January 2021 Issue: Northern Connection Magazine

January 2021

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 22 YEARS

Premier Wealth Partners Planning for Your Success

Antonio Aiello, CFP®, CRPC®

Also...

• 2021 Education Guide • Men’s Health • Weighing In on Diet Trivia

Lisa Brooks, CFP®, CRPC®

Preparing Middle and High School Students for the Next Phases of their Lives

Brian Stumpf, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA®

Pages 16-17

www.northernconnectionmag.com | JANUARY 2021

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Business Spotlight

American Natural

A

merican Natural is a convenience store like no other, a place where the local community can not only fuel up but also enjoy high-quality, affordable, freshmade food in a clean, pleasant, welcoming space – a mix of your favorite café, local coffee-house and corner market store. They offer flexible services to make life easier and safer, including online ordering, curbside pickup, delivery (via DoorDash and UberEats), in-store grab & go shopping, catering and, when available, dine-in.

As we all know, 2020 was a year of change. American Natural is proud to be able to serve the Pittsburgh community – as an essential business providing fuel and food, but also as a true community partner, forging and deepening relationships with local vendors. Here is a look back at selected partnership innovations from 2020:

About Mancini’s Bakery

Founded in 1926 and still family-run, Mancini’s legendary bread is a Pittsburgh institution. American Natural teamed up with them to create two exclusive sandwiches: the hearty Big Mancini, and the Mancini Sunny-side Breakfast Sandwich.

Steel Cup Coffee Roasters

New suppliers to American Natural this year, owners Doug & Daria say their small-batch, craft roasting coffee business was “born of the dream of a great cup o’ joe and doing the right thing.” Their commitment to sustainable coffee means they use only organic, fair-trade beans sourced from organic cooperatives and farms, roasting them in small batches to ensure consistent, exceptional flavor.

Tupelo Honey Tea

Inspired by one transformative cup of tea in 2002 sipped at a Buddhist temple in Shanghai, owner and founder Danielle Spinola focuses on specialty blends that “not only taste good but are good for your body and soul.” She even offers a seasonal tea made with herbs foraged from Girty’s Woods near Millvale – talk about local!

Helltown Beer

A local favorite, Helltown ales and IPA’s were a bit hard to find this last summer.

American Natural hosted a few wildly popular sold-out “Friday Night” pop-ups.

Millie’s Homemade “Real Is Delicious” Ice Cream.

Founders Chad & Lauren started Millie’s in 2014, and they hand-craft every batch, made with fresh milk from Twin Brook Dairy Co. American Natural features Millie’s vanilla ice cream in made-on-the-spot specialty shakes.

Speckled Hen Chocolates (Saxonburg),

Owner Matt and Valerie Cannon stick to their three ideals: quality, uniqueness and customer service. They make everything in house. You can get their exclusive “edible toilet paper” (chocolate in the form of a mini-TP roll) at American Natural stores.

Find even more artisan specialty goods in the American Natural Marketplace, like Ready Nutrition (Wexford), and Turner Dairy Farm products.

The GoNatural Rewards loyalty program offers plenty of benefits, from frequentdrinker coffee rewards to fuel discounts, and in-store deals.

Visit six locations in the greater Pittsburgh area: Cranberry, Gibsonia, Harmar, Mars, Valencia and Wexford. Find out more about American Natural at www.americannatural.com. n

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

January

NORTHERN CONNECTION 10

NC Features 2 Business Spotlight: American Natural 10 Cover Story: Premier Wealth Partners – Planning for Your Success Janice Lane Palko 28 Facts From the Farm: What Happens on the Farm in Winter? Ron Eichner 31 Home Guide

2021 Education Guide 12 Thiel College 14 Shady Side Academy: Delivering an Exceptional Education, In Person or Remotely 16 Agora Cyber Charter School: Agora’s Middle and High School Programs Prepare Students for the Next Phases of Their Lives 18 School Movers & Shakers 20 Providence Heights Alpha School Offers a PreK and Kindergarten Experience That Fosters Individualized Learning 21 OLSH High School Offers Distinct Opportunities 22 Holy Cross Academy: We are MOVING FORWARD! 23 A.W. Beattie Career Center: Moving Forward During COVID-19

Health & Wellness 24 Under Your Hood: Focus on Men’s Health Belinda Burchick, PPh, BPharm

Advertorials 5

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

In Every Issue...

6 7

Movers & Shakers Movers & Shakers of the Month: Donald Rozman and the K-Dogs Kidz Mission Paula Green 8 From the Editor: Mind Your Manners Janice Lane Palko 29 Trivia Connection: Weighing in on Diet Trivia Paula Green 30 Support Our Troops: The 21-Gun Salute Paula Green

Welcome to the January issue of Northern Connection Magazine! We look forward to our 22nd year of connecting you to the community. We would like to thank all our advertisers and readers for your support.

Together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work.

We wish you a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Marion Piotrowski President & Publisher

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P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046

Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko

Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

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

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

ADVERTORIAL

Cindy P. As heard on KDKA

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | JANUARY 2021

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Movers & Shakers Dr. Joshua Dalessio is the newest member of the professional staff at Genesis Medical Associates’ Northern Area Family Practice at the McCandless Corporate Center in McCandless Township.

tions of family, unity, health, hometown and more.

For additional info, visit careers.highmarkhealth.org.

