February 2020 Issue - Northern Connection Magazine

February 2020

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 21 YEARS

Passavant Hospital Foundation Living a Legacy of Caring Also...

2020 Health Care Guide • Vice Presidential Trivia February Happenings • Party Guide

Pages 24-26

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February

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

2020 Health Care Guide 11 Cover Story: Living a Legacy of Caring

16 Follow Your Heart or Think with Your Mind – The HeartMind Connection Belinda Burchick 18 Fit Families: Let’s Talk Fat: Heart Healthy Fats

Joella Baker

20 Dr. Sarah B. Shinn Joins Personal Care Medical Associates Janice Lane Palko

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22 2020 Health Care Guide Directory 24 The Solevo Way is the Solevo Difference

Janice Lane Palko

27 Butler Health System Cardiology-Seven Fields 28 Genesis Medical Associates

Senior Living 32 Happenings for Seniors

Image & Style 36 5 Tips to Wearing Winter Whites Correctly

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Kelly A. Smith

Kids & Education 37 Washington & Jefferson—Not the University Weston Waite

37 You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover—If There is No Cover 38 Newsweek Ranks Shady Side Academy Best STEM High School in Pittsburgh 39 A.W. Beattie Career Center Open House Slated Janice Lane Palko

40 School Movers & Shakers 42 Ryan Buries Appointed President, North Park Sports Complex and Cool Springs

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Advertorials 3

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Hearing Aids?

Francis

Audiology Associates

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On the Cover:

UPMC Passavant Hospital volunteers Allen Powdrell (l) with Sadie and Bill Layton (r) with Bruno

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

Party Guide 48 Laser Storm | Katie’s Clay Studio | Gymkhana

In Every Issue...

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From the Publisher

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Movers & Shakers

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Mover & Shaker of the Month: Slippery Rock Football Paula Green

Marion Piotrowski

10 From the Editor: You’re Nobody Until Somebody Loves You Janice Lane Palko 2

Passavant Hospital

Foundation

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34 Support Our Troops: Military LEAP Paula Green

35 Trivia Connection: Second in Command: Vice Presidential Trivia Paula Green 44 February 2020 Happenings

ADVERTORIAL

Are You Getting The Most Out Of Your Hearing Aids?

Take four steps and know for sure.

Dr. R. Patrick Francis

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ost of today’s hearing aids are highly flexible and can offer a wide variety of hearing solutions. Even with the best technology, your hearing aids will not perform any better than the way they were programmed. After careful analysis using these four tests, people are often amazed at how much better they are able to understand speech. In other words, they were not getting the most out of their hearing aids. “your hearing aids will not perform any better than the way they were programmed” Step one is to have a current hearing evaluation. Minimal changes in your hearing can have a significant impact on how well you can hear with your hearing aids. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires a hearing evaluation within six months of any hearing aid purchase. After the initial hearing evaluation, annual testing is recommended.

The second step is to ensure that your hearing instruments are functioning within strict electronic and acoustic specifications. Testing of this type requires your hearing aids to be evaluated in a special chamber. This analysis measures critical components of hearing aid function and all results must be within the tolerances set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Programming your hearing aids is the third step. Based on your hearing evaluation, each manufacturer has prescribed hearing aid settings. These settings are used as a starting point. Beyond this point, your audiologist must rely on their professional experience, your input, and the fourth step, probe microphone measurements.

Finally, and most importantly, we need to measure the interaction between your hearing aid and the individual characteristics of your ear. The following items are common factors that can alter expected hearing aid performance: the physical shape and size of your ear; the fit of the hearing instrument in your ear; the size and style of your hearing aid; and venting. Visible Speech Mapping is a tool designed to measure the difference between expected hearing aid performance, and what is actually happening in your ear.

Dr. R. Patrick Francis

Using a probe microphone, your audiologist can measure the performance of your hearing aids in real time. This allows you to listen through your hearing aids and see the hearing aid performance on a computer screen simultaneously! When a problem is identified, your audiologist will make the appropriate changes. “listen through your hearing aids and see the hearing aid performance on a computer screen simultaneously!”

Only probe microphone measurements allow us to see and accurately measure your hearing aid performance. As good as this test is, the initial three steps cannot be ignored. Over time your hearing will most likely change as will your hearing needs and hearing aid performance. Therefore, these four steps should be repeated as your circumstances change. Completing these four steps is the best and most accurate way to insure that your hearing aids are programmed to the optimum settings.

The good news is that this technology can be applied to any hearing aid at any time. Consult your audiologist so that you can “get the most out of your hearing aid.”

Happy Hearing!

“most importantly, we need to measure the interaction between your hearing aid and the individual characteristics of your ear” www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2020

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Happy New Year and Welcome to the February Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

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his issue features the annual Health Care Guide. We are fortunate to live in an area that offers many experts who keep all of us up to date and informed on the newest and the best medical treatments and technology. This month’s cover story features Passavant Hospital Foundation. The common thread that binds UPMC Passavant and Passavant Hospital Foundation is their huge hearts and unmeasurable desire to help others. Volunteers are truly the heart of the community. Read about the many volunteer programs that are available at UPMC Passavant Hospital.

In honor of Presidents Day, this month’s Trivia looks at some of the U.S. Vice Presidents. See how much you know and remember about some of these men who have left their mark on history.

“Faith is taking Now is the time of year when parents the first step, even start to look at summer camps and programs when you don’t for their children. This issue of Northern see the whole Connection magazine offers some suggesstaircase.” tions to consider for your child’s summer camp enrollment. Also, our Happenings Martin Luther King, Jr. section offers you, your family and friends a variety of activities that will help to keep you entertained throughout the winter months.

With the celebration of Valentine’s Day in February, it’s good for us to remember that it is love that makes the world go around! I hope you can celebrate this special day with the ones you love.

Enjoy reading this month’s special features along with Northern Connection magazine’s regular monthly columns.

Thank you for your support, and together, we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! n

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

Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

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

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Keep in touch with Northern Connection on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest

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

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

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

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Movers & Shakers Mahadevappa M. Prasad, M.D., has joined BHS Primary Care. He will continue to see patients at 1651 N. Main Street Extension, Butler. Dr. Prasad received his medical degree Dr. M.M. from Bangalore Medical College Prasad and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. He was appointed to the BHS Medical staff in July of 1982 and has been serving the community for over 37 years.

Appointments can be made with Dr. Prasad by calling 833-604-0435.

Heritage Valley Beaver is among the top 10% in the nation for Gastrointestinal Care, according to a national report by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.

The Butler VA Health Care System developed and is now piloting a protocol in the Annie Mobile Application (Annie) to assist Veterans struggling with lower back pain. After being tested at the Butler VA, the goal is to introduce the protocol nationwide. Veterans interested in learning more about Annie can visit https://mobile.va.gov/app/ annie-app-veterans.

McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy’s grantmaking foundation, announced 30 new grants totaling $1,888,230 awarded in the second half of 2019 to support advocacy, capacity building, community and economic development, education, emergency response and health and wellness initiatives in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Uptown and West Oakland communities.

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The children of Dr. and Mrs. Raymond B. Blaine donated Dr. Blaine’s office building, located at 301 North McKean Street, to the Butler Health System. Dr. Blaine, a dentist, built the medical suite on McKean Street in the early 1960s. “We are honored and grateful for the donation to Butler Health System,” said Ken DeFurio, BHS President and CEO. “We can keep Dr. Blaine’s commitment to his patients—and to the community—alive through this facility. BHS continues to grow, and this location near the hospital will be put to good use.”

Vincentian Collaborative System announced the appointment of Dean Owrey as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer.

The National Aviary broke ground on a new 9,000 square-foot construction project to build an event space and entryway, slated to open in fall 2020. The new event space, The Garden Room will host weddings, corporate events, and meetings with access to outdoor amenities, and provide space for the National Aviary’s education programs. The entryway, The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall, will transform the National Aviary’s west entrance and offer interior connectivity between National Aviary habitats and The Garden Room. This area will also include a new lobby with a gift shop and restrooms.

Highlighting their achievements in patient safety and quality, two UPMC hospitals today were named Top Hospitals nationally by The Leapfrog Group. UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh was named a Top Children’s Hospital, and UPMC Northwest was named a Top Rural Hospital.

ADVERTORIAL

Get Your “ING” Back Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have HOPE

Announcing Our Newest Location!

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

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

Michael walkING again

Gretchen B. sleepING again

Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marla C. balancING again

Pat H. wearING shoes again

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

Three Locations:

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

Debra B. sleepING again

Sewickley 2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd, Suite 207

Latrobe 1901 Ligonier Street

Washington, Pa

Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH

1385 Washington Rd., Suite 100

MaryDancedIn.com (724) 940-9000

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

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Rock Pride Slippery Rock Football

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By Paula Green

elevision show psychologist and celebrity Dr. Phil may not appreciate Slippery Rock University, but thousands of other people take pride in SRU. It’s a university that has it all, including a phenomenal football team known as “The Rock.” They finished their season with an impressive 13-1 record and fell one game shy of playing in a national championship.

