

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NC ADVER TORIAL | REAL ES TATE

Don’t Let Fear Prevent You From Investing in Real Estate

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By Vince Parrucci Licensed Real Estate Agent/Realtor and Professional Real Estate Consultant

t this time of year when people are gathering their tax documents, many take stock of their financial situation. One thing I have learned is you can always make more money, but once time passes, you can’t get it back.

There is no way to ever create more time.

For me, investing in real estate—particularly rental properties—has been a way for me to create more income and still have time to spend with my family. Many people fear investing in rental properties because they think there will be a lot of hassle involved.

But that should not be the case.

For example, if you buy an investment

P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.

duplex for $100,000 and make $200-$400 a month in income from it each month, you won’t get rich quick, but you will have a nice steady stream of income—not to mention the tax benefits you receive. You are also building equity when your tenant pays rent, which in turn is applied to the mortgage balance.

Fifteen years from now, you will have had someone paying your mortgage on the rental property plus providing you with a monthly income, and most likely, the property will have appreciated in value to let’s say $200,000. Now, imagine if you had only two rental properties, you would have nearly a half million in assets. How many extra hours, years or jobs would you have had to work to acquire that sum. Now, imagine if you gradually acquired five or 10 rental properties what your financial state would be like.

If investing in real estate is so wise, why don’t more people do it? Fear. People fear what they don’t know or understand. They also fear that “proverbial call from tenants in the middle of the night.” Frankly, calls from tenants have been few and far between all the years I’ve been investing in real estate. And if you are concerned about maintenance issues, develop a relationship with a contractor. You are an investor looking to make money, not looking for a part-

Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes

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Enrolled Agent Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner

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

In addition to being a Licensed Real Estate Agent/Realtor and Professional Real Estate Consultant, Vice Parrucci is author of Smart Buy, Strong Sale: The Consumer’s Guide to Buying and Selling Your Next Home is available through Amazon.com. His extensive experience includes VP of Mellon Bank, VP of Allegheny Financial Group, Real Estate investor, mentor and coach to thousands on investment real estate and flipping of houses and property. 4 4 4

VINCE PARRUCCI

Residential/Commercial Realtor vincent.parrucci@pittsburghmoves.com

Real Estate Services

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

412-487-1009

4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456

time job as a maintenance man anyway.

Financial planners recommend that you diversify your portfolio among stocks, bonds, etc., including real estate. You may say you have a house, but while I recommend everyone own their own home, a home is actually a liability because it does not generate any income until you sell it.

Your primary residence is not an incomeproducing asset.

If you are interested in investing in real estate, contact me. I can put my years of experience and expertise to work for you.

Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.smartbuystrongsale.com

WHERE WA S I ?

Ah, Romance!

By Janice Lane Palko

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ince February is the month in which we celebrate love with a holiday—St. Valentine’s Day—that got me to thinking about romance. As many of you know, in my spare time I write romantic comedy and romantic suspense novels. According to the Romance Writers of America’s statistics, romance fiction sells more than other fiction genre, amassing more than $1 billion in sales annually. The next genre, Crime and Thriller, garners approximately $782 million in sales.

Clearly, we have an appetite for romance, and though I write them, even I when I asked myself what is romance? I wasn’t quite sure. Romance is one of those enigmatic “you know it when you see it” type of thing. One dictionary definition defined romance as “a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement and remoteness from everyday life.”

My great-grandmother, Cornelia Ledergerber, whom we called Grandma Leder, died in 1975. I was only a 15 then, but I helped my mom and grandmother to clean out grandma’s belongings. Among her things, we found a stack of postcards

tied with a ribbon. They were the correspondence sent from my great-grandfather to grandma before they married. In the early 1900s when they were dating, there was no phone, no email, no text messaging, no Instagram or Snapchat. They both lived in what was Allegheny City, and they sent each other messages through the mail. The gist of the post cards was what you would expect from two people dating, but what wasn’t expected was a little note at the end of the card that said: P.S. Look under the stamp.

When you peeled up the stamp, which was easy to do because grandma had done it nearly 60 years before us, was a message which either said something like: I love you! Miss you, darling. Two days more until I see you. Or simply the whole squares were covered in X’s and O’s. A far cry from today’s sexting!

Grandma Leder died at the age of 78; she married grandpap when she was 20. That she kept those post cards all those years—nearly 20 years after his death—indicated how much their romance meant to them. An ordinary postcard carried the mystery and excitement of love and made their everyday life special. This Valentine’s Day, I hope you know that type of romance and love. 4 4 4

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NC ADVERTORIAL | FINANCES

What is Socially Responsible Investing?

By Michael Labos Financial Advisor It’s an exciting time to be an investor. It’s also an exciting time to be a Financial Advisor.

New strategies and markets are now more accessible than ever. One of these growing markets is Socially Responsible or ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing.

I am excited to both offer and educate clients on the opportunity to align their portfolios with their convictions. We are experiencing a dynamic shift in investor sentiment where performance and how you obtain that performance are becoming equally important.

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here is a lot of noise out there about this strategy, so I would like to clarify what Socially Responsible investing is. As defined by Investopedia, it is a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors

use to screen investments. Environmental criteria looks at how a company performs as a steward of the natural environment.

Social criteria examines how a company manages relationships with its employees, suppliers, customers and the communities

where it operates. Governance deals with a company’s leadership, executive pay, audits and internal controls, and shareholder rights. Now with any investment all managers in this space aren’t created equal. I work with Vicus Capital to offer a multiple manager approach offering best in class managers. This portfolio is monitored on an ongoing basis and customized to meet your needs.

To see if this strategy makes sense for you, please contact me at 724934-3880 (direct line), 800-477-4507 (toll free) or by email at mlabos@ pfginc.com. You can also find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ pfgpgh. To learn more about me and my company check out our website at www.pfgpgh.com or stop by my office at 2591 Wexford Bayne Road, Suite 202, Sewickley, PA 15143. We are all planning for our futures, now you can feel good about your investments as well. 4 4 4 Michael Labos has been a Financial Advisor for over 13 years and has worked at Pennsylvania Financial Group for six years. He grew up in the Pittsburgh area, attended Central Catholic High School and resides in Cranberry Township. He enjoys golfing, attending Pirates games and travelling. His passion is offering clients a unique experience and he is always looking for new ways to add value to help them achieve their goals. Working together, he will help you discover your own path towards financial success.

Registered Representative of and offering securities through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

Advisory Services and Financial Planning offered through Vicus Capital, a Federally Registered Investment Advisor.

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2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE Health care is ever-changing and evolving. Often it is difficult to keep up with the latest information. We are fortunate in this area to be surrounded by outstanding medical facilities and professionals dedicated to being on the cutting edge of medical advancement. Below is a list of health care providers who are employing the latest in medical treatments for the betterment of their patients.

Beaver Valley Foot Clinic Beaver Valley Foot Clinic Knows the Ins and Outs of Ingrown Toenail Treatment.

IN: Having a recurrent ingrown nail fixed permanently (matrixectomy) by a trained podiatrist. OUT: Suffering every month with the same ingrown that just keeps coming back. During a matrixectomy, your podiatrist will gently cut back a portion of the toenail. Using a Q-tip, a special solution is applied to the nail root, which will prevent the ingrown from returning. Do not worry - your toe will be numb during the procedure, so you should not experience any pain! The remaining nail will look normal; we understand a girl has to wear sandals in the summer!

If you suspect that you may have an ingrown toenail, call Dr. Teimouri today at 878-313-FEET (3338) or just stop on IN to schedule an appointment. We’ll have you OUT and feeling better in no time! For more information go to www.BVFootClinic.com

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The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh We are committed to providing high quality, effective therapy services for children. We continually advance our treatment methods—by using new techniques, as well as new technology—to produce better therapeutic interventions for children. Quite simply, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh is your best choice for outpatient pediatric rehabilitation and therapy.

Therapy services offered in Wexford include: • Physical therapy • Occupational therapy • Speech/language therapy • Nutrition services Each child’s treatment is personalized and family-centered. Because we know that the key to long-term success is family participation and understanding, we focus on the needs of the patients

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and their caregivers. We incorporate families into our therapy sessions, promoting understanding, a sense of collaboration, and confidence. In our experience, this approach is key to our patients reaching their maximum potential and living the most fulfilling lives possible.

Treatments address: • Concussions • Chronic pain conditions • Feeding & swallowing difficulties • Orthopedic & sports injuries • Brain injuries • Spinal cord injuries • Developmental delays • Fine & gross motor difficulties To learn more or to make an appointment, please contact us at 724.940.7660 or visit www. amazingkids.org. Our Wexford office is located at 5000 Stonewood Drive, Suite 110, Wexford, PA 15090.

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Chiropractic Family Health Centers It is estimated that 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy— pain, burning, numbness, pins and needles or tingling of the hands and feet. A variety of medical conditions can cause peripheral neuropathy—everything from diabetes to vitamin deficiencies. Peripheral neuropathy may result when small nerve fibers are damaged or die. This debilitating condition can cause in addition to pain, sleep disturbances, balance issues, and difficulty walking. This can lead to falls, broken bones and skin ulcers. Usually the medical solution for peripheral neuropathy is “to live with it” or to prescribe medications that only mask the pain but do not address the cause. At Chiropractic Family Health Centers, Dr. Shawn Richey offers the latest in technology, light therapy that stimulates tissue repair. A second breakthrough technology that has been added is giving astounding results for neuropathy suffers.

The treatment is FDA approved, safe, non-invasive

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and non-surgical and giving patients a 90 percent satisfaction rate. The initial visit, consultation, exam and treatment is free. Most patients report that they feel 100 percent better after treatment.

Various lengths of treatment plans are available, and Chiropractic Family Health Centers has two locations: Latrobe and Wexford.

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Dr. Bridget Chufo SUGAR, THE CULPRIT OF DIETING The history of dieting has evolved and changed many times during the past half century.

We’ve gone from the cans of Metrecal in the 60s to low-calorie foods to low-fat foods to low-sugar foods. Finally, research keeps going back to the many foods that convert to sugar in the body. Yes, sugar is the culprit. But, sugar has many faces.

It comes in the form of bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, oatmeal (if it’s white, don’t bite). It also can be liquid in the alcoholic beverages out there.