Dr. Joshua

Dalessio As construction of Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Wexford Hospital continues, so, too, does the work to ensure that one of the hospital’s most important features shines through – the community. Hospital officials invited the Western Pennsylvania community to design and share simple artwork pieces which will be arranged in a pre-designed mosaic mural to be located in the corridor connecting Wexford Hospital to AHN’s Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion. The 7x18-foot mural, themed “Caring for our Community,” will be composed of thousands of tiles with personal depic-

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McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy’s grant-making foundation, announced Marisol Wandiga Valentin as its new executive director. Valentin succeeds Michele Rone Cooper who, following an accomplished 37-year career with Pittsburgh Mercy, retired on December 31.

Sweet Water, a domestic thriller set in Sewickley, and written by Cara Reinard is now available on Amazon. Sweet Water has been chosen for Amazon’s First Reads program. It is currently ranked #1 in kindle e-books in domestic thrillers. The book is available to readers who subscribe to Amazon Prime at no cost for e-books and a discounted rate for non-prime members, visit https://www.amazon. com or www.carareinard.com.

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Donald Rozman and the K-Dogs Kidz Mission

By Paula Green

F

ormer Ross Township resident Donald Rozman tragically lost his 11-year-old son Kyle on January 3, 2014. “Kyle was primarily raised by me. Sadly, he was in a tragic car accident as his mother picked him up for the weekend,” said Don. To help cope with the enormous loss, Don founded K-Dogs Kidz Mission to honor his son.

“Kyle got the name K-Dog by teens trying to beat him on the game Guitar Hero at the age of four. Naturally, he loved that! At five, Kyle started guitar lessons. He was a gifted student who enjoyed playing the guitar. Kyle was raised within my martial arts academy. He joined me in anti-bullying seminars and then on motorcycle charity rides. These concepts were all pulled together to help form K-Dogs Kidz Mission, which specializes in anti-bullying and children with disabilities,” said Don. K-Dogs Kidz is a mission composed of motorcyclists and community members. The motorcycle club (MC) and K-Dogs’ motorcycle mission (MM) are based on Christian religious beliefs. “It was founded thanks to the help of Pastor Chris Hezlep of Ridgewood Church in Allegheny County. Eventually, K-Dogs began to spread and outgrow the church, so it became a nonprofit. None of us accept any income, and every member is also a free volunteer. All donations help the children 100%,” said Don. K-Dogs Kidz Mission has five local chapters in Allegheny, North Allegheny, Butler County, Lawrence County and Youngstown, Ohio. “I am the executive director and watch over all the locations and run the smaller missions’ finances. We have approximately 40 full-patched members. Our Allegheny chapter has the most members. This chapter recently opened a contest for Kidz to design their next T-shirt with BHO (Bikers Helping Others). My wife, Dr. Candice Macri, is the Lawrence County leader,” said Don. “This year, 2021, would have been Kyle’s high school graduation, which is hurtful. As a K-Dogs dad, I have donated $1,000 to K-Dogs for a scholarship to his 2021 graduation at North Hills High School. A cross between COVID restrictions and a broken heart, I’m not positive I will be able to handle attending. I just wanted Kyle to be part of the ‘21 class,” Don added.

“Families love what we do. In 2014, we helped a bullied child with autism that made the national news. We continue to get statewide and even global requests. K-Dogs has been listed in the New York Times, Canadian and Japanese newspapers, and we have followers from Denmark and Australia. I am just a proud dad watching what everyone is doing. Kyle worked with the marine biologist that was in charge of the sharks. He also snorkeled with sharks, manta rays, dolphins and walked on the ocean floor around a sunken ship. Kyle wanted to be the first marine biologist/rock star. If there were a chance, Kyle would have been the one,” Don remarked.

For more information on K-Dogs Kidz Mission, “A Voice for Innocent Children,” visit https://www.facebook.com/kdogskidz. n

Donald & Kyle Rozman

www.northernconnectionmag.com | JANUARY 2021

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FROM THE EDITOR

Mind Your Manners

By Janice Lane Palko Social media made you all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it – Mike Tyson.

Y

ou know it’s a crazy world when boxer Mike Tyson, who notoriously bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear, makes sense, but the former heavyweight champ is right. Social media can be a sewer. It has always been a double-edged sword. Along with the cute photos of people’s pets and lovable babies and funny memes, you also have foul, vile and sometimes downright evil posts to contend with.

After nine months of social distancing and living life online, I’m afraid that when this pandemic is over and we emerge into the real world, people may no longer know how to relate to one another with respect and kindness.

Recently, I saw a tweet from a young woman that said something to the effect, “Don’t you dare hold a door open for me. I’m not helpless or lame, and I don’t need your male patronization. If you do hold a door for me, then I’ll say &8#$ you!”

My first reaction was, isn’t she a peach of a person, but then I got to thinking about manners.

Manners used to play an important part in society, and possibly in some cases (I’ve watched enough English Masterpiece Theatre episodes) too great a part. William Wilberforce, the British abolitionist, thought manners so vital that he once said, “God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.”

“Manners,” as writer Alexander McCall Smith noted, “are the basic building blocks of society.”

Our mannerly building blocks today seem as shaky as a Jenga game with huge gaps missing that threaten to lead to our societal collapse.

I thought about that young woman and felt sad for her. Don’t get me wrong. I grew up in the ‘70s; I had the 45 record of Helen Reddy’s I Am Woman Hear Me Roar and once bought a shirt on a visit to Washington, D.C. that said: A Woman’s Place is in the House . . . And the Senate. So, I know the scene.