The Rock competes in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), which is a part of NCAA Division II football. They were crowned the PSAC champions. To further add to the team’s excitement, their star quarterback, senior Roland Rivers III, was the recipient of the Harlon Hill Trophy.

This prestigious award is given to the individual selected as the most valuable player in NCAA Division II. It is considered to be the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. Rivers set SRU’s single-season records for total offense, passing yards, passing TDs and completions.

“Roland is a remarkable young man. His dedication and work ethic is above and beyond. He will outwork anyone or anything that stands in his way. We had a couple of games this year, California University, Kutztown and Notre Dame College, where he played possessed. The look in his eye and vocal command of the team was remarkable. He would not let our team down. His physical attributes are unbelievable. One of his best qualities is his ability to communicate and speak in front of peers and crowds. He will have a great chance to make it in the NFL. Roland loves football, and he will do whatever it takes to make it to the next level,” said Adam Neugebauer, SRU’s offensive coordinator and quarterback’s coach.

Neugebauer joined the SRU coaching staff in February 2019. He’s a Franklin Park native, who played quarterback for the North Allegheny Tigers in 2006-2007. Additionally, he was a standout quarterback at West Virginia Wesleyan College. During his senior year, he was named Offensive Player of the Year. Neugebauer was also a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy and earned first-team All-America honors.

He is excited to be a part of SRU’s coaching staff.

“This was the best season of football I have ever been a part of. To see the players and coaches grow throughout the year was remarkable. We won this year because of our family atmosphere. We were truly a family. There were times we did not get along, and there were times we loved every second of each other’s company. Our team won those close games because we cared for each other. We made practice harder so that the game was easier. We put our players and coaches in tough situations in practice to prepare for the tough situations in the game,” said Neugebauer.

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Adam Neugebauer and Roland Rivers III

“A key component of our success this season was Chris Conrad, our offensive line coach, and the offensive line group.

Coach Conrad played in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He is the best offensive line coach I have ever been around.

He does an incredible job getting his players to play hard.

Chris has a natural ability of building great relationships with our players. The players trust him and play to a high level because of how much they believe in him. Coach Conrad makes my job easier. He is a great friend and a great role model for our team,” added Neugebauer.

Northern Connection magazine congratulates Slippery Rock University on their success football season. We look forward to seeing you again in the fall. n

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FROM THE EDITOR

From the Editor

You’re Nobody Until Somebody Loves You

By Janice Lane Palko

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ife sends so many mixed messages our way. We are bombarded with happy, feel-good, simplistic platitudes and Facebook memes that say things like: “You are special! You are Unique! There’s no one else like you! At the same time life often reminds us that we are nothing special.

We are just one of the 7.5 billion people living on earth.

While each one of us is different, paradoxically, we are also all the same. I may have a different genetic makeup and a unique fingerprint, but I also share a common physiology and psychology with everyone else on the planet.

This was recently brought to my attention while learning about advertising for my newest novel. Do you know that with today’s technology and all the data it has collected on us, it can pretty much predict with a great deal of accuracy your behavior, your likes and dislikes and even what you are likely to purchase.

I’ve always thought I was unique; I’m sure everyone feels that way to a certain extent. No one can completely know what it feels like to be another person, but alas I’ve learned that I’m actually average and very predictable. The new technology knows that as a white, married, middle-aged woman, I’m apt to buy certain books, attend certain events and even adhere to certain political and religious beliefs.

However, while at the time I was learning all of this, I also received a picture frame as a Christmas gift that said “Grandma, to the world, you’re one person, but to us you are the world.”

Now which is it? Am I ordinary? Or am I someone special?

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day and our thoughts turn to love, I think I’ve found the answer. We are both. Yes, we are all just a number, but what elevates and makes us special is love.

It’s the love of a mother that makes you treasured more than all the other babies in the world. It’s the love of a spouse that makes you special compared to all the possible mates in the world. It’s the love of our Heavenly Father that makes us humans “a little less than the angels.”

But what about those who sadly have not been shown love? Are they not special? They are as well. You don’t have to be on the receiving end of love to be valued, you can be the bestower of love because it is also in the act of loving another, whether it be romantic, parental, platonic, that raises us from being a nobody to a somebody. Happy Valentine’s Day! n

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2 0 2 0 H E A LT H C A R E G U I D E

Follow Your Heart or Think With Your Mind

The Heart-Mind Connection

By Belinda Burchick

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hen faced with a decision, your mind may come to logical solutions, and if you follow your heart, it may lead you to fulfillment. Did you know that the heart can send quiet and constant emotion-based signals to the mind and vice versa?

With Valentine’s Day in February, no wonder we celebrate American Heart Month. Since the brain is interconnected with the heart, it’s only natural to bring awareness to both.

Together, they are vital to longevity and a healthy life.

It is important to keep your heart healthy, as it feeds your brain oxygen and nutrients through your blood vessels and transports signals through our nervous system. A healthy heart leads to a healthy mind by decreasing risks of brain ailments, including; dementia, stroke and cognitive impairments.

Conversely, the brain can tell the heart when to relax.

Mental health, including stress, can have a huge impact on

heart health. Stress follows our daily, hectic life. Since stress increases blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, muscle tension and releases stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, constant long-term stress can lead to an unhealthy heart and mind.

This heart-mind connection can go both ways. A person suffering from depression has double the risk of developing heart disease, whereas, a large number of people suffering from heart disease are faced with depression, primarily due to the stress of knowing their life is in danger.

Now for the good news. It sounds simple, but the key to longevity and mind health is taking steps to prevent heart disease and reduce stress.

Preventing and managing heart disease by making healthy food choices and being active can delay or lessen brain alterations linked to age-related cognitive decline. Humans were designed to move.

Now, let’s work on the mind. Did you know that positive emotions such as, love, gratitude, appreciation and compassion are good for your heart’s rhythm? Practice two actions every day: (1) Say Thank You, and, (2) Give a small smile to every person that you pass. Yes, including the grumpy ones.

Smiling at your pet works too.

Find ways to relax or de-stress at least one hour each day.

Walking is one way. When you are feeling overwhelmed, shift your focus from the world around you to the world within you. Just think of your heart and your mind working together, and you will notice a shift to a feeling of calmness.

Focus on the moment and practice not worrying about what will happen next. If your worries keep interfering with the moment, try writing them down in a notebook, then close the notebook. Now, the notebook has your worries. When we are socializing with people or pets, be fully engaged and appreciate the experience.

Just to repeat, being active benefits both the mind and the heart. So, next time you ponder if you should trust your heart, remember the heart-mind connection, and take the next step.

This is how we build wisdom! n Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states.

Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.

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2 0 2 0 H E A LT H C A R E G U I D E

Let’s Talk Fat: Heart Healthy Fats

By Joella Baker

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ats have been given a bad rap over the years, but now people are starting to understand how great they are for the body and the heart. That is, if you eat the right ones and in moderation. After all, not every fat is equal. It’s important to add the right fats to your diet.

What are good fats and bad fats?

Research is continuing to evolve on dietary fat. Harvard has done some recent studies stating fats can be good for you. In fact, fats are very important to your diet. For example, some vitamins require fat in order to dissolve into your bloodstream and provide nutrients.

It’s important to know that food and oils contain a mixture of fatty acids, but the predominant type of fat they contain is what makes them “good” or “bad.” The fats we consume are saturated fats, trans fats, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. Which ones are good and bad?

Bad Fats: Trans fats are bad and include, margarine, shortening, beef or pork fat, fried foods (french fries, doughnuts, deep-fried fast foods), baked goods (cookies, cakes, pastries), processed snack foods (crackers, microwave popcorn).

Trans fat can raise LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cho-

lesterol. Trans fat can also suppress high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, or “good” cholesterol. Doctors have also linked trans fats to an increased risk for inflammation in the body.

These are good in moderation: Saturated fat sources include: fatty cuts of beef, pork, lamb, dark chicken meat and poultry skin. They also include high-fat dairy foods (whole milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, ice cream), tropical oils (coconut oil, palm oil, cocoa butter) and lard. Eating too much saturated fat can increase blood cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Doctors have linked the higher intake of saturated fats with heart disease risks.

However, according to Harvard University, researchers now think saturated fat may not be as bad as once thought.

Healthy Fats: Doctors consider monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat more “heart-healthy” fats. These are fats that are better choices for your diet.

Monounsaturated fat: This is one of the good types of fat and is found in foods and oils. Research has consistently shown that eating foods that contain monounsaturated fat can improve your blood cholesterol level and decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease. These foods include nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, pecans), vegetable oils (olive oil, peanut oil), peanut butter and almond butter, avocado.

Polyunsaturated fat: Polyunsaturated fats are known as “essential fats” because the body cannot make them and needs to get them from foods. A certain type of this fat, called omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to be particularly beneficial for your heart. Omega-3s appear to not only decrease the risk of coronary artery disease, but also to help lower blood pressure levels and guard against irregular heartbeats.