Alcohol is liquid sugar and converts almost immediately to sugar. Rule of thumb is the clearer it is, the better it is. Dairy is not a sugar but comes too close for comfort in the metabolizing category not to be scrutinized “like a sugar.” So, yes, watch the cheese, yogurt, cow’s milk, and “creamy” casseroles and soups. Most everyone recognizes that sweets generally are mostly sugar in different packaging with little to no nutritional value but boy, oh boy, they sure taste good. Most individuals, if given a choice, would take the starches over the others. Cheese is the most popular single ingredient with pizza being the overall choice food.

Interestingly enough, the remaining food groups of protein, vegetables and fruit for the most part, are the least desirable. When the above four food groups (starches, alcohol, dairy and sweets) become secondary to the primary and most nutritious food groups (protein, vegetables and fruit), we will have won the battle of the bulge, but not before.

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2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE

Genesis Medical Associates Genesis Medical Associates, established in 1995, is the largest, independent, primary care practice in the Pittsburgh Northern Suburbs. As a physician-owned independent practice, Genesis Medical Associates accepts all major insurance plans, including Highmark and the UPMC Health Plan and is committed to providing the highest quality patient care, even as the Pittsburgh health care insurance industry continues to transform.

All Genesis staff and providers work to improve the patient experience of care, reduce the cost of care delivery and improve the health of its patients. Known as the “Triple Aim,” this framework serves as a guidepost for our vision of pursuing value-based initiatives and population health management success.

Genesis has been recognized by the National Committee on Quality Assurance since 2014 as a patient-centered medical home or PCMH (sometimes referred to as medical home, or advanced primary care). The PCMH is an innovation in health care delivery designed to improve patient experience, improve patient and population health and reduce the cost of care. This “seal of approval” demonstrates the achievement of the PCMH attributes and ensures patient confidence in the practice and its clinicians.

The five core attributes of the PCMH as defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality are: • Patient-centered: Genesis patients are supported and encouraged to learn how to manage and organize their own care based on their preferences. Genesis providers ensure that patients, families and caregivers are fully included in the development of their care plans and encourages them to participate in quality improvement, research and health policy efforts.

• Comprehensive: Genesis provides a team of care providers that are accountable for the patient’s physical and behavioral/mental health needs, including prevention and wellness, acute care and chronic care.

• Coordinated: The Genesis PCMH ensures that care is organized across all elements of the broader health care system, including specialty

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care, hospitals, home health care, community services and long-term care supports.

• Accessible: Genesis delivers accessible services with shorter waiting times, enhanced in-person hours, 24/7 electronic or telephone access and continues to develop strong communication through health information system innovations (IT).

• Committed to Quality and Safety: Genesis continues to demonstrate commitment to quality improvement and the use of data and quality registry/point of care tools to assist patients and families in making informed decisions about their health.

For the majority of patients, primary care serves as the entry point of the health care system, delivering and coordinating care for patients and families, with an emphasis on promoting population health and managing chronic illness. As such, Genesis primary care providers are well positioned to help repair and optimize our fragmented care delivery system. With greater investment in and support for comprehensive patient-centered primary care through the PCMH, we can more systematically promote Triple Aim outcomes of better care, smarter spending, and healthier people.

By consistently applying care management protocols to our patients and families, continuously informing the entire care team of progress toward plan objectives and optimizing technology, Genesis treatment programs utilize best care practices and improve care efficiency.

Genesis, as a patient centered medical home, provides the right care at the right time. We will work with you and your caregivers to coordinate and navigate the medical neighborhood (specialists, hospitals, home health, nursing homes and other ancillary services) on your behalf.

We put you, the patient, at the center of your care and will work with our complete team to create a personalized plan for reaching your goals so that our trusted relationships are enhanced.

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Francis Audiology Audiology Advances for Ease of Listening and Cognitive Decline Science now proves what we have suspected (Continued on page 20)

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2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE for years. Untreated hearing loss has ties to cognitive decline. Imagine walking down the street... now imagine walking down the street while juggling. Walking and juggling requires more of our brain power and is referred to as “cognitive load.” It’s very much the same with hearing. When we are unable to hear speech properly, we use additional brain power (cognition) to understand words rather than retaining what was just said.

We can now see, through sophisticated brain mapping, how hearing loss requires us to use our brain power in ways that were unintended. Over time, this can be harmful.

Fortunately, new “Brain Hearing” Technology has been developed to significantly reduce the “cognitive load” secondary to hearing loss. This is accomplished by feeding the brain auditory information in a way that our brain can more readily accept and use this information. This in turn, makes it easier to understand and more of our resources can be used for memory purposes.

Secondly, when people are able to understand more easily, they are more likely to participate in social events which is important stimulation for our mental health and sense of well-being.

For more information please call Francis Audiology at 724-933-3440.

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Laurel ENT & Allergy, PC

Dr. Brad Levinson

Laurel ENT and Allergy, PC, is the only medical practice north of the city of Pittsburgh to offer patients Balloon Sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis. The procedure is performed in the office and opens the sinus cavity so that it can drain. No IV or anesthesia is administered. Dr. Samuel Mathur, an ear, nose and throat specialist, with Laurel ENT, simply numbs the nose with gel and spray and then passes a lighted guidewire into the nose and the sinus. Once there, a small balloon is then inflated, widening the opening of the sinus and allowing it to drain. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes, and the patient can go home afterward. Balloon Sinuplasty is as equally effective as traditional treatment.

In addition to Balloon Sinuplasty, Dr. Mathur and his team provide specialized Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy care. Their allergy program is unique in that it teaches patients how to self-administer maintenance allergy shots. This significantly reduces costs and improves convenience and continuity of treatment.

Laurel ENT and Allergy has four locations: Beaver, Greensburg, Indiana and Wexford and accepts most insurances. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mathur, call: (724) 799-8014.

Preventing Colon and Rectal Cancer

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According to the American Cancer Society, colon and rectal cancers are the third-leading cause of cancer-related death for women and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death for men. While those statistics are chilling, colon and rectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers that is nearly always preventable.

A simple test, a colonoscopy, can prevent colon and rectal cancer. Almost all cases of colon and rectal cancer come from polyps, benign tumors, located in the large intestine. If left alone, certain types of polyps have the potential to become cancer. Polyps rarely show signs or symptoms. Physicians and patients have no way of knowing if there are polyps unless a colonoscopy is performed. Once a polyp has turned cancerous, surgery may be required, and the cure rate averages about 50 percent.

A colonoscope is a soft, narrow, flexible tube with which a trained specialist can view the entire five feet of colon (the large intestine) in about 30 minutes. If a polyp is detected during the procedure, it is easily removed, eliminating the chance of cancer ever developing in that spot. Colonosco(Continued on page 22)

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2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE py is painless because the patient is asleep during this outpatient procedure. It is also very safe; the risks associated with a colonoscopy are almost negligible (significantly less than 1 percent).

Everyone should have a colonoscopy beginning by age 50, unless there is a family history of colon and rectal cancer, chronic ulcerative colitis or certain hereditary conditions predisposing toward colon and rectal cancer. In that case, colonoscopy would be advised at a younger age. Colonoscopy should be generally repeated every 5-10 years unless polyps have been found on a previous test.

Every 3-5 years would then be the recommendation.

Some patients avoid colonoscopy because the preparation for it requires that they drink an oral liquid the evening before the exam that clears the colon. Patients should know that there are now low-volume preparations available in pleasant flavors. Preventative colonoscopy, by federal law at age 50, is covered by health insurance.

The benefits of colonoscopy far outweigh any risks associated with the procedure. To schedule your colonoscopy, you can call Brad Levinson, M.D., at (724) 473-4047. Dr. Levinson is a BoardCertified Colon and rectal surgeon with offices in Cranberry and elsewhere in the Pittsburgh area.

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Massucci Vision Care Optometry for Children and Adolescents – “Often, it’s an eye problem, not just a learning problem,” says Dr. Maura E. Massucci, OD, FCOVD. “Many children are often misdiagnosed with a learning or reading problem when there could be an underlying issue with the way the eyes are working as a team. Even if a child has 20/20 eyesight, they can still have a problem with their eyes’ ability to change focus from far to close quickly, or trouble moving the eyes from left to right for reading without skipping words or losing their place. The solution for many is Vision Therapy. Similar to physical therapy, we can help children and adolescents coordinate their eyes, so they can read longer and switch from blackboard to computer or desk better. This can help improve academic performance in many children who are struggling.”

Unfortunately, eye teaming, focusing and tracking skills often are not assessed when children are examined in school screenings. Do not be misled by believing that 20/20 eyesight alone is all your child needs to reach his or her full potential.

If you or your child experiences any of the following signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Massucci, one of Wexford’s leading developmental optometrists, to determine if your child is struggling with a learning-related vision problem.

Physical Clues • One eye turning in or out • Squinting, eye rubbing • Excessive blinking • Blurred or double vision • Dizziness or nausea after reading • Head tilting, closing or covering an eye Performance Clues • Avoidance of near work (close distance) • Frequent loss of place • Omits, inserts, or rereads words • Poor reading comprehension • Letter or word reversals • Difficulty copying from the school board • Poor handwriting • Inconsistent or poor sports performance To learn more about secondary symptoms, how vision therapy works and the benefits from vision therapy, visit http://massuccivisionplus.com.

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$100 Off with this ad from Northern Connection magazine

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | JANUARY 2018

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2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE Pawlowicz Dentistry The world of dentistry continues to advance to include implants, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and more. Pawlowicz Dentistry offers comprehensive dental care for the entire family. Whether you are looking for general dentistry, or a specialized treatment such as implants, orthodontics, sleep appliances and TMJ treatment, they can take care of it all! They also specialize in cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain crowns, veneers, teeth whiten-

ing and invisible braces. You can trust them to restore your smile to beautiful form and function.

For those with heightened dental anxiety, they offer sedation dentistry under a certified, licensed anesthesiologist, so you are under the best care possible. For more information about any of their services, please contact Pawlowicz Dentisty today at 724.287.4000 or visit our website www. wowsmilenow.com.