But I must confess, that I miss manners, and I thought back to our trip last year to Rome. After we landed in the Eternal City, we got our luggage and found our shuttle driver, a tall, gray haired man, impeccably dressed in a navy suit who looked like Tony Bennett. In accented English, he told us the shuttle was just outside. I grabbed my suitcase handle, and before I could take a step, he touched my arm and said, “No madam. Allow me,” and he shlepped my bag out the door as I walked unburdened like a contessa to my ride.

The next day, we had a tour of the catacombs. When the tour bus arrived at them, the sun disappeared, and it began to rain. As I came out of the bus I said, “I should have brought my umbrella and went to stand under a tree. Our Sicilian tour guide, David, who looked like Stanley Tucci, came over, opened his umbrella and said, “My lady,” and he put the umbrella over my head.

“That’s OK.” I said. “It’s not raining that hard.”

“No,” he said. “I insist. We must take of the ladies.”

I shrugged. When in Rome. . . So, I took his arm and walked under the umbrella with David. As I strolled down the path, I looked over my shoulder and stuck my tongue out at my husband and two sons walking in the rain.

Now, did I feel diminished or patronized by those mannerly acts?

Even though, I knew they probably acted so chivalrous because they were anticipating a tip afterward, I nevertheless felt special, respected and valued.

And that’s what manners do; they acknowledge another’s worth.

As we come back out into the world, mind your manners. It will rebuild our society, spread kindness, and develop respect for others.

And if not? Who knows? You may run into Mike Tyson somewhere and get a punch in the face. n

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | JANUARY 2021

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COVER STORY

Premier Wealth Partners Planning for Your Success

By Janice Lane Palko

Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success — Pablo Picasso

I

f you asked parents what they desire for their children, among the things most would cite are good health, happiness and success. Other than practicing healthy habits and employing good attitudes, you really can’t plan for the first two elements, but you can plan for your child’s success. One of the keys that sets a child up for success is providing them with a quality education.

With today’s rising education costs, providing your child with a good education may seem beyond your reach, but with some planning, you can reach your educational goals.

“One of the keys for any long-term investment goal is starting early and regularly increasing contributions,”

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said Antonio Aiello, a Private Wealth Advisor with Premier Wealth Partners, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. “However, the cost of the school and the percentage that they are looking to provide are also key factors in achieving this goal.”

There are several options for education savings. The most popular are 529 savings plans and prepaid tuition plans. For clients looking for more flexibility, non-qualified investment accounts are a common choice. There are also other options such as Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, UGMA/UTMAs, savings bonds, Roth IRAs, etc.

If all that sounds a bit overwhelm-

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ing, that’s where Premier Wealth Partners comes in. Tony, along with colleagues Lisa Brooks, Financial Advisor, and Brian Stumpf, Financial Advisor, can help you plot a path for paying for your child or children’s education.

“Parents can certainly try to plan on their own, but this is our expertise.

We take an individualized approach and consider your goals, your available resources, and what may be the best course, including balancing the tax advantages with liquidity,” said Brian.

Some have the false impression that an education savings program or engaging the services of a financial planner are only for wealthy people.

“Essentially, as long as they desire to save or have assets that they can direct towards that goal, they can start a plan,” said Lisa. “I would advise people to focus on their savings. The more you save now, the better off you will be later on. Start with whatever amount you can afford and add to it with raises, bonuses, tax refunds, unexpected windfalls and the like. I’ve had clients with modest incomes save for the entire cost of a college education, by having a plan and sticking to it.”

One vehicle for savings for education is the 529 College Saving Plan, and it is quite versatile. Not only can the funds be used for higher education, including vocational, technical and trade schools, but up to $10,000 per student per year can be used for private kindergarten through 12th grade.

“529 plans are often created by grandparents for grandchildren,” said Lisa. “Special rules allow for larger gifting limits, which can help reduce the size of an estate and potentially lower inheritance taxes. We can also work in tandem with a client’s CPA or attorney to craft an estate plan tailored to their unique needs.”

“In addition, we find that other family members may decide to contribute to a child’s education account,” said Brian. “529 assets can be transferred to anyone in the family, so there are some cases in which assets are transferred to a sibling. Some parents will use excess 529 assets to further their own education.”

Another attractive feature is that the recently passed SECURE Act expanded qualified expenses to include registered apprenticeship programs and repayment of college debt, and with the pandemic and so many students studying remotely, some savings vehicles allow for the cost of computers, internet access and other equipment to qualify as expense of education. “This will be especially

Antonio Aiello, CFP®, CRPC®, Jason Short, CRPC®, A J Jugan, CFP®, CRPC®, David W Headrick, CFP®, Lisa Brooks, CFP®, CRPC®, Jeffery C Suhayda, CRPC®, APMA®, Brian Stumpf, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA®

important if remote learning continues,” said Tony.

Saving for an education is only one facet of building a financial plan, and Premier Wealth Partners, which has 14 Financial Advisors, can provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management and insurance planning.

“We work with our clients to build, manage and preserve their wealth.”

“We work with our clients to build, manage and preserve their wealth,” said Tony. “We work with many different types of clients: young people trying to start their saving careers; families trying to balance saving for college and retirement, paying down debt, while making sure they are appropriately insured; people approaching retirement to determine if they have enough to maintain their lifestyle while also helping them struc-

ture their investments to begin to prepare for distributions. We also work with people who are already retired to help them manage risk and return in their portfolio, while also managing taxes on their distributions. Lastly, we work with people to help efficiently pass on their assets to their heirs.”

The process for consulting a financial planner is simple and painless.