The following types of fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids: salmon, herring, sardines, trout. You can also find omega-3s in flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil, although these contain a less active form of the fat than fish do.

In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, you can find polyunsaturated fat in the following foods, which contain omega-6 fatty acids: tofu, roasted soybeans and soy nut butter, walnuts, seeds, vegetable oils, soft margarine.

In conclusion, new research has revealed that fats can be good for you and your heart. We do know that trans fats are harmful to one’s health, saturated fats are not currently linked with increased heart disease risk and can offer positive health benefits. However, they likely aren’t as healthy as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can be. Healthier fats need to be part of your diet, but you must eat these fats in moderation because all fats are high in calories. Anytime you change your nutrition or diet, you discuss it with your health professional, but if you change your diet in a positive way, it’s possible to make some improvements that can help your heart and improve your quality of life. n References: Harvard University at www.harvard.edu and at www.healthline.com and www.webmd.com.

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2 0 2 0 H E A LT H C A R E G U I D E

Dr. Sarah B. Shinn Joins Personal Care Medical Associates

By Janice Lane Palko

“I

care for patients aged 15 to 115,” said Sarah Shinn, M.D. “That may sound like an exaggeration, but my oldest patient I’ve ever cared for was 108!” Recently, Dr. Shinn joined Personal Care Medical Associates in Seven Fields, where she will practice Internal and Geriatric Medicine.

“Internal Medicine physicians diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent illness in adults. I see many patients with heart disease, hypertension, anemia, diabetes and other Sarah Shinn, M.D. chronic illnesses, but I also emphasize wellness,” said Dr. Shinn. In addition to being board-certified in Internal Medicine, she is also board-certified in Geriatric Medicine. “As we age, we often have special needs and a Geriatric Medicine physician has knowledge of illnesses and conditions that occur during old age, including genetic predispositions. I look for disease when it is milder and easier to treat or manage, and I also take special care with medications, and how those medications may interact with other drugs a patient may be taking.”

Personal Care Medical Associates is an independent practice, and Dr. Shinn said that was one of the reasons she joined the practice. “The beauty of the group is that patients are not restricted in coming to us for treatment by their insurance coverage.

We accept all insurances.” Dr. Shinn is welcoming new patients.

PCMA Advanced Pain Medicine and Wellness Center is in One Adams Place at 310 Seven Fields Boulevard, Suite 130. n

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2 0 2 0 H E A LT H C A R E G U I D E

2020 Health Care Guide Directory AHN Wexford Hospital AHN.org/724Reasons

Body Bar

BodyBarExperience.com North Hills - (412) 364-8500 Cranberry Mall - (724) 772-4500

Butler County Family YMCA BCFYMCA.org (724) 287-4733

Butler Health System

ButlerHealthsystem.org

Colo-Rectal Associates: Bradley Levinson MD Cranberry Twp, PA (724) 741-6020

Cosmetic Laser Centers

CosmeticLaserCenters.com (724) 935-4200

Crystal Manning - Medicare Advisor (412) 716-4942 CrystalManning33@gmail.com

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital EHC.rehab/acms20 Harmerville 877-937-7342 Sewickley (412) 749-2396

Francis Audiology Francisaudiology.com

(724) 933-3440

Genesis Medical Associates, Inc. GenesisMedical.org

Guardian Angel Home Care Services, Inc. (412) 492-8290

Neuropathy Treatment Centers of Pittsburgh

NeuropathyTreatmentCentersofPGH.com (724) 940-9000

Oxford Athletic Club

OxfordAthleticClub.com (724) 933-1911

PCMA Advanced Pain Medicine (724) 741-0633 info@pcmanetwork.com

Solevo Wellness

SolevoWellness.com

St. Barnabas Health System stbarnabashealthsystem.com (724) 443-0700

UPMC Passavant

UPMC.com/choosepassavant

UPMC Senior Communities

UPMCseniorcommnities.com 1-800-324-5523

Vein Institute

VeinInstituteofPittsburgh.com Warrendale – (724) 934-VEIN Robinson – (412) 809-VEIN

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The Solevo Way is the Solevo Difference

By Janice Lane Palko

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Having the Talk

t may feel a bit awkward or intimidating, but the benefits of having The Talk with a friend or loved one far outweigh the “icky” factor. Opening a conversation about how medical marijuana treatment can be beneficial for a friend or loved one is often the first step for treating a medical condition and providing relief. Solevo Wellness knows that having The Talk can be challenging and can help you help someone get medical marijuana treatment for their medical condition. Solevo Wellness offers a downloadable Guide for Starting The Talk About Medical Marijuana Treatment, which can answer common questions such as: • Do I have a qualifying medical condition?

• What symptoms can medical marijuana potentially alleviate?

• Does insurance cover the cost of medical marijuana?

• Can medical marijuana negatively interact with other medications?

• Do I have to inhale medical marijuana?

Solevo Wellness is also available to provide additional information or answer any further questions, The Talk inspires. Go to www.solevowellness.com/talk for more information. n

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It seems like new “marijuana shops,” or dispensaries, are opening every single day since the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana program launched in 2018. Solevo Wellness, Allegheny County’s first medical marijuana dispensary, has locations in Squirrel Hill, Cranberry Twp. and in February they will open in Washington. While you may see similar medicines among area dispensaries, how Solevo approaches the patient experience is different.

“W

e call it the ‘Solevo Way,’ and that means taking our time with our patients,” said Rocco Levine, Operations Director. “When you come to Solevo, you will meet first with a licensed pharmacist.

They will take their time listening to your goals and answering your questions. You then meet with a Patient Care Consultant who will help you find the specific medicine that best meets your needs based on your goals. Some dispensaries have you meet the pharmacist as a last step. We feel the ‘Solevo Way’ helps us provide the highest level of service to our patients.”

(Continued on page 26)

23 Eligible Conditions Medical marijuana can be an effective alternative in the treatment of certain severe conditions. Below is a list of the qualifying conditions in Pennsylvania that medical marijuana can be used to treat.

• • • • • • •

• • • • • •

Currently, medical marijuana is approved in Pennsylvania for 23 medical conditions among them ALS, anxiety disorders, autism, epilepsy, intractable pain and neurodegenerative disorders. The process for receiving medical marijuana is simple. Essentially, if you have one of the qualifying conditions recorded on your medical records, you need only to present your medical records to a certifying physician, and if approved, apply for a medical marijuana card. Once you receive your card, you can come to Solevo Wellness and work with their professionals to identify the strain of medical marijuana that will benefit you most.

Medical marijuana comes in several forms from creams that provide localized pain relief to capsules that are swallowed to tinctures that are applied under the tongue to oils that are inhaled. Every patient is different, and consistently following the Solevo Way ensures we take the time to find the appropriate form and dosage for each patient.

“We see first-time patients come in looking anxious and unsure, but then after they meet our pharmacists and Patient Care Consultants and learn about how medical marijuana is being used to treat their symptoms, you see them walking out of here smiling. That’s so gratifying,” said Patrick Gannon, Solevo’s Marketing Director.

For more information on Solevo Wellness, visit the website at: www.solevowellness.com. n

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Anxiety disorders Autism Cancer Crohn’s Disease Dyskinetic Disorders Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity Epilepsy Glaucoma HIV / AIDS Huntington’s Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease Intractable Seizures

• • • • • • •

Multiple Sclerosis Neurodegenerative Disorders Neuropathies Opioid Use Disorder Parkinson’s Disease Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain in which conventional therapeutic intervention and opiate therapy is contraindicated or ineffective • Sickle Cell Anemia • Terminal Illness • Tourette syndrome

February 2020 EVENTS Washington Open House

Wednesday, February 5 Public Open House 10am-2pm 200 Adios Drive, Suite 20, Washington, PA 15301

Sensi Nite

Thursday, February 6 7pm-11pm 425 Chartiers Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

Grand Opening for our Washington Location Friday, February 14 200 Adios Drive, Suite 20 Washington, PA 15301

Solevo Squirrel Hill 2nd Anniversary Saturday, February 15 10pm-4pm

Certification Event Annette Folgueras Tuesday, February 18 1pm-6pm 5600 Forward Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Tentative Certification Event Anu Anand Thursday, February 20 11am-4pm PCMA Advanced Pain Medicine and Wellness Center @ Seven Fields One Adams Place 310 Seven Fields Boulevard, Suite 130 Mars, PA 16046

Certification Event Kenneth Lentz Friday, February 21 10am-4pm Washington Location Venue TBA

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Butler Health System Cardiology-Seven Fields Butler Health System (BHS), a growing multi-hospital system located in 7 counties throughout western Pennsylvania, strives to provide access to high quality affordable world class care close to home in the communities we serve.

T

he Seven Fields location at 300 Northpointe Circle opened in 2008 and has grown from a single specialty (cardiology only) to a multispecialty practice providing community access to primary care, dermatology and OBGYN services.