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Pediatric Alliance Pediatric Alliance was formed in 1996, when eight individual pediatric practices joined to provide quality health care throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Since then, Pediatric Alliance has grown to be the largest physician-owned group pediatric practice in our area. Our board-certified pediatricians offer primary care to children and adolescents in 17 different office locations including two specialty care offices for asthma, allergy and immunology and pediatric endocrinology. We are independent of any specific insurance provider and accept all major insurances.

We are proud to offer personalized, patientcentered care to patients from birth to age 21.

We strive to meet your family’s pediatric needs, provide convenient access to care, and build strong relationships with families to maximize your child’s health.

The healthcare industry is changing every day. Pediatric Alliance continues to stay abreast of these changes and utilize advances in technology to improve patient care. We currently utilize electronic medical records to enhance safety initiatives, increase efficiency, and improve communication with other healthcare providers involved in your child’s care. The practice takes a progressive approach to meet the needs of busy families.

Pediatric Alliance is devoted to providing highquality, comprehensive primary care to infants, children, and adolescents through clinical expertise, advocacy, education, collaboration, research, and information management. Please visit our website at www.pediatricalliance.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PediatricAllaince/.

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St. Barnabas You will soon have another option when considering living assistance for yourself or a loved ones!

Renovations are underway at Washington Place located on the main campus of St. Barnabas in Gibsonia. Once finished this facility will become one of five living assisted communities at St. Barnabas in Allegheny, Beaver and Butler Counties.

A variety of accommodations for singles and couples are available at St. Barnabas. Suites are designed with the residents’ convenience and safety in mind. The caregivers and recreation staff work as a team to provide day-to-day care and numerous activities for the residents while providing peace of mind for their families and loved ones.

Individual suites may include amenities such as: kitchenette, washer and dryer, pull cords for assistance, individual climate control system, cable TV, Wi-Fi and fireplaces.

The communities offers additional amenities including: assistance as needed 24 hours a day, access to our nursing staff and specialty physicians, chef-prepared meals, recreational (Continued on page 26)

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2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE and spiritual activities, spacious activities area, on-site beauty/barber shop, beautifully manicured courtyards, easy access to parking.

Don’t miss this opportunity to reserve a suite at the newest St. Barnabas location today! Call 724-625-4000 ext 258 and our admissions representative would be glad to assist you.

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UPMC Senior Communities Telemedicine technology enhances patient care UPMC Senior Communities skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities was among those who pioneered the use of telemedicine to expand access to high quality clinical care and to prevent potentially avoidable hospitalizations, while promoting comprehensive patient-centered care.

Since its inception, the telemedicine process, equipment and utilization has evolved dramatically and reduced hospital readmissions for residents at the UPMC skilled nursing sites currently utilizing this service.

When clinically appropriate, the nurse can request a telemedicine consult with the attending

Need help navigating through the Medicare maze?

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing or changing a Medicare plan.

• Research the company you plan on going with. There is a wide variety of companies offering different Medicare plans. One of the best indicators - ask your friends and family members. Better yet, check with your current provider.

• Make certain the providers you use now – or may use in the future, are part of the plan’s network. You will get your highest level of care, paying your lowest out-of-pocket costs, using providers that are contracted with the insurance company.

• Check to make sure the prescription drugs you are currently taking are listed in the plan’s formulary. A formulary is a list of drugs the plan will cover. Taking a non-formulary drug may result in higher out-ofpocket costs for the member.

• Choose a plan that suits your needs for the short term. Medicare plans are yearly contracts, with enrollment periods each year, so a member can change plans if their needs change. This way, you are only paying for the benefits you use.

Dona Marks is licensed to sell Senior Products for Highmark, Blue Cross, Blue Shield. For more information, contact her at 412-818-6011 or dona.marks@highmark.com. 4 4 4

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physician’s permission and within an average of 12 minutes, the care provider is having a realtime, interaction with the patient using interactive audio-video equipment. This state-of-the-art technology, which includes EKG capability, highly sensitive stethoscopes, otoscopes and high definition cameras, enables virtual care collaboration, enhanced access to physicians, nurse practitioners and other specialty providers giving them the ability to assess and treat residents on-site.

Telemedicine technology has permitted orthopedic surgeons to follow up on their post-op patients, facilitated geriatricians and CRNPs assessing changes in condition and provided various other consultants such as wound care and psychiatry to assess and order treatments for our patients without the need to uproot and transport them by ambulance to the busy Emergency Departments, offices or clinics. Elaine Hatfield, Chief Nursing Officer for UPMC Senior Communities, reports, “The interdisciplinary team has utilized telemedicine to include family members in care conferences for their loved ones and provided the opportunity for a long-distance son to share his last goodbyes with his father. It is an invaluable resource in the care of our residents.” 4 4 4

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2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE Fit Families

Why Should You Hire a Personal Trainer?

By Joella Baker

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s you continue into 2018, you may be trying to hang onto those New Year’s Resolutions. I know it can be extremely tough to work hard and reach your goals. In fact, you may need some help.

That’s where a personal trainer comes into action. Here are ten reasons why you should consider hiring a personal trainer to help you reach your goals.

They Can Motivate You — A personal trainer has the ability to help you stay motivated, even when you aren’t inspired to workout. Having a personal trainer can be all you need to encourage you, inspire you and provide the energy you need to reach your goals.

They Hold You Accountable — A personal trainer will keep you on track. You have to meet with them. You have to show them your training log, you have to report to them what you’ve done since your last visit. It is so important to have someone in your life who holds you accountable for your own goals.

The Right Plan for You — There is a ton of information out there.

How do you know if what is right and what isn’t? How do you know the right plan to start? How do you know is you are doing everything correctly? A personal trainer can set up the correct training plan for you. If you enjoy cardio over strength, that can be your focus. If you want to lose weight or lower your cholesterol, a trainer can do that.

They can be very specific in setting up the best training plan for you and which exercises are best for you to reach your goals and how to properly perform those exercises.

No More Excuses! — So many people come up with excuses to not workout. Don’t worry. Your personal trainer has heard them all. They won’t allow you to continue to make excuses. After all, they want you to be successful. Personal trainers love to see their customers reach their goals. It truly makes them happy. That’s the reason why they went into the profession was to see others happy. If you are one to make excuses, let your personal trainer know that, so they can continue to hold you accountable, even on your worst days.

Individual Attention — For many people the only way they can stay on track with their exercise routine is to have someone there telling them what to do. A personal trainer is great at that. They will be by your side, giving you the personal attention you need to stay on track, do your exercises correctly and reach your goals.

Confidence to Try Something New — A personal trainer will push you beyond your comfort zone. This is so important. You never want to get complacent in your workouts. You want to make sure you are always willing to try something new. A personal trainer will push you, challenge you and inspire you to go beyond your limits. Best of all, they will give you the confidence that you can try something new. Just remember, you may not always succeed at the new challenge, but if you are persistent, the achievement will be a great reward.

Sport-Specific Training — Many personal trainers can help you achieve goals in sport-specific training. This includes, running, cycling, swimming, triathlon, golf, skiing, mountain climbing, hiking and more. If you have a specific goal, then hire a personal trainer to help you reach that athletic goal.

Medical Conditions — If you suffer from specific medical conditions, there are personal trainers who can help you. You may be overcoming a surgery, knee replacement, hip replacement, back surgery, cancer, an autoimmune disease or something else. Whatever it is, find the right personal trainer who specializes in individuals with health issues.

Avoid Injury — A personal trainer is there to make sure you do things correctly. They will correct you if your form is off, and they can help you to learn the correct way to lift weights, perform exercises— even run.

With correct form, you will lower your risk of injury.

Have Fun — Personal trainers are fun. They want you to succeed, and in most cases, they know you have to work hard, but also have fun while working out. If you find exercise to be boring, hire a great personal trainer to make it fun for you. The time will fly by if you are having fun.

If you are looking for a personal trainer, look no further than your local YMCA or health club. Make sure the personal trainer is certified.

Don’t be afraid to interview a few trainers to find the right person to fit your needs and goals. Often times, you may be assigned to a personal trainer. However, that person may not be the right person for you. You need to choose the trainer. Make sure you discuss your goals, your limitations, what you enjoy doing and what exercises you don’t enjoy. This is about you. Make the right decision that benefits your health. 4 4 4

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2018 HEALTH CARE GUIDE

2018 Health Care Directory Allegheny Health Network Health + Wellness Pavilion www.AHNWEXFORD.org

Beaver Valley Foot Clinic

Why Oils Work in Your Prayers

E

very morning before I pray, I always inhale an essential oil. It clears my mind, restores my normal breathing and gives me great focus on our God. Today, I inhaled Purification Essential oil (one of the oils in the premium kit).

“Essential oils are not all chemistry. In quantum physics they are packets of possibilities, but in any given usage they will work what you want them to manifest.

“What they do is up to you. That’s how and why they work with prayers following your intent. If you don’t have the right oil, use what you have. Let God takes care of the rest. He is used to working with imperfect instruments and can still achieve the desired results, in spite of handicap.”

This is very true. I have several clients who shared that they were having health issue and needed Stress Away Essential Oil but have used Lavender, which they had at that moment.

PACKET OF POSSIBILITIES from God! (Ref D. Stuart) Wants to experience the healing?

Contact Fe Tubio at (724) 601-6628 or www.youngliving.com/fetubio

www.bvfootclinic.com 1-878-313-3338

Butler Health System

www.ButlerHealthSystem.org 1-800-841-6825

The Children’s Institute www.amazingkids.org 412-420-2400

Chiropractic Family Health Center

Laurel ENT & Allergy

Wexford, Pa www.laurelentallergy.com 724-799-8014

Massucci Vision

Dr. Maura Massucci www.visionsource-massucci visionplus.com Wexford, PA (724) 719-2712

Northern Area Family Medicine

Colon and Rectal Wellness Center

Passavant Hospital Foundation

Brad Levinson, M.D. Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon Cranberry Twp, Pa. 724-473-4047

Dr. Bridget M. Chufo

www.drchufosweightlossand wellness.com Wexford Pa. 1-800-900-THIN

Francis Audiology

www.francisaudiology.com 724-933-3440

Genesis Medical Associates, Inc www.genesismedical.org

Heritage Valley Health Systems www.heritagevalley.org

dona.marks@highmark.com 412-544-6469

Hope Hospice

www.Hopehospicepgh.org 1-877-367-3685

Ideal Image Wexford Wexford, Pa. 15090 724-759-2020 www.idealimage.com

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Cranberry/Seven Fields www.kidspluspgh.com 724-761-2020

www.backnline.com 724-940-9000

Highmark Medicare Solutions

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Kids Plus Pediatrics

www.genesismedical.org

www.PassavantHospitalFoundation.org 412-748-6640

Pawlowicz Dentistry

www.wowsmilenow.com 724-287-4000

Pediatric Alliance

www.pediatricalliance.com

St. Barnabas Health System Stbarnabashealthsystem.com 724-443-0700

UPMC Senior Communities

UPMCSeniorCommunities.com 1-800-324-5523

Vein Institute of Pittsburgh

Dr. Terrance R. Krysinski Warrendale, Pa www.veininstituteofpittsburgh.com 724-934-8346

Weight Loss North Pittsburgh Dr. Michael Vactor www.drvactor.com 724-742-2700

Four Ways to Love Your Dog John Payne DVM.MS DACVS Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center

S

ince February 20 is Love Your Pet Day, it seems appropriate to suggest a few ways to truly love your pet. The first thing that most of us think of is going home to give our pets a big hug, but guess what?