The initial meeting entails no fee and is essentially a time to assess your situation. “Everyone’s dreams, needs and financial situations are different.

We work with people to understand their situation and unique goals and then develop recommendations that are in their best interests. Costs and fees are based on the level of planning services and related product solutions you ultimately choose,” said Brian.

Whether you need help with paying for an education or for any financial goal, Premier Wealth Partners can set you on the path to success. “We believe what makes us stand out is our team approach. We have a team that has various skill sets that enable us to help our clients achieve their financial goals. In addition, our team strives to live according to a common set of values—Integrity, Independence, Success, Gratitude and Health,” said Lisa. n

For more information on how Premier Wealth Partners can assist you with your financial goals, call (412) 922-7700 or visit the website at: www.premierwealthpartners.com www.northernconnectionmag.com | JANUARY 2021

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2021 Education Guide T

Thiel College

hiel College offers more than 60 majors and minors including exciting and innovative new graduate degree programs that also include pathways for undergraduates to get a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in just five years. The Management M.B.A. and Leadership M.B.A. for non-business majors, Master of Science in Physician Assistant and the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology are in place and will be joined by a master’s in counseling and a bachelor’s in nursing soon. The College is home to a diverse student population, small class sizes and committed faculty. Go to www.thiel.edu or contact an admissions counselor today at admissions@thiel.edu. n

Open to student of all faiths, races, and national origins.

TOURS AVAILABLE Schedule a Private Tour By Appointment.

Go to SaintJosephHS.com for a new Virtual Tour!

Enrolling Freshmen & Transfer Students

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Education Spotlight

Shady Side Academy: Delivering an Exceptional Education, In Person or Remotely This year, in the face of a global pandemic, schools faced an unprecedented challenge – and a profound opportunity – to reimagine the way they deliver an education to students.

S

hady Side Academy was one of a few area schools that opened this fall with in-person instruction five days a week, welcoming 1,108 PK-12 students across four campuses. The administration worked tirelessly over the summer to craft a comprehensive reopening plan grounded in safety, flexibility and academic excellence.

“When it is safe to do so, we believe children are at their best academically and socially when they attend school in person and form close relationships with their teachers and peers,” said SSA President Bart Griffith Jr. “However, in these uncertain times, we recognize that a successful return-to-school plan must be flexible enough to adapt. Our plan not only provides a safe, in-person learning environment, but also an effective distance learning environment.”

SSA’s reopening plan fully aligns

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with federal, state and county public health guidelines, and was designed in consultation with infection prevention experts at UPMC. Extensive health and safety measures minimize the risk of

COVID-19 transmission. Each morning, parents complete a COVID-19 screening via mobile app, which generates a “green pass” for the child. Students and employees undergo temperature checks upon arrival and wear masks throughout the day. Classrooms were renovated to

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meet CDC social distancing guidelines, and outdoor learning spaces abound.

Hallways and stairwells are one-way, with hand sanitizer stations everywhere.

Revamped academic schedules keep students in small, consistent cohorts, and lunches are delivered to classrooms or served grab-and-go.

A live remote attendance option is available to students who are unable to learn on campus. Classrooms are equipped with Meeting Owl Pro 360-degree smart cameras that integrate with Zoom, enabling remote learners to attend classes live alongside their peers.

Throughout the fall, Shady Side’s students and teachers found creative new ways to learn, play and engage on campus safely – from a socially distant, restaurant-themed second grade “book tasting,” to a herpetologist visiting a sixth grade outdoor science class, to

seniors enjoying lunch in Adirondack chairs on the quad. Fall sports teams successfully competed within new safety protocols, and music and drama classes found safe ways to rehearse and perform.

When it is not deemed safe to learn on campus, Shady Side’s plan provides for flexible toggling to distance learning.

Every K-12 student has their own device, with a 1:1 iPad program in K-8 and laptops available for 9-12 students who do not have their own. During distance learning, an age-appropriate mix of synchronous Zoom classes and asynchronous lessons are presented every day in every grade, and teachers and support staff host virtual office hours. Community time is preserved through virtual assemblies and gatherings.

Whether classes are on campus or online, Shady Side Academy continues to deliver the challenging, engaging curriculum for which it is nationally renowned. n

Learn more at www.shadysideacademy.org/admissions

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Agora’s Middle and High School Programs Prepare Students for the Next Phases of Their Lives Founded in 2005, Agora is an online public school for Pennsylvania students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Throughout the 15 years, Agora has developed educational programs to meet the needs of all students, so they may reach their highest potential as they prepare for life after graduation. Agora’s continuity of education has allowed uninterrupted schooling providing a sense of normalcy during uncertain times. Upon enrollment each student receives a laptop, printer and all the resource material for online success.

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ne of the key elements that allows Agora to stand apart is their live, interactive classroom, taught in real time by PA-certified teachers. Agora’s students learn synchronously, meaning students raise their hands, ask and answer questions, and interact with their peers. Students collaborate with one another and have a direct line to their teachers during class sessions, as well as after class hours via direct email and help

young adults, prepared to take on their next challenge,” said Bridget Kozar, Agora Middle School Principal. “Agora’s structure is uniquely set up for virtual success and allows us to focus on each student as an individual, with different scholastic and social needs.”

The team structure of Agora’s middle school allows teachers of the 4 core subjects – Math, Science, English Language Arts (ELA), and Social Studies – to work

“Agora prides itself on building a strong level of maturity and independence in its students which sets them up for success no matter what future path they choose.” sessions. Agora is comprised of elementary (K-5), middle (6-8) and high school (9-12), with middle school helping to set an important stage for the future.