Access to cardiology care has never been easier for patients with an experienced trio of cardiologists. Dr. Sunder Rao, Dr. Jeffrey Rich, and Dr. Angel Flores have had a long and reputable presence in the north of Pittsburgh for 25 + years. They have served on the medical staff of UPMC Passavant, St. Francis Cranberry (now UPMC Cranberry) and Allegheny General Hospital. Over the years, they have provided world-class cardiology care to many patients in this area and continue to do so.

The Seven Fields facility caters to patients who need diagnostic cardiac testing such as ultrasound imaging and nuclear cardiology. The equipment is state of the art and all practicing cardiologists are board certified. An excellent office staff provides prompt service for scheduling and managing patient calls and a cardiologist is available 24/7.

Butler Health System (BHS) is proud to remain independent and accepts most insurance products. BHS has received many accolades through the years and is rated among the top cardiovascular centers in Western PA. For more information, visit www.butlerhealthsystem.org. n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2020

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

CONFUSED ABOUT MEDICARE?

Medicare is confusing – call for a one-to-one, no charge consultation with a Medicare expert!

Remove the FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, AND COSTLY MISTAKES from the Medicare enrollment process.

Crystal A. Manning

Medicare Advisor

Call 412-716-4942 or email crystalmanning33@gmail.com 10008 Pine Ridge Drive Wexford, Pa. 15090

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Genesis Medical Associates Genesismedical.org

G

enesis Medical Associates is an independent, physician-owned organization dedicated to the health and well-being of residents of Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities. As such, they want to partner with you on a wellness and prevention plan.

Finding a new primary care doctor, who meets your needs, can be a stressful journey, but it is very important. The first meeting with a new primary care doctor is usually directed at you, as the doctor needs to learn about you so that he or she can provide the best treatment. However, make sure to use this opportunity to do the same by asking questions to learn about your doctor. To help, here is a simple checklist of questions you should ask your new doctor upon meeting them for the first time.

• What is your opinion on the patient-physician relationship?

• Do you encourage me to ask questions and express my opinion?

• How does your office handle emergencies?

• If necessary, am I able to schedule a same-day appointment for urgent situations?

• If you are unavailable, whom should I expect to see?

• If I need to seek a specialist, will you work with me to find the right person?

• Do you work with a certain hospital?

• How do you follow-up on my care after discharge from a hospital?

• Do you keep electronic medical records?

• Are you comfortable with me bringing a friend or family member with me to an appointment?

• Do you provide post-visit reports that summarize what occurred, what was discussed, and what actions need to be taken after the visit?

• Can I get lab work done at your office?

• Can you explain why annual wellness visits and preventive health testing is important?

• Do you have an electronic medical records portal?

• Is Genesis a patient centered medical home? What does that mean?

• When is it appropriate to seek care from an Urgent Care Center or Emergency Room? n

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2020

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SENIOR LIVING

Happenings for Seniors Collections North Hills Community Outreach collects safety

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

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.

North Hill Community Outreach provides Safety Checks for Seniors. Interested seniors who reside in northern Allegheny County should email Cathy at clpschirer@ nhco.org or call (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Pennsylvania consumers are encouraged

to sign up for a text alert system through his Bureau of Consumer Protection to raise

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

Meals on Wheels Aspinwall Meals on Wheels provides home

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

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.

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.

Medical North Hills Community Outreach offers free medication safety screenings for seniors liv-

ing in northern Allegheny County, north of the city of Pittsburgh. For details contact, Cathy at (412) 307-0069, ext. 3313.

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

Thur. thru May 14, Wexford, lobby, Orchard Hill. Fosters spiritual growth thru music, inspirational speakers & outreach projects.

For info, visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Senior Facilities UPMC Senior Communities offers indepen-

Senior Meetings Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets at

1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. The club features activities, social events and local trips.

For info, call Bill at (724) 776-1933.

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 AARP & Northland Library tax prep for

seniors & low-income residents, 9 a.m.noon, Tues & Thurs., Feb. 4-Apr. 14, at Northland Library. NO Walk-ins! Call State Senator Lindsey Williams’ office to schedule your appt (412) 364-0469.

Trips

Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet at 7

p.m., every 1st Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room. Call (724) 816-2159.

Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired,

Men’s Group meets every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. from 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. from 11 a.m.1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon., 1-2:30 p.m., at Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church, Sangree Rd., Ross. Call (724) 444-0064.

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.

AUP Club, have fun & meet new people with

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

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

Visit Pittsburgh Events & Festivals lists

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

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.

FEBRUARY 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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

dent living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-324-5523.

Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month,

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Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/

St. Alexis Over 50 Club Trip: Seneca

Niagara Three Casino Trip, Mar. 25-27, $285 PP DBL Occup; $420, PP Single Occup. For details, call Dave at (412) 366-3789.

Volunteer Opportunities Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to

visit Hospice patients. Call (412) 367-3685.

Lighthouse Foundation is looking for vol-

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

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors

with disabilities with yard tasks. Visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org.

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

North Hills Community Outreach urgently

needs volunteers in the upper Route 28 corridor to help seniors. Visit http://nhco. org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-helpseniors/. For details, call Kerry, (412) 4490151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org.

Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program is seeking volunteers (50+) to tutor in Pittsburgh Public, Wilkinsburg and Woodland Hills School Districts in grade K-4. Trainings held at 411 Seventh Ave., Suite 525 (Duquesne Light Building) downtown Pittsburgh. Training, materials & clearances are provided. For info or to register, call 412) 393-7648 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

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

port.org.

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SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS

Military LEAP

By Paula Green

Folks all over the country cheered with elation on January 1, as we not only welcomed in a New Year but also a new decade. As a bonus, this year, we celebrate the special event that only occurs every four years – Leap Day.

T

he origin of Leap Day is traced back to the days of Julius Caesar when the ancients were transitioning from the Roman to the Julian calendar.

They determined that a solar year was 365.25 days. They felt that by adding one calendar day every four years it would balance the annual quarter day. While that could be considered a reasonably accurate calculation for their time, an actual solar year is approximately 365.242 days. Whatever the mathematics may be, it is fun to take a “leap” every four years.

In the military, the term LEAP appears quite frequently. It has several different meanings and connotations. In honor of Leap Day, we’re going to look at a few of those.

The Air Force term LEAP stands for Language Enabled Airman Program.

LEAP is designed and managed by the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) to sustain, enhance and utilize the existing language skills and talents of Airmen. The goal of LEAP is to develop a core group of generalpurpose force (GPF) Airmen across specialties and careers, possessing the capability to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

Another military LEAP meaning is Leadership Effectiveness Attribute Profile. The leader’s attributes are the inner or personal qualities that constitute effective leadership. They may include characteristics such as vision, values, character, motives, habits, traits, competencies, style, behaviors and skills.

In the Army – LEAP stands for Logistics Efficiencies to increase Army Power. Logistics is the transfer of personnel and material from one location to another. It also incorporates the maintenance of that material. Another thing that LEAP stands for is Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile. It is a lightweight miniaturized kinetic kill vehicle designed to destroy incoming ballistic missiles both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere.

LEAP also can be therapeutic as in Lowcountry Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. LEAP brings horses and experienced, highly trained therapists together to assist those who are experiencing behavioral, emotional or psychological challenges such as PTSD. One such LEAP facility is located in Wadmalaw, South Carolina. Details can be found at http://www.leapinsc.org/ horseshelpinghumanity. Another equestrian therapy dwelling that assists military personnel deal with trauma is in Odessa, Florida. It is called Quantum Leap-Farm. They strive to help participants overcome physical and emotional barriers through their equine-assisted therapeutic programs. For more info, visit https://www.quantumleapfarm.org/about/mission/. n Sources: https://www.extension.harvard.edu/inside-extension/taking-leap-leap-day-history, http:// www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/leadership_attributes.html,https://www.rand.org/topics/military-logistics.html,

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TRIVIA CONNECTION

Second in Command: Vice Presidential Trivia

By Paula Green now leap into this “Veep” query. Get set to put on your thinking cap, because it’s time to get a little trivial...

1. This vice president shot and killed the secretary of the treasury.

2. The presidential theme is Hail to the Chief; what is the VP’s song?

3. Three former VPs, Lyndon Johnson, Hannibal Hamlin and Charles Dawes, were born on this date in August.

4. During the 1865 Presidential Inauguration, this VP-elect was drunk and slurred his words during his speech.

5. Until 1977, vice presidents were on their own for housing. He became the first to live in an official vice-presidential residence.

6. What are the term limits for the vice president of the United States?

7. This gentleman served as vice president, then president, but he wasn’t elected to either post.

8. Vice President Elbridge Gerry had this term named after him, which means to manipulate the boundaries.

9. One of the VP’s job duties is - he presides over what?

10. In 1832, John Calhoun became the first VP to resign; he became the second in 1973.

11. This former VP also served as president. At one point, he was the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

12. How many VPs have won the Nobel Peace Prize?

13. He left the office of vice president in 1961 but wasn’t inaugurated as president until 1969.

14. Which VP served as the 32nd President and took over as president in 1945, when the standing president passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage?

15. If the president is ill (or under sedation), the vice president assumes presidential duties according to which amendment?