Most dogs HATE to be hugged! There are much better ways to love your pet that will truly benefit them- even if they don’t appreciate it at the time. So, let’s explore a few ways to really love your pet.

Keep your pet physically fit.

Obesity in pets is an epidemic in the United States. Our dogs and cats are simply too fat. We may think that overfeeding our pets is making them happy, but it is really the worse thing we can do for them.

Overweight, obese pets have multiple health issues that are similar to the ones seen in humans who are overweight. A short list of adverse effects seen in overweight pets include diabetes, osteoarthritis, knee ligament rupture, heart disease and others. Obesity in pets is theoretically easy to correct but requires dedication by the owner to correct the pets diet and to provide the pet opportunities to exercise. If your pet needs to loose a few pounds, here are a few suggestions. First, look at the total caloric intake and make sure that it is appropriate. Second, eliminate all treats.

Dog treats are generally loaded with empty calories. Third, find ways to increase your pets exercise. Sometimes, there are medical reasons your pet is not loosing weight. If you are not achieving your goals for your pet, see your family veterinarian for a physical examination and some blood work including thyroid hormone levels.

Check your pet’s teeth If your dog or cat has horrible breath, there is often a good reason for it. Dogs and cats are both subject to periodontal and dental disease.

Tooth abscesses, gum recession and tooth loss are all common in dogs and cats. Dental disease is a common but insidious disease that is very painful for your pets. Severe dental disease has been linked to shorted lifespans in pets. It is well worth a visit to your family veterinarian to have your pet checked for dental disease. If your pet has periodontal disease, treatment is essential. A thorough dental exam in dogs and cats often involves an examination and dental radiographs. If a dental cleaning is needed, general anesthesia is necessary to do a thorough cleaning, but it is well worth the small risk.

Take your dog to the dog park.

Dogs are naturally very active animals and can become bored if they are left in the house all day. Pittsburgh has a number of dog parks that allow dogs to run and explore new horizons off the leash. Some of these areas are fenced for added safely. If you take your dog to a park, make sure that you are in control of your dog and that they get along well with other dogs. Generally, dog parks have a number of dogs of various breeds, sizes and temperaments present. Dogs that don’t get along or are aggressive are generally not welcome. If you go to the dog park, it is important also to carry plastic bags to pick up your dog’s waste. Also,

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SE N I OR LI V ING

Town Crier

February: Smack Dab in the Middle of Winter

By Joe Bullick

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i February! You have one leg firmly planted in winter and the other tilting toward spring. It is a month to make farmers restless. For a short month, it packs in a lot.

While many folks celebrate Groundhog Day on Feb. 2, Christians celebrate Candlemas day. It is a holiday celebrated annually on Feb. 2 and according to Christian belief: it commemorates the presentation of the child Jesus.

On February 4, the Super Bowl will be played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Tickets are going for $2,500-$3,000. Thank goodness for television. Pink is going to sing the National Anthem, and the half time show will star Justin Timberlake. The Steelers have won the most championships with six. The

New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers each have won five. It will be interesting to see who this year’s Super Bowl champion is!

In addition to the Daytona 500, this year in February, we have the Winter Olympics from PyeongChang, South Korea, from Feb. 9-25. My favorite events are ice hockey, figure skating and ski jumping.

Already in the northernmost states, birds are beginning to sing at sunrise. In the winter, my mom would take a packet of poppy seeds and scatter it over the snow to grow poppies.

The seeds will do best in a previously cultivated spot, but even a grassy slope is apt to show some determined germinating seeds come spring.

Many fires occur this time of year. Make

sure your smoke alarms are in working order. Change batteries and test the alarms regularly. Also, make an exit plan for each room in case of fire. Mom always looked to see if we had some mice. The common house mouse lives for about one year and leaves plenty of droppings. If we suspected a mouse in the house, we used peanut butter to bait the traps.

There are plenty of things to do outdoors if you can handle the cold. There’s cross-country skiing, ice skating and ice fishing. There are hundreds of miles of trails for snowmobiling in our forests.

If you prefer to stay indoors, it’s a good time to catch up on the latest movies, build some puzzles or perhaps read a good book. I leave you with this thought: “There are two kinds of people.

The kind that are part of the problem and the other kind that are part of the solution.”

– Unknown FOUR WAYS (Continued from page 31)

make sure that you have pet restraint devices in your vehicle to assure a safe trip to the park and back.

Lastly, be aware of temperature extremes when your pet is left outside or in a vehicle.

This time of year, the extreme cold has been very risky to pets left outdoors for extended periods of time. Dogs that are used to being in the house are not acclimated to extreme cold and may become hypothermic or even develop frostbite if they are left outside without shelter for extended periods of time.

Extreme heat is even more dangerous to dogs and cats. While not an issue in January, when the days begin heating up, dogs should not be left in cars without ventilation. Many dogs die of heat stroke unnecessarily each year. This can be caused by being left in a vehicle in the heat or by overexertion on very hot days. Please be cognizant of temperature extremes and protect your pets from exposure to these extremes.

Most families love their pets and, indeed, consider them to be important members of their families. For Love Your Pet Day, consider one of the above options to truly show your pets the love they deserve! 4 4 4

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Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!

Dr. Shawn Richey

“I tried all kinds of treatments and nothing worked for me until I met Dr. Shawn! So far I am 75 percent cured. It feels so good to walk again without pain!”

Pat, Ross Township

“I saw so many doctors and had so many tests.

But then I found Dr. Shawn! I am completely blown out of the water that this is working.”

Sheila, Latrobe

“It hasn’t even been a month and I’ve come a long way! I struggled with peripheral neuropathy for ten years.”

George, Beaver Co.

“I am 80 percent cured! I can’t wait to go hunting & fishing again!!”

Bob, New Castle

Once thought to be incurable, peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. A specialized treatment protocol is available at the Chiropractic Family Health Center. It includes nine specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Our program utilizes state-of-the-art technology with combined therapies to restore life to the dead nerves.

Dr. Richey has seen thousands of patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy. Since 2013, his program has had a 90 percent satisfaction rate addressing the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy using a successful, non-invasive, PAINLESS, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair.

Dr. Richey has expanded his practice to include Westmoreland as well as Allegheny Counties. Chiropractic Family Health Center now has offices in both Sewickley at 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 and Latrobe at 1901 Ligonier Street. For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.

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

To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.

“I love this treatment because I noticed a real improvement.

I would absolutely recommend this.”

Ed, Ross Township

“Before I found Dr. Shawn, I suffered from peripheral neuropathy for 17 years. Now I’m HEALED!”

Paul, Pittsburgh

“I’ve been suffering with painful neuropathy and nothing seemed to help before Dr. Shawn. I am so pleased that I can finally walk again!

Otto, Johnstown, Pa.

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Happenings for Seniors Classes Your Life in Memoir, 1:30-4 p.m.,

Mar. 4, Creative Harmony Arts & Books, Harmony. Taught by N. Connection Editor Janice Palko. $40.

To register, visit: www.harmonyartsbooks.com/contact.

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

Entertainment & Social 2nd Act, adults 55 & older gather

monthly for music, inspirational speakers & outreach projects, 10 a.m.-noon, 2nd Thurs thru May 10, the lobby at Orchard Hill Church.

For info visit, https://www.orchardhillchurch.com/.

North Country Meal 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.

Seminars Legacy Theatre Seminars, 11

a.m., Feb. 6, Carl’s Story; Feb. 20, Gettysburg: The Address; Mar. 6, New Eyes: A Unifying Vision of Science and Spirituality; (9 a.m.1 p.m.), Mar. 20, AARP Driver Refresher Class; Apr. 3, Kaufmann’s Department Store; Apr. 17, Charlie Chaplin’s Red Letter Days. For info, visit http://thelegacylineup.com/

Senior Facilities UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care.

For details, call 1-800-324-5523.

St. Alexis Over 50 trips: Spring

Flower Show to Phipps, Mar. 27; Niagara Falls, Erie, Salmanca Casinos, Apr. 4-6; Little Switzerland, May 17; Gateway Clipper & Fireworks, July 4; Mackinac Island, Sept. 9. Contact, Rose (724) 7282563, or (412) 908-0124, or Janet, at (724) 869-5339.

Health & Wellness Free Services for Seniors through

North Hills Community Outreach.

Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. Call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an inhome registration visit.

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.

Meals on Wheels McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkeley Hills, Swan Acres, McCandless, Shaler & Hampton Townships. Call (412) 487-4088.

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Senior Meetings AARP 3736 welcomes new members, 7:30 p.m., every 2nd Thurs., of the month (except June & July) at St. Ursula Church Social Hall. Special dinners in Dec., May & Aug. and exciting trips.

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 opportunities and visits to nearby locations. For info, call (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) 776-9274.

Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group meets

every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. of each month 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. of every month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon. of each month 1-2:30 p.m. Call (724) 444-0064.

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Gateway North AARP #3586 meets at 1 p.m., the 3rd Monday of the month, at West View Banquet Hall at 398 Perry Hwy. Short meeting with entertainment, and cake & coffee.

Everyone is welcome.

Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. Call (412) 741-4900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.