“Students enter middle school as children and leave for high school as mature

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together, plan lessons and integrate the curriculum in a way that optimizes each student’s school day. This structure allows teachers and counselors to develop a personal relationship with their students and provides any extra emo-

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tional and academic support. Guidance counselors deliver assemblies on topics such as study skills, time management, internet safety and career exploration, thus preparing students for high school and ultimately, adulthood.

Agora has reading and math specialists who work to identify students who may need extra support. With 25% of its student population having an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Agora is known for its robust special education program for all grades. All IEPs are implemented the first day of school, reviewed, a meeting is conducted, and the IEP is adapted to cyber education within the first 30 days of enrollment. The virtual nature of Agora makes these specialists just one click away, as Agora staff rally around the student for continued support and academic success. Agora’s Advanced Learners Program (ALP) offers additional opportunities to nurture students’ growing scholastic appetite.

From classroom interactions, to

science fairs, to team talent shows and clubs, the opportunity for social interactions presents itself in many ways throughout the school year. In non-pandemic times, Agora Days Out take place at museums, sporting events and other gatherings throughout the state, bringing families and best friends together for in-person meet-ups. Assigned to every family, Agora’s Family Coaches organize many of the social activities and provide an additional layer of social, academic and personalized support to ensure each student is working to their fullest potential.

As 8th grade students look towards high school, they are presented with career concepts and begin to explore post-secondary options. Whether a student is looking to attend a university, community college, a trade school, the military, or go directly into the world of work, Agora has supporting scholastic options for everyone.

“Agora prides itself on building a strong level of maturity and independence in its students which sets them up for success no matter what future path they choose,” said Jeffrey Miller, Agora High School Principal. “By offering students 80 electives and 25 plus clubs that span across dozens of subjects, students are exposed to a variety of career choices.”

One of the ways Agora specifically prepares high schoolers for college and careers is through Destinations Career Academy. Destinations Career Academy at Agora Cyber Charter School is an innovative online program available to students that combines traditional high school academics with industry-relevant, career-focused electives—giving students from 9th to 12th grade a jump-start on their college and career goals. While working toward their high school diplomas, students can choose a career path in Business, Healthcare, or Information Technology.

Agora’s College and Career Counselor offers in-person and virtual tours of universities, colleges, vocational and trade schools, as well virtual sessions on career readiness including resume writing, interview techniques, how to write a college essay and workforce etiquette. Agora’s 16 high school counselors work closely with the students providing guidance on course selection and ensuring they are

on track for academic success and graduation requirements.

Dozens of electives, including Forensic Science, Game Design, Fashion and Interior Design, Early Childhood Education, Hospitality and Tourism, Culinary Arts and Medical Terminology, allow students to receive academic credit while exploring a wide variety of academic and career interests. Agora also offers 19 Advanced Placement courses and 14 honors courses to meet the educational needs of all students.

Thanks to NCAA accreditation, students who may need to seek educational options are no longer restricted by the passion that they have for their sport.

Agora maintains a list of NCAA-approved courses so that athletes can go on to compete athletically after graduation, adding just one more way Agora helps to prepare students for bright futures. Whether it is

an athlete logging on before a tennis tournament, a local dance star on a TV series joining her peers for a synchronous class, or a student with health issues talking to a teacher from a hospital bed, Agora accommodates all students.

An in-person commencement service culminates all of the effort and hard work the students have accomplished during their academic careers and opens the door to the future. n Agora is enrolling now for middle and high school students interested in pursuing an engaging cyber education.

Visit agora.org to register for a virtual Open House. Or call 844-462-4672 to speak with an Enrollment Concierge.

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School Movers & Shakers Enrichment Center of Western PA Two students from the Enrichment Center of Western Pennsylvania in Baden were honored for their work in the annual essay contest sponsored by the Daughters of the America Revolution, Kushkushkee Trail. Seventh grader Collis

Baumgartner and eighth grader Riley Jasper were the winners. The teens’ instructor is Mrs. Ruth Butler. Their essays will now compete at the Pennsylvania level.

Aquinas Academy Aquinas Academy’s Boys Varsity Soccer Team ended its season with five goals in their first round playoff game against #1 seeded Greensburg Central Catholic. Although the five goals were not enough for the win, qualifying for the playoffs and getting multiple goals against the top-seeded team marked a moral victory for a team that posted only one win during the 2019 season.

Seneca Valley Seneca Valley Senior Cierra Denny has been named a Semifinalist for the 2021 class of the CocaCola Scholars Program, moving to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 college scholarship.

Cierra Denny

Mars Area Chris Knauff, Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team head coach, was named 2020 Western Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association (WPSCA) Class 3A Girls Coach of the Year.

Blair Gerlach, Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team head coach, was named 2020 Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association (PSCA) Class 3A Girls Coach of the Year.

Chris Knauff

Blair Gerlach

Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team earned its first PIAA Title with a 2-1 win over the Northern Polar Bears in the final game of the 2020 PIAA Class 3A Boys Varsity Soccer Championships on Nov. 20.

Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team earned its second consecutive PIAA Class 3A Title with a 2-0 win over the Villa Joseph Marie Jems in the final game of the 2020 PIAA Class 3A Girls Varsity Soccer Championships on Nov. 20.