Sources: https://www.ranker.com/list/vice-presidents-who-became-president/ mike-rothschild, https://www.etymonline.com/word/veep, https://www.cbc.ca/ news/world/10-things-to-know-about-u-s-vice-presidents-1.1206684, https://www. ranker.com/list/vice-president-of-the-united-states-trivia-facts/mel-judson. www. funtrivia.com, https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-vice-presidents-residence-office/

Answers: 1. Aaron Burr (killed Alexander Hamilton) 2. Hail Columbia 3. August 27 4. Andrew Johnson 5. Walter Mondale 6. none 7. Gerald Ford 8. gerrymandering 9. The Senate 10. Spiro Agnew 11. George H.W. Bush 12. three (Theodore Roosevelt, Charles Dawes & Al Gore) 13. Richard Nixon 14. Harry Truman 15. The 25th Amendment

F

ebruary 17 is Presidents Day. It’s a time to honor the men who have served as president of the United States. One question comes to mind: What do we know about the second in command? This month we’re going to enlighten you on vicepresidential facts.

There have been 48 U.S. vice presidents. Fourteen of them eventually became president. Nine ascended to the presidency due to the death of the president, either by assassination or illness. Five others were elected president after finishing their vice-presidential terms.

From 1788 to 1800, the presidential candidate who received the second most Electoral College votes was declared the vice president.

The 12th Amendment, ratified in 1804, changed the method that determines how the vice president is chosen.

In 1949, the term “Veep” for vice president was coined during Vice President Alben Barkley’s term. He served under Harry Truman and was the oldest VP at age 71. The youngest was John Breckinridge, who began serving at the age of 36 – just one year above the office’s age of eligibility.

William King, the 13th vice president, developed a tubercular cough soon after the election. He traveled to Havana, Cuba, with the hope that the warmer climate would help. Too ill to take the oath in Washington, D.C., in 1853, King became the only vice president to assume office while outside America. After being vice president for merely three weeks, he died in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama.

King was also the only vice president who was not married.

President James Madison had terrible luck with vice presidents; two of them died on the job. His first vice president, George Clinton, died suddenly in 1812, and then Madison’s next VP, Elbridge Gerry, died after less than two years in office.

A few VPs can brag about naming rights. Dallas, Texas, is named after George Dallas, vice president under James K. Polk. Breckinridge, Colorado, is named after John C. Breckinridge, vice president for James Buchanan. Fairbanks, Alaska, takes its name from Vice President Charles Fairbanks, who served under President Theodore Roosevelt.

The vice president lives on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory (USNO). The white, 19th Century house is located at One Observatory Circle in Washington, D.C. Current VP, Mike Pence, resides there along with his wife, Karen.

Now that we’ve educated you on vice-presidential facts, we must

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2020

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IMAGE & STYLE

Tips to Wearing Winter Whites Correctly

By Kelly A. Smith

T

he rules for wearing whites after Labor Day have changed drastically from days gone by. Whether its snowy or cold, I still like to wear a pretty winter white ensemble, so why not channel your inner snow bunny? A lack of snow shouldn’t be the only reason to break out the brights and whites, but the way we wear whites does need to be tweaked from its summer likeness. It’s really all about switching up the way we layer pieces, the fit and even shades of white. If you want a fast way to freshen up your dark and dreary winter duds, read on for some tips on how to lighten up your look in no time!

MIX THOSE WHITES, RIGHT – Try to mix different shaded of white as to avoid the snow-blind look.

You can intermix shades of oatmeal, cream, beige, ecru and even tan/camel. These will all flow nicely together since they are in the same neutral color palette.

These can all be fashionably paired with a top or bottom of an opposing neutral color such as black or gray.

FLAWLESS FABRIC PICKS – If you’re going to wear whites this time of year, then you better be sure that they are “frosty season-friendly.” This means you can’t just pull out a pair of lightweight white denim from your summer stash or toss on a sheer white, eyeleted laden breezy blouse that you last wore on your summer vacay.

You will definitely kill the look if you attempt to do this, so do be sure to buy heavier fabric items. Make sure to look for pieces that offer heavier fabrics and textures for an undeniably winter-chic style BREAK UP YOUR WHITES – If you aren’t a fan of hopping on the winter white bandwagon full speed, there are still a few ways to incorporate a stylish winter wonderland look. Printed leggings that have some white accents would pair nicely with a chunky cable knit, off-

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white sweater or a sleek knit tunic in ecru. Faux fur is always in season so why not crank up the heat by pairing up dark, denim jeans with a furry, winter white jacket? You can also add a statement sweater or coat with a black and white print, or keep your upper half dark and add some off-white knee boots to the mix.

TEXTURE AND LAYERING – Piling on the layers in winter is a no-brainer, but do be sure that you are mixing and matching coordinating shades of white. If you want to showcase a head-to-toe white ensemble, you’ll need to break it up a bit in order to pull of the look.

For example, you can add dimension to an all-white outfit by mixing varying shades of cream, bone and white. To finish the look, add a pop of color, such as black with your shoes or purse. You’ll still have that monochromatic look you crave but the dark will add some much-needed depth and warmth.

FABULOUS FIT – Since white isn’t as forgiving as its counterpart, black, you’ll need to make sure your pieces fit. Don’t try to squeeze into anything that’s a size too small. On occasion, that may work with a pair of dark denim, but it won’t fly with white—everything shows with light colors. Therefore, be sure to get the proper fit. The same can be said for a too baggy jacket or blazer. If a top is too loose fitting, it will make you appear larger. Do get the right size or have it tailored because an impeccable fit gives a sophisticated vibe to any outfit.

When it comes to surviving winter in style, knowing how to wear white, right is a good tool to have in your arsenal.

Refresh your cold-weather wardrobe with just a little bit of inspiration and a lot of know-how, and you will quickly be inspiring all those around you to go from dark and dull, to frosty and fabulous! n

K I D S & E D U C AT I O N

Washington & Jefferson— Not the University

By Weston Waite

T

his year, the United States will turn the ripe old age of 244. To celebrate America’s prosperity and the new decade, I figured we would talk about some lesser known things about two of our greatest Presidents: George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Before rising to fame as president, George Washington lived a busy life. He was first a military officer for the British. During this time, he traveled near Pittsburgh, where he engaged a French scouting expedition lead by Ensign Joseph Coulon de Jumonville (a street is named in his honor in Pittsburgh’s Hill District). Afterwards, Washington entered public life, serving as a politician in Virginia and eventually as a member of the Continental Congress. As Commander in Chief of the American forces, he would directly help in deciding the fate of the American colonies. The cherry on top, of course, is his remarkable presidency, where he set many precedents. The most important precedent he set is his voluntary resignation after two terms, a move he borrowed from the Roman statesmen Cincinnatus.

Thomas Jefferson was also a remarkable person.

Although he was awkward and quiet, he was an elegant writer and authored the Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson championed religious freedom, so much so, that he heavily studied other religions (you can even find his copy of the Qur’an in the Congressional Library). Our third president, he is also credited for fortifying America’s Navy, creating its first six ships to fight North African pirates during the Barbary Wars. Like Benjamin Franklin, Jefferson was fond of the French, speaking their language and serving as Minister (Ambassador) to France. Later, he would use his special connections to purchase the Louisiana territory from Napoleon.

These two great men were very influential in shaping the U.S. Constitution and the customs of the Presidency.

Happy Presidents Day! n Weston Waite is a senior at Duquesne University, majoring in Political Science and French. His academic specialties are those of American history and American politics. In addition, Weston is a member of the Duquesne Men’s Hockey Team and Sigma Nu Fraternity. He is a lifelong resident of McCandless, where he currently resides with his family.

I

You Can’t Judge a Book By Its Cover— If There Is No Cover

magine it’s the beginning of a new semester and your child is starting at a new school for the first time. The usual anxiety that accompanies something new is present, but there’s one difference—as the student looks around the classroom, all they see are their other classmates’ names, no faces. Why? Because they enrolled in cyber school.

At cyber schools, the pressure that often comes with the superficial nature of appearance and first impressions is removed, and students are able to interact and see each other for who they are, what they stand for and what they believe.

That is an experience that tens of thousands of Pennsylvania cyber charter school students have not only witnessed, but in which they have thrived.

At Agora Cyber Charter School, students from all walks of life share a cyber classroom and are given the opportunity to learn in a style that works for them. A statewide, tuition-free online public charter school, Agora is a premier provider of innovative and unique K-12 cyber education in Pennsylvania.

The cyber option provided by Agora is a lifesaver for thousands of families across the state and has time and again proven to be the best choice for the specific needs of certain students. No matter a student’s zip code, status or learning level—they’re able to receive a high-quality public education.

Classes are comprised of students from every county in Pennsylvania, allowing for cross-state friendships. Peers become friends at Agora without knowing each other’s hometown, socioeconomic status, race or religion. As Instructional Coach Michelle Olsavsky says, “Students whom you’d assume would never be friends become best friends. There’s no judgment and beautiful relationships emerge. In fact, Agoraplanned social activities oftentimes become emotional gatherings with lots of hugs and tears of joy.”