Social Groups Amazing Singles, for singles in the

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

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

Have fun and meet new people with the Association of University People/AUP. They’re looking for

single, college graduates over 50 to join monthly dinners, meet at social spots, book club, play bridge or scrapple and social gatherings. Call (412) 734-8445 or visit www.aupsinglespittsburgh.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/eventsfestivals.

Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10

a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. Call Suzie, at (724) 799-7049.

Bereavement Support Group (for

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

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) 779-5020.

Tax Prep Changes to AARP Tax Prep in 2018, Northland Library will partner

with AARP to offer tax prep for senior citizens and low-income residents.

Appointments will be held 9 a.m.noon, Tues. & Thurs., Feb. 6-Apr. 12.

For info, visit https://www.northlandlibrary.org/.

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

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors

with disabilities with yard tasks. Visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org.

North Hills Community Outreach

needs volunteers to snow shovel for seniors. Email clpschirer@nhco.org or (412) 307-0069 x3313.

North Hills Community Outreach

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

Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program

seeks volunteers (50+) to tutor in Pittsburgh & Woodland Hills School Districts in grades K-4. Trainings are held at the Duquesne Light Building downtown Pittsburgh. For info or to register, contact John at OASIS at (412) 393-7648 or jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs.

Register at (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.

CALL NOW

to reserve your advertising space for the next issue!

724-940-2444

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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SU PP ORT OUR T ROOPS

The Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Four Chaplains

By Paula Green

“As I swam away from the ship, I looked back. The flares had lighted everything. The bow came up high and she slid under. The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could. I did not see them again. They themselves did not have a chance without their life jackets.” — Grady Clark, survivor

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his month marks the 75th anniversary of a military milestone. On January 23, 1943, the USAT Dorchester left the New York harbor bound for Greenland carrying 902 officers, servicemen and civilian workers. On the evening of Feb. 3, this mighty ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat U-223. The damage was severe; boiler power was lost, and there was inadequate steam to sound the full six-whistle signal to abandon ship. Loss of power prevented sending a radio distress signal, and no rockets or flares were launched to alert the escorts.

When the Dorchester began to sink, four chaplains of different religions George L. Fox (Methodist), Alexander D. Goode (Jewish Rabbi), Clark V. Poling (Baptist) and John P. Washington (Catholic) were trying to calm the passengers during the evacuation. When there were no more lifejackets left, the chaplains removed theirs and gave them to four frightened young men. As the ship was sinking, they linked arms together, said prayers and sang hymns as they went down with the ship.

The Dorchester sank into the icy waters of the Atlantic. Of the 902 men aboard the USAT Dorchester, 672 died, leaving 230 survivors. When the news reached American shores, the nation was stunned by the magnitude of the tragedy and heroic conduct of these holy men.

On Dec. 19, 1944, the four chaplains were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross. A Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation was dedicated on February 3,

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1951, by President Harry S. Truman. In his dedication speech, the president said, “This interfaith shrine… will stand through long generations to teach Americans that as men can die heroically as brothers so should they live together in mutual faith and goodwill.”

The chaplains were honored with a commemorative stamp issued in 1948. On July 14, 1960, the Four Chaplains Medals were introduced by Congress. The medals were presented posthumously on Jan. 18, 1961, to their next of kin. In 2006, the chaplains were awarded the Medal of Honor.

On Feb. 3, 1988, Congress established Four Chaplains Day. It is a day filled with

A St. Gregory School student has a family member stationed in Afghanistan and the kindergarteners and first graders made cards, drew pictures and collected a variety of items for the soldiers.

This was done in conjunction with Veterans Day. The students received a beautiful thank you from the troop.

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

official proclamations and flags flown at half-staff to honor their bravery.

This event was the catalyst for Americans to embrace interfaith understanding. It was a transformational moment for America, marking the first time various denominations were recognized by the mainstream population as serving together and with common purpose. 4 4 4 Sources: http://www.fourchaplains.org/, http://www. fourchaplains.org/the-saga-of-the-four-chaplains/, https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Chaplains, http://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-media/radio/documentaries/ no-greater-love-the-four-chaplains-and-the-sinking-of-thedorchester/

MOVERS & S HA KE R S

Fabulous February Trivia

By Paula Green

put on your thinking caps, because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. Which Shakespearian comedy contains this quote, “You have such a February face, so full of frost, of storm and cloudiness?”

2. How many U.S. presidents were born in February?

3. Name the Brady Bunch star that was born on the sweet day – Feb. 14th.

4. Which 1960/1970s English pop star died on Feb. 29, 2012?

5. On Feb. 20, 1962, this astronaut became the first American launched into orbit traveling around in the Friendship 7 space craft.

6. The Chinese New Year will be ushered in on Feb. 16. What Lunar Year (animal) will be commemorated?

7. This heiress was kidnapped on Feb. 4, 1974.

8. Name the male organization that was founded by William Boyce in Washington D.C. on Feb. 8, 1910.

9. This year’s Super Bowl is slated to be play in Minnesota on Feb. 4, what number one is it?

10. On Feb. 24, 1868, the House of Representatives voted to impeach this U.S. president?

11. This friendly neighbor passed away on Feb, 27, 2003.

12. “The music died” on this date in Feb. 1959, when Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper died in a plane crashed.

13. Which vaccination was first given to school children in Pittsburgh on Feb. 23, 1954?

14. This baseball player (The Great Bambino) was born on Feb. 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Md. 15. Antonio Sabato Jr., Dinah Shore, Dennis Farina and Tony Robbins were all born on this day in February. 4 4 4 Sources: http://diversityhuman.com/interesting-trivia-facts-about-february -love-month, https:popculturemadness.com/trivia/February/index.php, https://www.buzzle.com/articles/ quotes-interesting-facts-and-trivia-about-the-february-month.html, https://triviachamp.com/ February-Historic-Events-Quiz.php, https://www.thefamouspeople.com/february, http://www. historyplace.com/specials/calendar/february.htm Answers: 1. Much Ado About Nothing 2. four – Ronald Reagan (Feb. 6), William Henry Harrison (Feb. 9), Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) & George Washington (Feb. 22) 3. Florence Henderson 4. Davy Jones 5. John Glenn 6. Year of the Dog 7. Patty Hearst 8. The Boy Scouts of America 9. LII (52) 10. Andrew Johnson 11. Fred Rogers 12. Feb. 3 13. polio (Jonas Salk) 14. Babe Ruth 15. February 29 (leapers)

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he month of February is short and sweet. It’s a great time to express your love on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. February gets its name from the Latin word “februa” which means purification. At the beginning of the month, we celebrate Groundhog Day on Feb. 2. This rodent fête came about because of a German superstition. They thought if a hibernating animal cast a shadow on Feb. 2, that winter would last another six weeks. If there was no shadow, spring would come early.

On the third Monday of February we commemorate Presidents’ Day, where we honor all U.S. presidents past and present. We also celebrate Mardi Gras otherwise known as “Fat Tuesday.” It’s always observed the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. This year it falls on Feb. 13.

The first week of February is African Heritage and Health Week. The third weekend is National Margarita Weekend.

Other February commemorations include – American Heart Month, Black History Month, Canned Food Month, Chocolate Lover’s Month, Creative Romance Month, National Cherry Month, National Children’s Dental Health Month, National Grapefruit Month, Hot Breakfast Month, Potato Lovers Month and Snack Food Month.

In common years, February starts on the same day of the week as March and November, and in leap years, it starts with the same day of the week as August. Roman emperor Julius Caesar was the one responsible for revamping the calendar and implementing “leap day” on Feb. 29.

February can pass without a single full moon. The last time this happened was in 1999, and it will happen again this year in 2018. The birthstone for February is amethyst and the flower is primrose. February birthdays fall under the zodiac signs of Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) or Pisces (Feb. 19- Mar. 20).

Some notable people that were born in February include – Jennifer Aniston, Alice Cooper, Thomas Edison, Farrah Fawcett, Clark Gable, Henry Heimlich, Sherman Hemsley, Charles Lindbergh, Rosa Parks, Lisa Marie Presley and Burt Reynolds.

We lost some famous folks in February as well. A few include – Whitney Houston, Gene Kelly, George Kennedy, Harper Lee, Bill Paxton and Antonin Scalia.

Since we have made our way through the second month, we must now leap through these February questions. Get set to

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Bianco

McDonald

Denny

Houk

Rodgers

Killby

Schmidt

BC3: Many paths to success at state’s two-time No. 1 community college What path to success will you take at Butler County Community College?

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alk alongside the thousands of students attending the No. 1 community college in Pennsylvania in back-to-back Schools. com rankings.

Join the 75 percent of BC3 students who graduate debt-free, such as 2017’s Carly McDonald, of Cranberry Township; Laura Killby, of Renfrew; and Zack Rodgers, of Butler.

Choose what the Pittsburgh Business Times reported in January as having the highest ratio of graduate earnings 10 years after commencement when compared with what a student paid to attend, besting ratios of 41 other colleges and universities surveyed in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

Don the golden sash of Rho Phi, BC3’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa that in 2017 reached the ultimate five-star status in the prestigious international academic honor society.

Represent BC3 on the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, such as 2017’s Tarah Schmidt, of Parker, and Lauren Denny, of Butler.

Vie to become a BC3 National Junior College Athletic Association All-American, such as 2017’s Julia Baxter, of Butler; Nicole Houk, of New Castle; and Brittney Bianco, of Freeport.

Pick what Victory Media has selected as a Military Friendly institution for the fifth consecutive year.

Compete on BC3’s women’s basketball, softball, golf or volleyball teams, which in 2017 won Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference championships.

Learn in a classroom with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1.

Select from one of BC3’s 55 career or transfer programs, or 21 certificate or workplace certificate programs.

What path to success will you take at Butler County Community College?

Take your first steps at BC3 open houses, from 6-8 p.m. April 11 on BC3’s main campus; and from 6-7:30 p.m. May 10 at BC3 @ Cranberry in Cranberry Township. 4 4 4 www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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K I D S & E D U C AT ION

Shady Side Academy Offers New Elementary Campus in the North Families in the north suburbs now have access to the region’s best PK-12 education at an earlier age with the addition of Shady Side Academy’s newest elementary campus, SSA Country Day School in Fox Chapel. Formerly Fox Chapel Country Day School, the school joined SSA through a merger in 2017.