Mars Area High School senior Ellie Coffield was named the 2020 Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association (PSCA) Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

BC3 The second-longestserving employee in Butler County Community College, Natalie Kitzko, retired on Friday, Nov. Natalie Michelle 13 – officially ending a Kitzko Jamieson 52-year, four-month and 27-day career. Additionally, Michelle Jamieson, associate director of the Butler County Community College Education Foundation, retired on Dec. 31.

(Continued on page 21)

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Providence Heights Alpha School Offers a PreK and Kindergarten Experience that Fosters Individualized Learning

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t Providence Heights Alpha School, we understand that finding the right PreK or Kindergarten program for your child is one of the most important decisions that a family can make. So why do so many families choose Alpha School?

When you walk into our classrooms it is evident that our students are active learners. They are constantly engaging with and exploring their world, gaining confidence in an environment that fosters not only their academic growth, but also their physical, social, and emotional wellbeing as well.

Small class sizes give our talented faculty the opportunity to build relationships with each student based on trust and respect.

They really get to know the students and determine what works best for them.

Teachers differentiate their lessons to match various learning styles.They adjust for students’ individual developmental needs allowing them to participate in direct instruction, small group instruction, learning centers, and one-on-one lessons.

As a Catholic School that welcomes all faiths, our goal is to instill in our students a sense of kindness and compassion. We work to develop their sense of self as it relates to their community and the world, setting the groundwork for developing servant leaders later in life. We encourage our students to express themselves in positive ways and to always try their best.

Our core curriculum is designed to develop our students’ emerging phonemic, reading, writing, and mathematical skills as well as to build on their natural sense of curiosity and wonder of the world around them. Our PreK and Kindergarten students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of enrichment classes taught by teachers specializing in that particular subject, including Spanish, Library, Art, Music, and Physical Education.

Alpha School understands the importance of technology and the impact it has on students of such a young age. Every classroom is equipped with a smartboard, white board, and iPads to enhance learning. Additionally, Kindergarten students also take part in Computer Technology class.

At Providence Heights Alpha School, we are truly a school community with a sense of family at our core. One of the programs that we are most proud of is our Buddy Program, which pairs our youngest students with our oldest students.

Throughout the school year “buddies” develop strong bonds through activities they do together such as reading stories, shopping at the school’s Santa Sale, and going on field trips.

We understand that busy families have different needs so we offer both early drop off and after school care. In addition, Alpha School offers a diverse selection of after-school activities including, but not limited to: music lessons, book and math clubs, cooking classes, and Tae Kwon-Do. Providence Heights Alpha School is an independent, private, Catholic school located in the North Hills area of Pittsburgh. Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1926, Alpha School provides an exceptional education to children grades PreK through eight. Alpha School is open to families of all faiths.

To schedule a private tour or learn more about Providence Heights Alpha School you can call 412.366.4455 or visit our website at AlphaSchool.org. n

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Scholarships The Avon Club announced its 2021 scholarship applications. Three $1,500 scholarships, including two Avon Club Foundation and one Kathy Hall Memorial scholarships, are awarded annually to exemplary female senior students residing within the Avonworth School District, including Avonworth High School as well as private schools. Applications can be completed online at https://theavonclub.org/ scholarships-applications/, and must be submitted no later than midnight on January 17. Applicants will be notified regarding the committee’s decision no later than March 22.

Each year the Ingomar Garden Club awards a $1,000 scholarship to a college student with a dedicated major of agriculture, horticulture, turf management or a related field entering their junior or senior year; a 3.5 GPA is required. The application deadline is February 1, for the 2021-2022 school year. Interested students can visit, https://www. ingomar-garden-club.com/scholarships/.

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

OLSH High School Offers Distinct Opportunities

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ur Lady of the Sacred Heart High School is blessed to serve nearly 350 students in the Pittsburgh region. OLSH is an independent Catholic High School ministry of the Felician Sisters, and is an ideal size to meet students’ individual needs and provide a wide array of opportunities for enrichment in academics, the arts, and athletics. The family atmosphere at OLSH fosters personal growth, and students are challenged by our dedicated faculty and staff to achieve their fullest potential.

OLSH is pleased to offer charter bus transportation for students who live in Cranberry Township, as well as Beaver County, for those who do not receive transportation from their local public school district. This busing option provides the opportunity for even more students to experience a transformative OLSH education in an environment that fosters learning at all levels. n www.northernconnectionmag.com | JANUARY 2021

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HOLY CROSS ACADEMY: We are MOVING FORWARD!!

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hese first months of school have been a challenge, but administration, faculty, students and families have more than risen to that challenge.

Our students are in the classroom learning every day.

Holy Cross Academy is a shining example of what a 21st Century Catholic elementary school should be. We are preschool through 8th grade located in Ross Township. Providing an integrated academic curriculum, Holy Cross thoroughly prepares our students throughout their elementary journey.

Rooted in the Catholic tradition, Holy Cross Academy is our students “home away from home.�

Because of its small class sizes, every student has limitless opportunities to explore, experience and excel.

Beginning in pre-school and continuing through eighth grade, Holy Cross students have opportunities unmatched at other schools. Our comprehensive curriculum offers religion, social studies, science, math, language arts, fine arts, physical education, and Spanish, combined with advanced technology and extensively equipped science and computer laboratories. Our program of teaching excels as confirmed by our standardized testing scores.

NOW ENROLLING for 2021-22! Call 412-364-7171 for information. n

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A.W. Beattie Career Center: Moving Forward During COVID-19

he COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped A.W. Beattie Career Center from providing students with an educational experience that prepares them for college or a career after high school graduation. In fact, student enrollment has increased, and this school year A. W. Beattie has in-

troduced a new program, Surgical Sciences. The Surgical Sciences program is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has been very well received by the students and the school districts served.