Agora’s approach to learning ensures students receive the quality, individualized education they deserve, one that they were likely denied at their brick-and-mortar school. A leader in cyber education, the Agora experience has been cultivated over 15 years and equips students to live up to their true potential—regardless of their academic ability or background. n

For more information go to agora.org or call 844-462-4672 www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2020

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K I D S & E D U C AT I O N

Newsweek Ranks Shady Side Academy Best STEM High School in Pittsburgh

N

ewsweek recently announced its ranking of the top STEM high schools in America for 2020, honoring excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. The national news magazine ranked Shady Side Academy as the best STEM high school in the Pittsburgh area, No. 6 in Pennsylvania and No. 250 in the nation. The full list of 5,000 ranked schools is available online at Newsweek. com.

Newsweek partnered with STEM.org to rank America’s Best STEM High Schools. The list includes schools in every region of the country that offer skilled teachers who keep up with developments in these fields and create dynamic learning environments to engage students. The top 5,000 schools were curated from STEM.org Educational Research using a proprietary scoring logic that took into consideration a broad set of quantitative and qualitative data from 2015-2019. The

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purpose was to determine which schools best offer their students experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while preparing them for post�secondary outcomes. Additional factors, including affluence and median household income, were taken into consideration in compiling the rankings.

Niche.com also rates Shady Side Academy among the best STEM high schools locally and nationally in its 2020 rankings. Niche ranked SSA the No. 1 Best High School for STEM in the Pittsburgh area, No. 2 in Pennsylvania, and No. 160 in America. It also ranked SSA the No. 1 Best Private High School and the No. 1 Best Private K-12 School in the Pittsburgh area. Based in Pittsburgh, Niche is the leading platform for finding information to choose the perfect school, college or neighborhood, providing facts, ratings and user reviews.

Shady Side Academy Senior School in Fox Chapel recently opened two new STEM facilities: the

A.W. Beattie Career Center Open House Slated

By Janice Lane Palko

“O 22,000-square-foot, LEED Gold McIlroy Center for Science & Innovation, which opened in 2018 and houses 10 spacious labs for biology, chemistry and physics; and the 12,000-square-foot Glimcher Tech & Design Hub, which opened in 2019 and houses a fabrication lab, robotics arena, workshop, wet lab, computer labs and more. The school’s challenging college preparatory curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and project-based learning and offers a wide range of college-level electives, including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, advanced physics, advanced biology, robotics, mobile app development, artificial intelligence, differential equations, multivariable calculus, fractal geometry and chaos theory. An independent study program allows juniors and seniors to design their own projects for credit, allowing them explore in depth an area of interest beyond curricular offerings.

To learn more about Shady Side Academy Senior School and its STEM offerings, contact the Admissions Office at 412-968-3180 or admissions@shadysideacademy.org to schedule a personal tour. n

ur upcoming Open House is an excellent opportunity for all students and parents to learn about A.W. Beattie Career Center,” said Eric C. Heasley, executive director, of A. W. Beattie Career Center. The Open House is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 5:15-8:15 p.m. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity to learn about our newest program, Surgical Science, which is scheduled to commence during the fall 2020 semester.”

Located at 9600 Babcock Boulevard in Allison Park, A.W. Beattie Career Center provides students from nine area school districts—Avonworth, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel Area , Hampton Township, North Allegheny, North Hills, Northgate, Pine-Richland and Shaler Area--with the opportunities to earn advanced college credits or industry certifications while still in high school that will enhance student’s college and career potential after high school graduation.

A.W. Beattie offers instruction in more than 20 different fields, and some of its most in-demand programs are Culinary Arts; Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning; Health and Nursing Sciences; Robotics Engineering Technology; and Automotive Collision Technology.

Students may enroll after completing the ninth grade.

“The Career Center continues to grow and provide college and career readiness with articulations and dual enrollment credits at many local technical schools, colleges and universities, including La Roche College, California University, Waynesburg University and CCAC,” said Mr. Heasley. “Many of our students can test for certifications while still attending A.W. Beattie, helping them to ensure immediate employment opportunities, while others can enroll at post-secondary schools with advanced standing.”

Registration forms for students wishing to enroll for A.W. Beattie for fall 2020 are available now in their high school guidance office.

“We invite all students and parents to come and learn about the exceptional programs offered at A.W. Beattie,” said Mr. Heasley.

For more information, on A.W. Beattie Career Center and the Open House, visit the website at: www.beattietech.com or call, (412) 847-1900. n www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2020

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K I D S & E D U C AT I O N

School Movers & Shakers Blessed Francis Seelos Last year’s Blessed Francis Seelos Academy third grade students, under the instruction of teacher Kim McCosby, participated in the Crazy Creatures Creative Writing Contest. The book was published and the students, now in fourth grade, received their copies. Nine students had their work published: Jack Davidson, Katie Gunther, Thorben Klueber, J. J. McCabe, Lily Narvett, Spencer Pascarella, Catarina Perri, Darren Riley and Madeline Sell.

North Hills The North Hills High School Wind Ensemble, made up of 48 students in grades 9-12, is one of

just 16 bands in the country and the only one from Pennsylvania invited to perform at the Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana, March 12-14.

Hampton Hampton High School students Danielle Sutterland and Dakota Batista created an assistive glove for use by Hampton Middle School teacher Bethann Dolan. In 2006, Dolan was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a rare, sudden-onset neurological disorder that caused inflammation in her spinal cord that left her a quadriplegic. The glove is designed to include a specialized clipboard and pen to help Dolan write. It was demonstrated on Jan. 16. The glove was submitted to SourceAmerica as part of its 2020 Design Challenge.

Seneca Valley Seneca Valley Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Raider Battalion members placed first at the Western PA JROTC Air Rifle Competition.

Additionally, Seneca Valley cadets swept the top three individual scores. Junior Mackenna O’Mara placed first, senior Joshua Thompson came in second and freshman Tyler Landry placed third.

Seneca Valley’s debut appearance at the University of Pittsburgh’s Mock Trial Tournament resulted in a third-place finish out of 49 schools from across the state. Team members included - Lizzie Bittner, Nick Folino, Anne Castagnero, Megan Bablak, Nick Hartman, Luke D’Ambrosio, Dawson Morrow, Ella Pologruto, Parker Logue, Kaitlyn Moore and Tori Read.

A new, inclusive sensory room/maker space opened at Seneca Valley Senior High School on Jan. 21. The new Life-Skills classroom was completely designed and created by SV students.

Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park)

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

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Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights)

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

FEBRUARY 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Vincentian Academy (North Hills)

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

Seneca Valley junior, Elizabeth Salgado, flautist, took first place in the Senior Woodwinds Division in the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Young Artist Competition on Nov. 24.

Albert Pimenov, a fifth-grade student at Haine Middle School, was honored as one of the brightest students in the world at a recent international Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) awards ceremony.

Albert Pimenov

Chinese New Year 2020 – The Year of the Rat

Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area School District students held their 30th annual telethon Friday, December 20, and raised more than $45,400. This year’s total brings the money raised by Fox Chapel Area students and staff to more than $900,900 over the last 30 years for various local and regional charities.

Fox Chapel Area High School senior J. Oliver Choo won the Butler County Symphony Orchestra (BCSO) 2020 Young Artist Competition.

For the event, J. Oliver, a piano player, prepared a movement of a concerto.

Six Fox Chapel Area High School students were named winners in the inaugural Fox Chapel Area Rotary Invitational High School Speech and Debate Tournament. The Policy Debate teams of Dawson Krisky and Marie Romero won fourth place, and Sonny Hur and Prajval Sreenivas won sixth place.

In Student Congress, Patrick Alexander won fourth place, and Adam Whysong won fifth place.

Rothrock’s Kung Fu & Tai Chi

T

he Rat Year is a year of plenty, bringing opportunity and good prospects. It will be marked by speculation and fluctuations in the prices of commodities and the stock market. Overall, this will be a happier year than most: free from explosive events and wars and with far fewer catastrophes than, say, the years of the Tiger and Dragon.

The charm of the Rat is as universally known and loved as a Walt Disney character. Remarkably easy to get along with, hard-working and thrifty, the rat may be generous only to those he is inordinately fond of. On the surface, the rat person might appear reserved, but this is not so. He is never as quiet as he may look.

People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction to the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions and are likely to be perfectionists. They are thrifty with their money and can be easily angered and love to gossip! They are usually very successful, and their ambitions are significant. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox. Here are some recent Rat years of birth: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020. n

Five Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the North Allegheny Invitational Forensic Tournament. The Public Forum Debate team of Boomba Nishikawa and Ian Mackey-Piccolo won first place overall. Fifth place went to Rajeev Godse and Sina Shaikh. A sixth place award went to Jackson Romero.