S

hady Side Academy now offers Pittsburgh-area families the choice between two elementary campuses, the Junior School in Point Breeze and Country Day School in Fox Chapel. Each campus offers a unique experience, alive with engaged and curious learners who are prepared to succeed at SSA Middle School.

SSA Country Day School is located on 17 wooded acres in Fox Chapel and enrolls approximately 120 students in pre-kindergarten (age 3) through grade 5. The school provides a foundation centered in academics and the arts, in which each child can achieve both academic success and personal self-confidence. The unhurried, nurturing environment fosters happy and creative students who come to school ready to discover and learn each day.

The school’s hallmark is its emphasis on active learning. Children spend an enormous amount of time exploring, learn-

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ing and playing outside on the spacious, secluded campus, which includes an outdoor classroom, treehouse classroom, playground, field and garden. Students have two recesses each day year-round and regularly take hikes in the woods, where they’re encouraged to explore, take photos, sketch or write poetry about what they find.

“We really believe in a hands-on type of education,” says Country Day’s head of school, Sharon Smith. “Getting children outside and letting them play, discover and explore keeps them happy and energized about learning.”

Art, music and performance are essential parts of Country Day’s program.

Students enjoy weekly art and music classes, and each grade plans and stages a performance for other students and parents.

“Kids are just naturally drawn to music,” says Smith. “By having them learn the lines to songs, follow directions, and then perform on stage in front of their peers, it helps them build self-esteem and learn skills that will help them down the road, whatever career path they choose.”

Small student/teacher ratios support a learning environment carefully designed to meet the needs of varied levels and learning styles.

“We really try to pay attention to the individual talents and needs of each student,” says Smith.

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

A strong sense of community is built through schoolwide assemblies and classroom morning meetings, where students learn the value in caring for others, themselves and their environment. Talented and dedicated teachers work with parents from the very beginning, recognizing that each child’s educational journey is unique.

Close, supportive interactions promote lifelong friendships, with older students serving as “buddies” and mentors to younger students.

Most northern suburban public school districts provide bus transportation to SSA Country Day School, as well as to SSA’s Middle and Senior Schools in Fox Chapel.

To learn more about Shady Side Academy Country Day School, or to inquire about admission for the 2018-2019 school year, visit www.ShadySideAcademy. org/CountryDaySchool or call 412-9631277. 4 4 4

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K I D S & E D U C AT ION

A.W. Beattie Career Center Providing Students with a Stepping Stone to the Future

By Janice Lane Palko “We are very proud to support the students in the North Hills and to provide them with a stepping stone to their future whether that be post-secondary study, employment or military service,” said Eric C. Heasley, executive director, A. W. Beattie Career Center.

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ore and more students from the nine area school districts— Avonworth, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel Area, Hampton Township, North Allegheny, North Hills, Northgate, PineRichland and Shaler Area—that AWBCC serves are discovering how much of a jump-start students can receive on their chosen career by attending AWBCC. “This year we have the highest enrollment in the last 10 years with 765 students enrolled,” said Mr. Heasley. No doubt the surge in enrollment is due to the outstanding training students receive AWBCC. This year AWBCC introduced two new programs: Sports Medicine-Rehabilitation Therapy and Veterinary Sciences Technology. Both were instituted to address the need in the marketplace for students trained in those fields and in response to students who were asking for those programs. In addition, among the other programs offered at AWBCC are Culinary Arts; Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning; Health and Nursing Sciences;

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and Automotive Collision Technology.

AWBCC is consistently rated by the PA Department of Education as one of the top performing Career Centers for high school students enrolled in post-secondary education, employed in their field of study or engaged in military services one year after graduation. “Statistics on the class of 2016, show that 98 percent of the students were either engaged through employment, enrolled in post-secondary school or participating in the military,” said Mr. Heasley.

AWBCC also offers summer camp for students entering grades 6 through 9 this fall. Among the numerous subjects students can explore are Game Coding, HVAC Furnace Fixers, Robotics and Creative Cupcakes and Cookies.

For more information on all that A. W. Beattie Career Center has to offer, visit www.beattietech.com or call (412) 847-1900.

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K I D S & E D U C AT ION

School Movers & Shakers Mars Area Mars Area junior Vincenzia Vargo received an award for excellence in chemistry at the 29th annual Women in Science Day, held Dec. 13 at Seton Hill University.

will receive a $2,000 award and be honored at The Pennsylvania Society Annual Meeting June 1 in Erie.

Vincenzia Vargo

Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Wrestling Team placed fourth overall in the 2017 Steve DeAugustino Holiday Wrestling Classic, held Dec. 27-28 at West Mifflin High School. Participants included: Jeffrey Desantes, Alex Hornfeck, Noah Hunkele, Max Lamm, Mitchell McMarlin, Jake Richardson and Nolan Wicker.

Six members of Mars Area High School Band were selected by solo audition to perform in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Band Festival on Jan. 11-13.

Performers were: Matthew Brazel, Michelle Manukas, Tara Brazel, Sarah Grimm, Jenna Halenda and Jacob Smith.

The following Mars Area High School students placed in the 2017-2018 FBLA Regional Leadership Conference. They are: Matthew Olsen, Zachary Ottenweller, Andrew Riska, Dustin Bauer, Alexis Bonifate, Chase Reck, Ashley Parham, Luke Diel, Jonathan Knotts and Anastasia Bonifate.

North Hills Eleven North Hills High School students took home top honors at the regional competition of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and will compete at the state competition in Hershey on Apr 8 to 11. State qualifiers include: Brittany Allen, Katie Emmons, Evan Feltz, Ben Flory, Kaylee Lawson, Gary Latuszewski, Andrew Massie, Vincent Melchiorre, Dan O’Toole, Michela Sieber and Courtney Withers.

North Hills School District Athletics Department held a special dedication event for the district’s new scoreboard on Jan. 16.

The scoreboard was installed this fall and it features advertisement panels from 12 local companies.

Fox Chapel

Mars Area High School announced it “Renaissance Students of the Month” for December 2017 They are: junior Mark Macri, freshman Ellie Coffield, senior Troy Whittaker and sophomore Griffin Miller.

Mars Area seventh-grader Cole Winstead earned first place in the 2017-2018 Mars Area Geography Bee Final Round Qualifier, held Dec. 20 at Mars Area Centennial School.

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Cole Winstead

Fox Chapel Area School District students held their 28th annual telethon Friday, Dec. 22, and raised more than $37,000. This year’s total brings the money raised by Fox Chapel Area students to more than $804,000 over the last 28 years for various local and regional charities.

Two students from the Fox Chapel Area School District, Sanjay Seshan and Arvind Seshan, won the First Place Champion’s award and First Place Robot Performance Award at the Western Pennsylvania State Championship for FIRST LEGO League at La Roche College on January 12-13.

Fox Chapel Area High School junior Annika Urban has been named a winner of the Benjamin Franklin Scholar Award. Annika was named a third-place winner for her essay entitled, “The Hidden Dangers of Persistence.” She

FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Three Fox Chapel Area High School students placed in the Brother Rene Sterner Steel City Classic forensic tournament. The team of senior Sara Puthenpurayil and sophomore Rajeev Godse won first place in Policy Debate.

Freshman Jackson Romero won fourth place in Lincoln Douglas Debate.

Several Fox Chapel Area High School students competed in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Regional Leadership Conference and 55 placed and qualified for the state competition. First place winners were: Vaishavi Agrawal, Daniel Andrud, Abby Baldauf, Christopher Bonavita, Jackson Boychuk, Noah Fritsch, Sanjana Harish, Meredith Kenney, Michael Prato, Jarad Reiss, Brianna Smith, Jordan Taxay, Tanvi Yende, Ziya Xu, and Zachary Zytnick.

A team of Dorseyville Middle School sixth grade students placed first in the elementary division of the 3-2-1 Questions Unlimited National Quiz Bowl. The students are Jack Cannon, Adam Ferris, Katherine Haas, Benjamin Myers, Eric Pil, Adhitya Thirumala, and Abraham White.

North Allegheny North Allegheny Foundation held their Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala on Jan. 25 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Mars. The honorees were: Wayne Brinda, Tom Bowman, Kimberly Boucek, Mark Nordenberg, Larry Schweiger, Laura Ditka, Robert Hillman, Warren Hoburg and Jessica Jackley.

Seneca Valley A new sport has rolled out at Seneca Valley and anyone can play. The new indoor bocce team at Seneca Valley started through a partnership with Slippery Rock University and the Unified Sports Program through the Special Olympics. The teams are made of student

athletes in grades 9-12 with and without disabilities. For info, email smoltercm@svsd.net or call (724) 452-6040, ext. 1264.

Catholic Schools of the Pittsburgh Diocese Farmers National Bank officials donated a $4,000 check to the Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF) through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program grant on Jan. 10.

Aquinas Academy Aquinas Academy girls’ varsity basketball team returned to the WPIAL with three section wins. The girls had won three championships in the past five years in the SWCAC with a combined SWCAC/WPIAL record of 92-23. Early into the Class A Section 3 season, the team has an overall record of 8-2 and a section record of 3-0.

St. Joseph Saint Joseph High School senior Ethan Fontana has been selected as a recipient of a Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship program award in the amount of $1,000.

Three Saint Joseph High School junior year students earned Seton Hill University Women in Science Awards: Julia Singleton (Biology Award), Leah Grady (Chemistry Award) and Abigail Book (Math Award).

REGISTER NOW for the 2018-2019 School Year Butler Catholic School (Butler)

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

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Catholic High School (Cranberry Twp) Principal: Luke Crawford 412-321-4823 www.cwnchs.org

Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy (Aspinwall) Principal: Mr. Mark Grgurich (412) 781-7927 www.cdtca.org

Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park)

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

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

Vincentian Academy (North Hills, PA)

Principal: Mrs. Rita Canton 412-364-1616 www.vincentianacademy.org

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

La Roche College Stacy Innerst, an adjunct professor at La Roche College, is the winner of a New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award. Innerst received the award for his illustrations in “Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs.

Inequality,” written by Jonah Winter.

U.S. News and World Report ranked La Roche’s MSN program as a 2018 Best Online Graduate Nursing Program.