A.W. Beattie is preparing to update its classrooms and acquire new equipment. The Health & Science classroom spaces are scheduled to be remodeled, incorporating a new Health & Nursing Science Suite, of four interconnected classrooms, allowing instructors to co-teach students.

Automotive Technology and Automotive Collision Technology programs now boast training on a new Collison Avoidance Alignment System.

This system allows students to learn the alignment process while properly repairing a vehicle.

A.W. Beattie continues to look ahead to anticipate students’ and the labor markets’ needs and will add even more equipment next year. The career center has purchased and installed a large format CNC Router for the Robotics Engineering Technology Program.

This system will allow students to design and manufacture parts from wood, plastic and metal.

As A.W. Beattie forges ahead, it has taken care to ensure that all programs meet current industry standards related to COVID-19. For new students looking to enroll for the upcoming school year, please call 412-847-1900 or visit the website at: www.beattietech. com for the latest news and information. n

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

Under Your Hood: Focus on Men’s Health Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm Based on current studies, over 60% of men don’t regularly see their physician or have an annual visit. Most do not like to even talk about health. Since over 65% of men are automotive enthusiasts and pay close attention to their car maintenance, let’s have fun with this analogy.

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ou already know how important it is to pay close attention to the vehicle maintenance of the internal parts and how it should shine on the outside. When you hear an odd sound, you are on it, taking your vehicle to a repair establishment or checking it out yourself.

Would you go more than 5,000 miles without an oil change? No way, right?! Did you ever think about checking under YOUR hood with the same due diligence? Yes, your “personal” hood and not your vehicle’s. I bet most of you forget about your own health and body maintenance. You may need an overhaul or tune-up. While you are sensing odd noises from your vehicle, you are ignoring the warning signs coming from your own body.

Unlike your car, you cannot do a complete restoration because sometimes it can be too late. It is vital to review your owner’s manual and perform preventative maintenance now.

Below are some simple diagnostic checks, which are for both men and women:

o o o

What’s Under Your Hood? Get a physical exam annually, especially if you are over 50

o

Does your radiator need flushed? Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if caught early; check with your physician on frequency of colorectal test for you

o

Do you add horsepower by keeping it light? Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 means you are overweight, and over 30 is considered obese

o

Is your windshield cracked or hazed over? Your eyes can show signs of diabetes and other health issues, so get checked annually

o o

Do you need to check your fuel pump? Get an annual prostate exam and PSA blood test for the men

o

Does your engine have a miss in it? Get an electrocardiogram every 3-5 years to identify any potential heart concerns

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Is your clutch slipping? Testicular cancer is highly treatable if caught early. Do a testicular exam once a month at home

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Are you showing a little rust? Skin cancer is highly treatable if caught early. See your dermatologist once a year

Do you need to check your fluids? Get blood and urine tests annually, especially if you are over 50 Are your fuel lines clogged? Keep cholesterol levels under 200mg/dL (HDL is good, keep greater than 60mg/ dL. LDL is not good, keep below 100mg/dL)

Did your tires lose their bite? Get dental exam twice a year, because your mouth is the first indicator of other serious health issues

Bottom line, regular check-ups for men, women, and children are very important for overall health and wellness.

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Keep your motor running…

Stay Safe and Be Healthy, always!

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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FA C T S F R O M T H E FA R M

What Happens on the Farm in Winter?

Hi Folks,

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ith 2020 closing in and 2021 in the starting blocks, there is one question we get with the turkeys processed and sold and holiday hams gracing our customers’ tables: Is winter a time on the farm for us to catch our breath and take a rest?

The truth is we always have things to do even with our crop fields asleep for the winter. Winter is a time for us to work on projects and make repairs for the next season, as most farmers know.

Most farmers and growers who raise their own flowers, herbs and vegetable seedlings and transplants for their own farm use or retail or wholesale sales know January is the time to focus on seed catalogs and seed orders.

As a consumer, if you have any wants or needs, now is the time to make some notes and stop by the farm and express what you would like us to grow as starters for your gardens and yards.

I always look forward each year. to reviewing the seed catalogs and reviewing what is new for the upcoming year. I read up on the descriptions and the growing habits of each item. If I can set

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one thing of interest straight is that we don’t raise or grow any Genetically Modified (GMO) crops. GMOs have been promoted for over 20 years starting with field corn and soybeans. In recent years, there are a lot more GMO seeds available even in the popular sweet corn. This may be an important aspect to consider when seeking out what farmers are growing and why.

There are a lot of different flowers sown in January and February for the spring sale. A widely accepted shortcut is to purchase plugs from plug growers across the country. The expense of heating greenhouses in Western Pennsylvania from January through March can be so costly that purchasing plugs and cuttings give farmers and growers a good option. Don’t tell the utility companies who would gladly sell gas and electricity for heating needs.

Our farm family would like to wish our valued, year-round customers and friends a happy and prosperous new year in 2021!

If you want to talk about varieties, colors or any general questions, feel free to give me a call or stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses, 285 Richard Road in Wexford, and experience fresh and get “the rest of the story.” n

TRIVIA CONNECTION

Weighing In on

By Paula Green

1. How many calories are you allowed per day on the Scarsdale Diet?

2. In this six-week diet, nothing but fruits is eaten for ten days.

Complete proteins are introduced on day 19.