Four Dorseyville Middle School (DMS) students scored high on the American Mathematics Contest (AMC) 8 exam. Eighth grader Joshua Brown placed first at DMS and scored in the top 5% nationally, also earning him an “Honor Roll” certificate. Additionally, seventh grader Zhana Neumann placed second, eighth grader Dylan Work and seventh grader Jiei Masuda tied for third place.

Mars Area Elementary School fourth-grader Brooklyn Ligda was selected as a winner of the Pittsburgh Penguins Junior Starter Contest.

Mars Area Mars Area High School freshman Gracyn Thatcher will join the TRYPO Young Peoples Orchestra on stage at New York City’s Carnegie Hall for a concert on Tuesday, March 31.

Mars Area Centennial School fifthgrader Marin Raible competed at the National Association of Women’s Gymnastics Judges (NAWGJ)

National Judges Cup Gymnastic Championships, held Jan. 10-12 in Santa Clara, Calif.

Gracyn Thatcher

Marin Raible

state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, common areas and faculty offices that are conducive to the changing nature of STEM education in a more interactive and hands-on environment.

BC3

La Roche University La Roche University celebrated the opening of its renovated Palumbo Science Center on January 10.

The new facility will support a growing demand for STEM programming and enrollment in the sciences.

The renovated second floor is complete with new

For the fifth time since 2015, Butler County Community College, serving 24,000 credit and noncredit students in eight western Pennsylvania counties and online, has been ranked as the No. 1 community college in the state by BestColleges.com.

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Ryan Buries Appointed President, North Park Sports Complex & Cool Springs

By Janice Lane Palko

O

n December 2, 2019, Ryan Buries became the president of North Park & Cool Springs Sports Complex. A native of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, Mr. Buries graduated from Penn State University with a degree in marketing and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His wife grew up in Upper St. Clair, and in 2010, they moved to Pittsburgh to be close to family, with Mr. Buries taking a position as Facility Manager with the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. In 2016, he was promoted to Director of Facilities.

“As President of North Park Sports Complex and Cool Springs, I’m responsible for the programming, revenue, booking—pretty much everything from top to bottom,” said Mr. Buries. The North Park Sports Complex is located on Wildwood Road adjacent to North Park, and Cool Springs is located in Bethel Park. Both facilities place an emphasis on children and adults alike being active and having fun.

“At North Park Sports Complex, we offer youth sports programs including flag-football, soccer, and T-ball leagues, as well as adult soccer leagues,” said Mr. Buries. The North Park Sports Complex also hosts Summer Sports Camps and Eco Camp. “Since we are so close to North Park, we take advantage of our setting and are able to explore the park during Eco Camp,” said Mr. Buries. The complex is also able to be rented for field days, practices, and other events.

“We are excited to be a venue for large-scale events to migrate to the North Hills. We host the Home & Garden Show and the Just Between Friends kids’ consignment events twice a year annually. There are so many opportunities to bring events and attractions,” said Mr. Buries. As president, Mr. Buries is charged with keeping up with trends to meet the needs of the people, and he recently oversaw the closure the Wildwood Highlands Entertainment Center next to the Sports Complex. “Even with the closure, the sports dome is still open. We are emphasizing sports and a more active lifestyle now, and we are actively seeking tenants for the Wildwood Highlands facility that complement our services and put the community first,” Mr. Buries. n

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February 2020

Arts & Entertainment Area Students Art Show, thru Feb. 7,

The Block Northway in the south corridor, lower level near Club Pilates and Blume Nail Salon. For details, visit www.

TheBlockNorthway.com.

Cranberry Artists Network Show by photographer, Thomas D’Andrea, runs the month of Feb. Meet the Artist, 6:307:30 p.m., Feb. 5. For info, visit www. cranberryartistsnetwork.com.

Legacy Movies: Dumplin, 2 p.m., Feb. 17;

The Art of Racing in the Rain, Feb. 24, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/.

Legacy Theatres shows: The Skyliners, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Mar. 21; Tribute to John Denver with Ted Vigil, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Apr. 11, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/productions.

The Outsiders, March 6–15, at the New

Hazlett Theater Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets available at www.primestage.com.

Bereavement Support Addiction Bereavement Support Group Beyond Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Cumberland Woods Village Chapel, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary. Call (412) 748-5120.

Bereavement Support Group in the

North Hills, 10-11:30 a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. To register, call (724) 3346600.

Grief Support Group for widows and

widowers over fifty, 2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., of the month, St. Sebastian

Parish, 311 Siebert Rd. Visit http://www. saintsebastianparish.org/

Pittsburgh L.A.M.P.S. is for those

grieving the loss of a child – includes miscarriages, still birth and prematurity.

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

Cancer Support Brain Tumor Group, 4:30-6:30 p.m.,

3rd Thurs., Wexford. Visit www.cancercaring.org.

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

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

Cancer Caregivers Support Group,

6-7:30 p.m., the 3rd Tues, in the North Hills. Visit www.cancercaring.org.

Cancer Caring Center free exercise programs for cancer patients,

8:30-9:30 p.m. every Wed., Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA; 9:30-10:30 a.m., every Sat., Sewickley YMCA. Registration is required, call (412) 6221212.

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

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

Gentle Yoga Cancer Support, 5:45-

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

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

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

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FEBRUARY 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

(NOCC) “Teal Hearts Network” meets 6-8 p.m., the 3rd Monday of every month at the Cancer Caring Center.

This network group is for ovarian cancer survivors. Visit http://ovarian.org/component/events/event/483.

Young Adult Cancer Group, 5:30-7

p.m., 4th Tues, North Hills. Visit www. cancercaring.org.

Colleges & Universities La Roche University now offers

International Scholar Credit Initiative Program. For details, visit international@laroche.edu or call (412) 536-1279.

Community Depreciation Lands Museum Events:

Gunn Klass, Tues 6:30-9:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 4; History Lesson on George Washington, 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 19; Weaving Classes, Beginners, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mar. 7 & Harness Looms, 9 a.m.4 p.m., Mar. 21; Orientation of New Costumed Interpreters, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Mar. 29, Spinning Class, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Apr. 18. Visit dlmuseum.org or call (412) 486-0563.

Concerts Twilight Night: A Starry Preview of North Hills School Musicals, 7 p.m.,

Feb. 6 & 7, Memorial Park Church in Allison Park. For details, visit memorialparkchurch.org/twilightnight or call Jim at (412) 364-9492 x118.

Conferences & Seminars Autism: Stronger Together for a Lifetime, Apr. 30, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh, Cranberry. For detail, visit autismofpa.org.

Ulysses S. Grant’s Friendship with President Abraham Lincoln, 11 a.m.,

Feb. 18, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/.

Counseling & Law Just Ask Julian: Elder Law Questions

Answered: How do I know if my Power of Attorney will work? 1 p.m., Feb. 20, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless.

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

Dancing Bodiography’s Unveiled, 8 p.m., Feb.

7 & 8, Byham Theater. For tickets, visit trustarts.org/production, or call (412) 456-6666.

Country Knight Line Dancers host a

line dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person.

Call, Janine (412) 931-6971 or janine. beley@gmail.com.

Oldies Dance with Golden Oldies D.J.

Marty Tack, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Sat., Feb. 15, (3rd Sat. each month) S.S. Peter & Paul’s Ukrainian Hall, 10 Arbor Street Lyndora. Songs from the 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s, $9 admission, snacks, coffee, tea, & ice provided. B.Y.O.B. Open to the Public. For info, call Marty (724) 283-1867.

Environmental Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club meetings, 7 p.m., Tues., Mar. 17,

Apr. 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20 & Nov. 17, at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd. Meetings are free.

For info, email cs4wpmc@gmail.com or visit wpamushroomclub.org.

Fundraisers Used Books, CDs and DVDs Sale. Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday,

Feb. 22, at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., corner of Rochester Rd. in Franklin Park. For hours and other info, visit www.stbrendans.org or call (412) 364-5974.

Gardening Longvue Acres Garden Club presen-

tation, Pennsylvania Native Plants for Challenging Spaces, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 25, at Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Hwy., McCandless. The program is free & open to the public.

For info, email longvueacresgardenclub19502gmail.com.

Health & Wellness First Place 4 Health is a Christian

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

Health & Wellness Expo, 6 p.m., Feb. 7; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 8, Clearview Mall. For details, visit ButlerCountyChamber.com or call (724) 283-2222.

Parkinson’s Exercise programs are

available at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford. For details, visit http://www. oxfordathleticclub.com/knocking-outparkinsons-with-the-newest-programsat-oxford/ or call (724) 933-1911.

Historical Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meeting, 7 p.m., Feb. 17,

Hampton Township Community Center, 1301 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Richard Condon presents Civil War Pittsburgh.

Free & open to the public.

Library Northland Library, Movie Night

Downtown Abbey, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 6; Pain in the Back is Whack, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 13; Come Write-In, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 20; Yarn It All, 7 p.m., Feb. 18 & 1 p.m., Feb. 21. Visit www.northlandlibrary.org or (412) 366-8100.

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

Call (412) 366-1300.