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KIDS & E DUC ATIO N

University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh medical student Stephen Canton has been named the Future City 2018 Alumnus of the Year by the national Future City Competition.

BC3 Seventeen Butler County Community College accounting and business administration students volunteered 16 hours during their holiday break to learn to prepare taxes for those in low- to moderate-income households in Butler and Armstrong counties.

CCAC A group of 16 CCAC honors students embarked on an international study tour in India from January 2–13. The students, who

The Community College of Allegheny County’s North Campus held a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Jan. 25 to celebrate the launch of the college’s firstever Innovation Lab. County Executive Rich Fitzgerald was among those in attendance to officially open the new addition.

Saint Vincent College Saint Vincent College’s Master of Science in Management: Operational Excellence degree program has been ranked among the top 100 in U.S. News and World Report’s best Online Non-MBA Business Graduate programs in new rankings.

Rev. Alex Schwartz, of Pittsburgh, a 2016 graduate of Saint Vincent College and nondenominational minister, gave a presentation at Saint Vincent College on his Peace Corps service in Batouri, Cameroon, Africa. To build crosscultural awareness, Schwartz will continue in-country service until August 2019 as part of the education sector of the Peace Corps.

represent all four campuses, raised a total of $2,000 ($1,000 each) for Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) and Swami Sivananda Memorial Institute (SSMI)—two nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) they visited.

St. Gregory Catholic School At St. Gregory Catholic School, we value accommodating the needs of the 21st century learner. I personally have instituted new technology into my social studies classroom, such as Plickers and MovieMaker. Plickers is a free mobile app that allows educators to gauge student comprehension through formative assessment.

Students use an individual QR code to answer multiple choice questions, allowing teachers to quickly and virtually check for understanding each lesson. MovieMaker is a video editing software program that allows each student to demonstrate his or her ability to meet learning objectives in an informal way. For example, my 7th grade geography students recently completed a news broadcast on the cultural impact of natural disasters using the program MovieMaker. At St. Gregory Catholic School, we value new technology and innovative pedagogical strategies, allowing for our students to gain the necessary skills to reach their full potential. 4 4 4

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FEBRUARY 2018

Happenings Arts & Entertainment I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Mar. 9-18, The New Hazlett Theater Center. For info, visit PrimeStage. com.

Lamentation, a modern dance solo

performance, 8 p.m., Feb. 9 & 10, at the Byham Theater. For details, visit www.trustarts.org or (412) 4566666.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m.,

Feb. 5, Despicable Me 3; Feb.12, Marshall, Feb. 19, Victoria and Abdul, Feb. 26, The Mummy, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 25, The Tamburitzans; Mar. 24, The Skyliners; Apr. 14, The Jersey Seasons: Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons Tribute Concert; May 19, Night Fever: Bee Gees Tribute; Jun. 9, Johnny Angel & the Halos. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegacylineup.com.

North Hills Community Outreach offers multiple programs aimed at helping people attain self-sufficiency including employment help. For details, email jmboggs@nhco.org or (412) 408-3830 x3217.

The Pigeon Comes to Pittsburgh: A Mo Williems Exhibit runs Feb.

17-May at the children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. For info, visit exhibits@ pittsburghkids.org or call (412) 3225058, ext. 229.

Twilight Night, 7 p.m., Feb. 2,

Memorial Park Church. For info, visit memorialparkchurch.org or call (412) 364-9492.

Classes Depreciation’s Land Museum classes: Feb. 6, Gunn Klass Spring

Semester; Mar. 3, Introduction into Weaving; Mar. 10, Intermediate Weaving; Mar. 24, Tavern Night; Apr. 14, Spinning Class; Apr. 21, Open Hearth Cooking. For info, visit http://www.depreciationlandsmuseum.org/ or call (412) 486-0563.

Your Life in Memoir, March 4,

1:30-4 p.m., Creative Harmony Arts & Books, Harmony. Taught by N. Connection Editor Janice Palko. $40.

To register, visit: www.harmonyartsbooks.com/contact.

Camps Week-long overnight experience

for young adults with autism or other intellectual/developmental disabilities at Glade Run. Reserve your spot today, visit tharvan@gladerun.org.

Counseling Anchorpoint Events: SPIN for

Single Moms & their Kids, 6-8 p.m., two Weds a month Oct.-May, call (412) 366-1300 x105; Professional counseling for individuals, families & kids, call (412) 366-1300.

Dancing & Recreational Events Ballroom Dancing, 7-8 p.m. (beginners); 8-10:30 p.m. (social dance), 1st & 3rd Fri., thru Jun. 1, Orchard Hill. Visit https://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.

Saturday Singles Dance, for ages

40+, 8 p.m. to midnight, Feb. 3, Giftcards Giveaway; Feb. 17, Free Speed Dating & Nacho Bar. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m., West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Call (724) 316-5029 or www. dancetonight.weebly.com.

Environmental Western PA Mushroom Club meetings, 7 p.m., Tues., Mar. 20, Apr. 17, May 15 (cultivation), Jun. 19, Jul. 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16 (photo contest results & election of officers), Nov. 20 (potluck dinner & member photos), Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd. For info, visit wpamushroomclub.org.

Festivals Registration is open for the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival.

For details, visit www.pghknitandcrochet.com.

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Ask the Attorney, free counseling

for qualified individuals, the 3rd Wed. of every month, 7 p.m., Feb. 21, NHCO North Boroughs, Mar. 21 at NHCO in Millvale. Pre-register at jmboggs@nhco.org or (412) 4083830 x3217.

Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church is

offering it Stephen Ministry Program for people experiencing grief, divorce, cancer, illnesses, job loss, loss of home, military deployment & other life struggles. Free & confidential program for people of any faith. Call (412) 486-4010 or www.bhlc.org.

Employment help is available at NHCO. For details, contact NHCO resource coordinator, Jackie at jmboggs@nhco.org or (412) 4083830 x3217.

Group Services, Intensive

Outpatient Program, 5:30-8:30 p.m., M,W,Th.,Therapy Group 6-8 p.m., Tues., Family Only Group 7:30-9:00 p.m., 2nd Tues, Psycho-educational Support Group 7-9 p.m., 4th Mon. Contact Anita (412) 215-7967, pened1@aol.com, or www.anitasinicropemaier.com.

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Fundraiser Great Allegheny Passage 5K/10K Run & 2 Mile Fun Walk, May 12, Arthur H. King Access Area of the Great Allegheny Passage in West Newton. Register before Apr. 12 to get a free t-shirt. For details, visit www.bikewytc.org.

RSG1 Foundation Valentine’s Day 5K/10K/ 15K , 9 a.m., Feb. 10,

North Park Boat House. For info, visit rsg1foundation.org.

Garden “Visions of Spring” workshop,

9:30 a.m., Feb. 14, Fellowship Hall of Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd.

Presented by Greybrooke Garden Club. For info, call Barbro (412) 296-0538.

Health & Wellness Health, Wealth, Wellness & More Business Expo, noon-6

p.m., Feb. 2 & 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 3, Clearview Mall. Space is limited, register by email Jennifer@ ButlerCountyChamber.com or (724) 283-2222.

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.

Tai Chi Exercise for Exercise,

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., thru Jun. 23, (no meeting Mar. 31 or May 26), Orchard Hill Church. For info, visit https://www.orchardhillchurch.com/.

VA Butler Healthcare will be offer-

ing flu vaccination clinics to Veterans at the main campus, CommunityBased Outpatient Clinics, and other community locations this fall. For a list of date and times, call (724) 2874781 or 1-800-362-8262.

Historical Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 2nd Monday of the month 7 p.m.) Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Free & open to the public. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.

Library Northland Library, Sign of Spring Hike, 2 p.m., Feb. 11; Food Truck: Pgh Crepes & Jim’s Smokin’ Que,

noon- 6 p.m., Feb. 15; Marketing the Presidency: Election Campaign Thru the Years, 7 p.m., Feb. 22; An Evening of Magic & Science: Tom Miller Author Visit, 7 p.m., Feb. 23; Northland Genealogy Day, noon, Mar. 3. For info, visit www.northlandlibrary.org or (412) 366-8100.

Networking AM Spirit Business Link Chapter,

a business networking group, meets 11:45 a.m. every Wed, at Bistro 9101, 9101 Perry Hwy., McCandless Twp. Call Roy at rrudl@northwood.com.

AM Spirit Cranberry Chapter, a

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

AM Spirit McCandless Chapter, a

business networking group, meets at noon every Wed, at Bistro 9101, Rt. 19, McCandless Twp. Call Glen (412) 916-8699.

King’s Restaurant, Rt. 8, Gibsonia.

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

Wexford Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 8 a.m., Tues., Feb. 13 & 27, Monte Cello’s Restaurant, 10441 Perry Hwy., Wexford. Call Tracy at (724) 4525948.

Outreach Donate your vehicle to NHCO’s

Transportation Assistance program, (formerly Community Auto). Free pickup or towing and hassle-free donation process. For details, visit nhco.org/donate/donate-car or (412) 408-3830 X3217.

Knitters/crocheters needed, the

group, meets 8 a.m. every Thurs, at Sports Grille at Cranberry. Call Glen (412) 916-8699.

AM Spirit Wexford Chapter,

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517

a business networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village. Visit https://www.amspirit.com/chapter. php?chapter=Wexford.

Italian Sons & Daughters of America is welcoming new members.

Meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of the month with a social & refreshments. If interested, call Joanne at (724) 443-8303.

Butler County Business Matters Friday Morning Coffee, 8 a.m.,

Feb. 23, Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center; Mar. 30, Clearview Federal Credit Union. For info email Jennifer@butlercountychamber.com or (724) 283-2222.

Cranberry Chapter of the Women’s Business Network

meets 7:30 a.m., Thurs., Feb. 1 & 15, Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church, 2662 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. For info, call Teresa at (724) 316-3427.

Criders Corner Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets at noon, Thurs., Feb. 8 & 22, The Sports Grille, 1294 Freedom Rd., Cranberry. Call Jan at (724) 9913289.

North Hills Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 9 a.m., Fri., Feb. 2 & 16, Eat N Park, Rt. 8 & Saxonburg Blvd. in Etna. Call Lynn at (412) 767-5290.