3. This diet is a type of intermittent fasting known as alternateday fasting.

4. Name the fad diet where you drink maple syrup, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.

5. How many days does the Cabbage Soup diet last?

6. What fruit lent its name to a low-calorie diet popularized in the 1970s?

7. French doctor developed this diet in the 1970s, and it has four stages and starts with the Attack Phase, where you eat unlimited lean-protein foods.

8. This popular diet plan assigns points to the food that you consumed daily.

9. What diet was popularized by California biochemist Barry Sears?

10. You cut out all traces of sugar, alcohol, grains, dairy, and legumes for this weight loss plan for 30 days.

11. Name the diet that is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. Its goal to reduce dementia and the decline in brain health.

12. This is called a “Millennial diet.” You’re supposed to eat foods with “low caloric density” that are high in water and lower in calories by volume.

13. Folks with celiac disease need to be on this type of diet (it is a food source they can’t eat).

14. This “balanced plan” has three parts: diet, exercise, and weight control. The goal is to reduce your risk of heart disease and change your habits for the long run.

15. You recalibrate your eating habits, break bad ones, and replace them with good ones with this food pyramid’s help. n Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-weight-loss-diets-reviewed, https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=pp-trivia-on-fad-diets, www.funtrivia.com, https://idealnutrition.com.au/14-facts-people-dont-knowabout-nutrition/ Answers: 1. 1,000 2. Beverly Hills Diet 3. The 5:2 Diet 4. Master Cleanser or Lemonade Diet 5. seven 6. grapefruit 7. Dukan Diet 8. Weight Watchers 9. Zone Diet 10. Whole30 11. MIND Diet 12. Noom Diet 13. gluten-free diet 14. TLC Diet (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) 15. Mayo Clinic Diet

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ou know the saying, a “New Year, a New You!” Losing weight is a standard New Year’s resolution. It makes sense since you have lived through the trifecta of holidays. Halloween has tasty candy; Thanksgiving ushers in delectable turkey and the trimmings, followed by delicious Christmas cookies. It is no wonder that when January comes, many people decide to halt the feasting and turn their attention to nutrition. There are hundreds of diets; the trick is finding out which one works best for you. Not everyone “diets” to lose weight; some people have food allergies, so they need to avoid certain foods that can be detrimental to their health. This month we’ll reflect upon a few typical diets.

Most folks diet when they use their willpower to control their food intake. Some examples of dieting include going low-cal, or using meal plans such as Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem, calorie counting, and taking diet products or supplements, or detoxing.

A few of the popular ones are - The Atkins diet, which is a famous low-carb weight loss diet. Created by cardiologist Robert Atkins in the early 1970s, the Atkins diet claims to produce rapid weight loss without hunger. It consists of four stages; the initial two-week “Induction Phase,” restricts carbs to 20 grams per day while allowing unlimited amounts of protein and fat.

Folks who want to avoid animal fat may choose the Vegan diet, which includes only plant-based foods. There is the Ketogenic diet that works by lowering levels of insulin and shifting your primary fuel source from sugar to ketones. Another diet plan that reduces insulin levels is the South Beach diet. A lower-carb diet, it also protects heart health.

The Paleo diet includes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds — foods that used to be obtained by hunting and gathering. The Mediterranean diet allows you to eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and limits red meats intake. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches Stop Hypertension) emphasizes vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy foods — and moderate amounts of whole grains, fish, poultry and nuts.

Since we have explored various diets, we must now consume our way through this regiment query. Get set to think “fast” because it’s time to get a little trivial…

Diet Trivia

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SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS

The 21-Gun Salute

By Paula Green We have now ushered in 2021; to commemorate our New Year, we will examine the importance of the number 21 in military jargon. A 21-gun salute is the highest customary gun salute. It is performed by the firing of cannons or artillery as a military honor.

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his patronage stems from a naval tradition when a warship would signify its lack of hostile intent by firing its cannons out to sea until all ammunition was spent. It was the British navy who began the tradition of a seven-gun salute. At that time, the British vessels only carried seven guns. More significant quantities of gunpowder could be stored on dry land; forts could fire three rounds for every one fired at sea— hence the number 21. With the improvement of naval gunpowder, honors rendered at sea increased to 21, as well.

When the United States fired a national salute on special occasions, and during times of mourning, one gun was fired for each state in the union until 1842. A more standardized resolution came into play in 1875, when the British minister at Washington, D.C., and the U.S. secretary of state decided to work towards an agreement on salutes. On August 18, 1875, the United States followed Britain in adopting the 21-gun salute as its international salute.

Today, the U.S. military fires a 21-gun salute for momentous occasions. They utilize it for the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family and the president, ex-presidents and president-elect of the United States. The 21-gun salute is also conducted at noon on George Washington’s birthday, President’s Day, Independence Day, and the day of the funeral of a president, ex-president, or president-elect. On Memorial Day, a salute of twenty-one-minute guns is fired at noon while the flag is flown at half-mast.

Gun salutes for other U.S. and foreign military and civilian leaders vary in number, based on protocol and the honoree’s rank. These salutes are always in odd numbers. The 21-gun salute is not to be confused with the three-volley salute (or three-rifle volley) rendered at military honors funerals, which you might see or hear at Arlington National Cemetery. n Sources: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Events-and-Ceremonies/Ceremonies/21-GunSalute, https://history.army.mil/html/faq/salute.html, https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-lifecycle/veterans-military-funeral-honors/origin-military-funeral-honors/, https://www.thebalancecareers.com/the-21-gun-salute-3354127, https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/gunsalute.pdf

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