Networking Amity Lodge #45 affiliated with Italian

Sons & Daughters of America is welcoming new members. Meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of the month with a social & refreshments. Call Joanne at (724) 443-8303.

AmSpirit Cranberry Twp., Referral

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

AmSpirit Business Link McCandless,

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

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

AmSpirit Pittsburgh North Chapter,

Referral Based Networking Chapter meets 8:00 a.m. every Thurs. at the Sports Grille Cranberry Twp. Contact: Dan Novakovich at novakovich@zoominternet.net or 724-309-2553.

AmSpirit Wexford, Referral Based

Networking Chapter meets 8:15 a.m. every Wed. at Walnut Grill, Wexford.

Contact: Jen O’Donnell at jnodonnell86@yahoo.com or (724) 809-6647.

Western PA Professional Business Association Network Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Tuesdays, King’s Restaurant, Rt. 8, Gibsonia. Call Mary Ann, at (724) 935-2221 or www.wpabusiness.com.

Opportunities ESL Conversation Friends, teaches

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

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

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 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 Food Bank, 10 a.m.-1:45

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

Ridgewood Food Pantry, open every

Tue. 5-7 p.m. & every Wed. 2-6 p.m., 335 Center Ave. Pgh. Street parking available. Helping the West View Community Call Judy at (412) 9311313.

UPMC Passavant Auxiliary Membership Opportunities, are

you looking for an opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join UPMC Passavant Auxiliary’s tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept.-June) at 10 a.m. Contact Alice at (412) 7486640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu.

Presentations Opus I Music Society presentation,

Music in the White House from George Washington through Abraham Lincoln, 10 a.m., Feb. 10, in the music room of LifePointe Alliance Church, Rt. 228.

Refreshments at 9:30 a.m. The public is welcome to attend. For details, visit https://www.pfmc-music.org/clubOpusI. html.

(Continued on page 46)

p.m. every Tues & Thurs, rear parking

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Races & Walks Brendan’s Boots, the hiking group of

St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, hits the trail every three weeks. The group meets at 10 a.m. & each hike is followed by lunch at a restaurant. For details, visit stbrendans.org or call (412) 364-5974.

Schools Fox Chapel School District Kindergarten registrations, starting

online Feb. 4, visit http://register.fcasd. edu.

Seneca Valley School District will be

accepting kindergarten registrations for the 2020-2021 school year during the month of March. An electronic PDF version of the forms can be found at www. svsd.net/KRegistration.

Shows North Pittsburgh Quilters Guild Quilt Show, April 24-26, the Ross Township

Community Center. The theme is “Log Cabin Fever.” Over 100 quilts displayed and a variety of vendors. For details on

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the show or becoming a member, visit www.NPQG.org.

Park. For info, visit www.stbrendans. org or call (412) 364-5974.

2hope.org, or call (412) 748-5120. bridge2hope.org.

Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival, Mar.

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

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous, 11

20-21, DoubleTree by Hilton in Green Tree. For info, visit pghknitandcrochet@ gmail.com.

Social Great Fellowship Social Club, meeting

noon, 2nd Sat. each month in Wexford, Bella Frutteto, 2602 Brandt School Rd., 15090. Live music, Dixieland, Jazz, & Eclectic sounds. $25 entertainment with a choice from Bella Frutetto’s special events menu. All are welcome! Cash bar opens at 11:30 a.m. Call (267) 838-5622, or visit our website www.fellowsclub1904.com.

Mosaic Singles Community (40+),

a Christian Family-based community at Orchard Hill. Visit www.orchardhillchurch.com/adults.

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 a.m.,

Tues., at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin

FEBRUARY 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group,

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

Brain Injury Support Group, Mind Matters, 7-9 p.m., every 3rd Thurs.,

of the month, Butler Memorial Hospital, East Brady St. in the Dimmick Center.

Call (724) 283-6666.

Brain Tumor Support Group, 6:30-8

p.m., 3rd Thurs., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students.

Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center.

Register at (412) 622-1212.

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 bridge-

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

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30

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

Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m., Weds,

at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. For info, visit www.stbrendans.org or call (412) 951-9157.

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.

troke 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.

Under One Roof helps people who are

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

Veterans

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 800-3628262 ext. 2498.

“Veteran X” mental health & sub-

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

Harmonicas for Health for individuals

with COPD & other chronic lung diseases, at Butler VA Health Care. For info, call 878-271-6484.

Volunteer Opportunities

North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets

American Cancer Society is looking for

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.

VA Butler Healthcare Flu Vaccination Clinics to Veterans at the main cam-

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

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

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

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.

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

ESL Conversation Friends, which

teaches everyday language skills to immigrants meets at 10 a.m., Tues. & Thurs., and 7 p.m. Weds, at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., Franklin Park. New students & volunteer tutors are welcome.

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

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers

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

Lighthouse Foundation is looking for

individuals or groups to do local food donation pick-ups, help with food pantry distributions & special projects, and office assistant work. For details, call (724) 586-5554.

Mission Vision needs volunteers to

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 Tutoring Mentoring Program. For details, call (412) 3661300 x123.

Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah

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

The Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania Announces Its Annual Orchid Show An Orchid Journey

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he Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania (OSWP) will hold its annual orchid show on Saturday, March 14, from Noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crown Plaza Hotel, 16 Fort Couch Rd., Pittsburgh Pa 15241. Admission is free, donations are always welcome.

There are over 300 free parking spaces, all on one level. Visitors will be inspired by the beautifully crafted displays of live, blooming orchids.

Society members and expert orchid growers will be available to provide information about growing orchids, and free educational seminars will be held throughout both days of the show. In addition, an hourly raffle of orchid plants and orchid-related items will be held. One of the most popular features of the show is the Sales Area, where one may purchase orchids from a wide range of vendors from the eastern United States. Many plants are perfect for the beginning orchid grower, and there is also a large selection of rare and unusual orchids for the more adventurous grower. This year’s show will again offer the very popular Repotting Table, where one may bring their orchids from home for some expert repotting by OSWP members. Visitors may watch and learn as their plants are being repotted. Advice is free, and the price for repotting is based on pot size.

The orchid show is part of OSWP’s educational mission, and is always well attended. For more information, visit www.oswp.org. For show related questions, contact Sheila Nathanson (412) 343-9457, Norma Raiff (412) 3445969 or Tamara Wurst (412) 492-1125. n

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Party Guide!

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Laser Storm

ur customers tell us that we provide the easiest birthday party ever.

The party process at Laser Storm Pittsburgh is easy right from the start with online booking. The party details help us plan, but you can make changes even after you arrive. Not sure about the number of guests attending the party? No problem. You pay for the guests that actually come to the party. Taking the stress out of the party is what we do.

Our birthday party package includes everything, so all you need to bring is the birthday child. We provide a private party room for the entire duration of the party, and the party gets exclusive use of the laser tag arena.

A huge double-layer cake with drinks will be served by your private server.

Arcade tokens, invitations, thank you cards and laser tag scorecards are also included. And, of course, laser tag is played in the area’s largest laser tag arena. To ensure you have fun, the hosting parents can play laser tag with the kids for free.

Laser Storm Pittsburgh is the place for an easy, fun-filled birthday party, group outings or team building events. Call us today at 412-364-3473 or book online at www.laserstorm.org. n

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Katie’s Clay Studio

hat’s better than celebrating your birthday? Celebrating your birthday in style at Katie’s Clay Studio! Regardless of age, our studio can help you host the best party your guests have ever been to—every party enjoys our deluxe and private party room; special group pricing on pottery, tie-dye, clay, and other crafts; and our dedicated and knowledgeable staff to help everything run smoothly. Perfect for kids and adults alike who like to give a gift while receiving gifts: every guest will take home their very own, one of a kind creation. Party packages start at $15 per painter and can be adjusted to more precisely fit your special someone’s dreams and your budget. You can check out our party brochure on our website, www.KatiesClayStudio.com or details on packages and pricing. Call the studio to get your party on the calendar for 2020 today! 412-486-2184 n

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Gymkhana

umble, swing and trampoline into one of the best party ideas: a Gymnastic Jamboree! Gymkhana’s professional instructors create an exciting way to experience gymnastic instruction as well as unique and challenging group activities using our gymnastics equipment, parachute and fabulously fun obstacle course. Our party is designed for boys and girls 3 through 16 years old with no more than 30 children.

All parties have private use of our facility and include 1 hour gym time followed by 1/2 hour in the lobby to cool down, relax and have refreshments. If you choose to open gifts, we will need to shorten the gym time.

Both party packages include: Invitations, Gymkhana t-shirt for the birthday child, and paper products New Party Favor Add-Ons: Your guests will flip over our brand new Gymkhana party favors!

For just $5 each your party guests can enjoy a Gymkhana color changing cup, a neon colored Gymkhana pencil, a one-of-a- kind Gymkhana temporary tattoo, and a coupon for new students.

You can add your own touch or use these favors as they are to elevate your child’s party to perfect 10 status!

So don’t settle for the same old party! Try something new, exciting and easy for you! n

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FEBRUARY 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com