Sarver Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 11:30

a.m., Thurs., Feb. 1 & 15, Evolution FEBRUARY 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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

Olive Branch Fair Trade Store and Missions & More started a group to knit and crochet items to be donated as part of their outreach ministry for people in need. For info, call (724) 799-8700.

AM Spirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, a business networking

Amity Lodge #45 affiliated with

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Grille, Rt. 1186 Butler Rd in Freeport.

Call Lisa at (724) 934-4550.

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 Sharing Winter Warmth program

is in need of funds to help families with their heating and light bills. For details, visit www.nhco.org or call (412) 487-6316.

North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.-

1:45 p.m. every Tues & Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway. Call, (412) 366-7477 or www.northhillsfoodbank.com. Donations always welcome.

UPMC Passavant Auxiliary is

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

Sales & Shopping I Made it Sweet! Artisan Market,

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 10, The Block Northway. For details, visit www.theblocknorthway.com or (412) 364-1171.

North Hills Community Outreach

is taking orders for their citrus sale which runs thru Feb. 5. To order, visit nhco.org/fruit.cfm or call (412) 3070069 x3311.

Scholarships Young women in the Avonworth School District are eligible to apply for three scholarship opportunities. Two sponsored by the Avon Club & the other is the Kathy Hall Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must live in the Avonworth School District but don’t need to attend there. Applications due Feb. 11.

Visit avonclub.benavon.org.

School & Classes Blood Drive, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Feb. 7, Fox

Chapel Area High School large group instruction room, 611 Field Club Rd., O’Hara Twp. For info, email Rachel_Machen@fcasd.edu or call (412) 9672445. Walk-ins are welcome.

Butler County Community College is offering

a free month-long readiness program, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Feb. 19-Mar.15. For info, visit https://www. butlercc.edu/

Digital Boot Camp Series: Feb. 17; Cyber Safety,

Mar. 10; Digital Identity, Apr. 21; Social Media: What Parents Need to Know, Room 3002 at CCAC North Campus. To register, visit www.northlandlibrary.org or (412) 366-8100 ext. 113.

Fox Chapel Area School District is accepting

registrations for the 2018-19 school year in Feb. & Mar. For information, visit http://register.fcasd.edu.

La Roche Meet Design event, 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Feb. 19, La Roche campus. For info, visit admissions@laroche.edu or (412) 536-1792.

La Roche Professional Development Series,

Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, 6:308:30 p.m., Mar. 26, Transforming Performance Management: Lessons Learned at MSA, Apr. 16, Ryan Room of the Zappala College Center. Preregister at laroche.edu/hrmseries.

Leadership program, presented by Fox Chapel Area School District and Dale Carnegie & Associates, Jun. 18-28. For details, email Lisa_ Gibson@fcasd.edu or (412) 967-2479.

North Hills Drama Club presents, Aladdin Jr., 7 p.m., Feb. 1-3, in the Middle School auditorium.

Tickets available at the box office at 5:30 p.m. before performances. For info visit, nhsd.net.

Seneca Valley Preschool & kindergarten registration is open for 2018-19. Children must be

3-yrs. old for pre-school & 5 yrs. for kindergarten by Sept. 1. For info & to register, visit www.svsd.net/.

Transfer Tuesdays are running 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb

thru Apr. 24 at La Roche College at the North Hills campus in Room 118 of the Palumbo Science Center.

For info, visit laroche.edu or call (412) 536-1260.

Seminars AAUW presents 100% Pittsburgh, 9:30 a.m., Feb. 13, Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. Open to the public. For info, For info, email lbtotten@ comcast.net.

Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh Speaker Series

“Tree of Life,” 6:30 a.m., Feb. 8, 826 Hazelwood Ave. Register at: hcofpgh.org/generations-speaker-series.

Spiritual Parish Mission, “Unconditionally,” with Catholic Channel Radio host Greg Wasinski, 7-8:30 p.m.,

Feb. 11, 12 & 13, St. James Catholic Parish in Sewickley, 200 Walnut St. For info, visit www. saintjames-church. Com or (412) 741-6650.

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

Bereavement Support Group, Beyond Bridge

Sports & Recreation Brad-Mar-Pine Baseball & Softball registration

is open for girls & boys, ages 3-19. Players who live in Marshall, Bradford Woods, Pine Twp. & neighboring communities are welcome. For details, visit www.bradmarpine.org.

Co-Ed Indoor Soccer, 7:30-9 p.m., Thurs., thru

May 24, gym, Orchard Hill Church. Visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Co-Ed Volleyball, 7:30-9 p.m., Tues., thru May 22, gym, Orchard Hill Church. Visit orchardhillchurch. com.

North Hills Community Outreach invites run-

ners, relay teams & marathoners to run in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon May 5 & 6. When you support NHCO team, you help families in need. Visit www.crowdrise.com/northhillscommunitypitt2018.

Summer Event

to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary.

Call (412) 748-6640.

Bereavement Support Group (for widows/

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

Bereavement Support Group in the North Hills,

10-11:30 a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. To register, call (724) 334-6600.

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group, noon-

1:15 p.m., 3rd Weds., HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Sewickley, 3rd Floor Board Room. For info, call Michelle at (412) 749-2388.

Brain Injury Support Group, Mind Matters,

7-9 p.m., every 3rd Thurs., of the month, Butler Memorial Hospital, East Brady St. in the Dimmick Center. Call (724) 283-6666.

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

Save a snowball and freeze it til Jun. 21. You

can use it as admission to the Carnegie Science Center’s annual Snowball Day. For details, visit carnegiesciencecenter.org.

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

Wed. of every month, HealthSouth Rehabilitation

Thurs., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center.

Register at (412) 622-1212.

Breast Cancer Support Groups, 5:30-7 p.m., 3rd Mon., AGH Hospital; 7-8:30 p.m.,1st & 3rd Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry; 6-7:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18,

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no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

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

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

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

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

Tax Prep

Christian 12-Step Recovery, 7-9 p.m.,

AARP Tax Prep, 9 a.m.-noon, Tues & Thurs, Feb.

Kidzburgh 4th-5th grade room, Orchard Hill Church. Visit orchardhillchurch.com.

6-Apr. 12, Northland Library. For details, visit www. northlandlibrary.org or (412) 366-8100 x103.

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous, 10:30 a.m.,

North Hills Community Outreach is offering

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

Divorce Care, 7-9 p.m., Thurs., thru May 31,

Room 201, Upper level, Orchard Hill. For details, visit orchardhillchurch.com.

General Cancer Center Support Groups,

6:30-8 p.m., 2nd & 4th Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

GriefShare, 7-8:30 p.m., Thurs., thru May 31,

Room 205, upper level, Orchard Hill. For details, visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Grief Support Group for widows and widow-

ers over fifty, 2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., of the month, St. Sebastian Parish, 311 Siebert Rd. Visit http://www.saintsebastianparish.org/

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m.,

every 3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

Metastatic Cancer Support Group, 5-6:30 p.m., 1st Thur. of each month,

UPMC Passavant Hospital-McCandless. 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. New members register at (412) 622-1212.

MISS Foundation (Mothers in Sympathy and

Support) for those grieving the loss of a child – includes miscarriages, still birth and prematurity.

Meetings held 7:30 p.m., 1st Tues of the month, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cumberland Rd., McCandless. Contact Laurie.Jackson@missfoundation.org.

Parkinson’s Support Group, 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 from Codependency, 7-9 p.m.,

Kidzburgh 3-yr old room, Orchard Hill Church.

Visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Recovery for Parents of Addicts, 7-9 p.m.,

Kidzburgh K-1 room, Orchard Hill Church. Visit orchardhillchurch.com.

S.P.I.N. For Single Moms: 6-7:30 p.m., 4th

Monday of the Month in Bellevue. For details, call (412) 366-1300.

free tax prep for low-income individuals through the United Way’s Free Tax Prep program.

Appointments are required. Call 2-1-1.

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

Veterans Breakfast Club Meetings, held

every month throughout the Pittsburgh region.

For details, visit http://veteransbreakfastclub. com/.

Veterans Discover HOPE Here -Career, 3rd

Wed., 6:30-8:45 p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 779-8323, discoverhopehere@ gmail.com or www.discoverhopehere.com.

Veterans Fitness Classes 5 Days a week,

4:30-5:30 p.m., VA Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. Visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_Physically_ Active.asp.

Veteran HOPE, support group for women

Veterans recovering from mental illness, meet 6-8 p.m., every Tues., VA Butler Healthcare, Room 217WS, Building 1. Call (724) 996—8892 or (724) 285-2756 or butlerva.gov.

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group, 10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call 800-362-8262 ext. 2498.

“Veteran X” mental health & substance abuse

recovery program for vets meets 6 p.m., every Mon., at VA Butler Healthcare, Room 213, East South (ES), 325 N. Castle Rd., Butler. Visit http://www.butler.va.gov/.

Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volun-

teers to drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon.stalter@cancer.org.

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council volun-

teer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students on basic literacy skills, 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutor training provided. Call (412) 393-7600 or http://www.gplc.org/becomea-volunteer.cfm.

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers for their patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! Call (412) 367-3685.

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Fish Fries

Support these local fish fry fundraisers!

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Do you have a unique venue for parties?

Feature your party venue in our Party Guide!

Please call 724-940-2444 or email northcon@consolidated.net for more information.

Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with

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

Seeking hospice volunteers...if you can find the

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

Tutoring volunteers needed for Anchorpoint’s

Fall Tutoring Mentoring Program. For details, call (412) 366-1300 x123.

Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah Street on the Southside. Help make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Call (412) 3810277 or www.EmmausPgh.org.

Winter Events National Aviary activities: Penguin Painting,

Feb.11, Mar. 11, Apr. 8 & May 13; Welcome to the Jungle, 6 p.m., Feb. 23; Flamingo Fest, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Feb. 24-25; Amazing Amazon, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m., Tues, beginning Mar. 3. For details, visit www. aviary.org.

Multiple Sclerosis Fundraiser Linda’s Court Memorial Tennis Fundraiser will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 10, at Pure Athletex Sportsplex, PA Tennis Academy located at 119 Neely School Road in Wexford. The event will consist of a triples tennis tournament, food, music, auction and fun! For more info, visit http://www.lindascourt.myevent.com or please email me at lindascourt47@gmail.com.

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